It's a very exciting time to be a Star Wars fan. With Disney now in charge of the beloved property, there's a ton of new and exciting content being produced within the galaxy far, far away. While many fans are still reeling from Rian Johnson's subversive sequel The Last Jedi, the next installment in the franchise is a matter of weeks away. Solo: A Star Wars Story will hit theaters shortly, illuminating and expanding the past of Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Lando Calrissian. But there are also a bevy of new characters being introduced, and Solo's newest posters help to do just that. Starting with the adorable little alien voiced by Jon Favreau.
Here we get our best look at the furry guy, named Rio Durant. Rio made his debut in the very first footage for Solo: A Star Wars Story, and fans have been eager to accrue any new information about him. While he isn't listed as high as the rest of the starring cast, Rio has been teased to be an important and funny character in the upcoming standalone movie. Star Wars has always been known for its adorable creatures, from Ewoks to Porgs. And now Solo is going to introduce a new species that will no doubt sell oodles of merch along the way.
One of the most exciting cast members of Solo (and there are many) is Thandie Newton as Val. Unsurprisingly, not all that is known about Val's role in the mysterious conflict. Smart money says she joins the motley crew assembled by Han's mentor Tobias (Woody Harrelson), but we've only seen a few brief clips of the newcomer in action. Newton is currently having a major sci-fi moment, currently starring in HBO's critically acclaimed and ambitious series Westworld. She picked up an Emmy nomination for the show's first season, with Season 2 airing now. Cinephiles are going to be psyched to see Maeve kick some ass, albeit in a different universe.
It's not a Star Wars movie without a droid to fall in love with. While the current trilogy is being dominated by the likes of BB-8, standalone Star Wars movies have the luxury of introducing new droids that don't need to be carried through the franchise proper. Rogue One did a great job with Alan Tudyk's sassy K-2SO, and Solo is taking its shot at the tradition with L3-37. L3 is Lando's droid companion, which will no doubt put her in a variety of dangerous and colorful situations. It's currently unclear what her personality will be like, but she'll be voice by English director and actress Phoebe Mary Waller-Bridge and is known to be a mutt of different droid parts.
These new characters' fates will all be revealed when Solo: A Star Wars Story arrives in theaters on May 25, 2018. In the meantime, check out our 2018 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
