In honour of the release of the Solo: A Star Wars Story trailer, the Future of the Force writers share their reactions and picked some of their stand out moments…
Whether you loved or loathed The Last Jedi, the appetite for the movies of a galaxy far, far away is stronger now than it has ever been. The Last Jedi, may have split opinions amongst the passionate and devoted fans, but with the release of Solo: A Star Wars Story just a few short months away, we are reuniting in hope of a truly fantastic anthology movie.
With Rian Johnson’s Episode VIII vacating screens all over the world, the fans have been waiting to get their first glimpse of Ron Howard’s exciting new Han Solo spin-off, and now at long last, our prayers have been answered.
What an incredible trailer. Despite the chaos surrounding its production, Ron Howard appears to have crafted an incredible Star Wars movie and in honour of the awesome trailer, the Future of the Force writers shared their reactions as well as selecting some of the stand-out moments that excited them the most.
Team Choices:
The Changing Face of Star Wars – By Stewart Gardiner
The colour palette and tone of the trailer was completely unexpected. Bright and breezy would have seemed the likely default setting. Instead it is dark and gritty, with that the 1980s lived-in universe feel of flicks like The Terminator and Robocop, both of which took their cues from Star Wars in that regard anyway. That familiar strains of Star Wars score have been given a synthy makeover only heightens the connection.
There’s enough newness on display to suggest that Solo is thankfully not looking backwards. Sure, the time period is in Star Wars’ past, but that doesn’t mean nostalgia alone should be relied upon. For every entitled fanboy’s desperate wish that Star Wars remain trapped in amber, good storytelling dictates otherwise. For example, Emilia Clarke’s Qi’Ra is onscreen for fleeting moments, but is immediately intriguing, making one want to know more. Which means the trailer has done its job.
Many have said that they are not yet sold on Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo. Which is fine, because that was never going to happen within the confines of a trailer. Harrison Ford’s performance is so iconic, that someone else playing the role will take some getting used to. Maybe over, say, the course of a movie.
The closest point of comparison I can think of is JJ Abrams’s Star Trek. Kirk, Spock, and Bones are three of the most celebrated characters in pop culture, and rightly so. They were defined by the unique presences and performances of the original actors. It therefore seemed an impossible task to successfully cast younger versions of those characters.; yet the casting was perfect. Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto ended up embodying Kirk and Spock, while delivering very different performances to William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. Karl Urban totally rocked it as Bones, although there was something other going on there too. He not only became Bones, but rather spookily channelled DeForest Kelley too.
It looks like Solo and Ehrenreich will be going the Kirk and Spock route. If done well it will totally work and Lucasfilm have given us no reason to doubt that they know what they’re doing.
A Whole Lot of Solo Going On! – By Darth Elvis
Excited to finally see the first TV spot (The Big Game) and trailer for Solo: A Star Wars Story and was not disappointed from what I saw. The first thing that struck me from the trailer was the appearance of Han’s gold dice which normally hang in the Millennium Falcon and were seen more prominently in The Last Jedi. Will we find out why this small item has followed Han through the years? We also get a very quick glimpse of a new Stormtrooper as he is thrown from his speeder whilst pursuing the much-loved scoundrel.
We get to see some classic Star Wars aliens in the background of some shots including Twi’lek and Gran’s (Not to be confused with Grannies) along with a new four-armed space monkey. To me there is only one space monkey and his name is Bistan! Are we seeing the classic planets of Kessel and Corellia for the first time in this trailer? Dark Lord Almighty I think we are and they look great especially Kessel, which looks mighty spicy!
The pre “special modifications” Falcon looks stunning in flight, will we get to see Han make some of the changes to the ship to make it look more like we are used to? From the TV spot it sounds like Han may spend some time as an Imperial, much like his back story in the Expanded Universe. However, will his first meeting with Chewie follow the legends tales? Will I have to rewrite “I want Chewbacca”? Only time will tell. Chewie looks awesome in the trailer and fingers crossed we get to see a lot of him in this film.
What excites me most about this film is Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian. What a perfect piece of casting! His costumes in the trailer look as sharp as ever and I’m sure the incredibly talented actor and musician will make this role his own, whilst honouring the performance of Billy Dee Williams. New characters Beckett played by Woody Harrelson, Qi’Ra by Emilia Clarke, Val by Thandie Newton and L3-37 played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge look like great additions to the Star Wars universe. I’m excited to see what these great actors bring to the film. Overall, I would rate this trailer as a Hot Dang out of 5!
A Rogue Solo Movie? – By Carl Roberts
After viewing both the teaser trailer and full-length trailer for Solo: A Star Wars Story, I must admit that, even though it does look good and similar in style (from the look of it) to the epic Rogue One, it doesn’t fill me with overwhelming confidence. Yes, the Star Destroyer in the storm looks great. Yes, the Falcon looks fantastic. Yes, it’s going to be great to finally get to see how Han met Chewie. Yes, Lando looks cool. But…Solo himself is, to me, a let-down. No classic Han mannerisms, no classic Solo quips, no Han charisma. Could it be that the rumours were true? Could it be that Alden Heidenreich is abysmal as Han? After seeing his performance in the trailers so far, he doesn’t fill me with confidence.
It’s reported that Harrison Ford helped him with the role, Han’s actions, reactions, mannerisms etc. If that’s true, then it looks like he wasted his time.
Time will tell I guess but though the visuals look amazing, the supporting characters are very intriguing and seeing Chewie, Lando and a Falcon that looks brand new and different to the greatest hunk of junk in the galaxy, my estimations of the film have been lowered.
I hope I’m wrong. But something tells me I’m right.
Harrelson’s Tobias Beckett – By Thomas Storai
My favorite moment of the Solo trailer was when Woody Harrelson’s character says, “I’m putting together a crew, you’re in?” and Han answers “That’s a yes.” I loved how it showed a shot of each member of the team, getting us introduced to them. Qi’Ra’s introduction was visually breath-taking, the cape always makes the difference! Lando’s shot just convinced me Donald Glover was the perfect choice to cast for a young version of the character, it’s spot on Lando!
Thandie Newton’s character looks intriguing and I like that new alien, a second space monkey! The Han Solo shot that follows is nice as well! It looks like it’s going to be a great adventure. I love this western/smuggler feel, that’s exactly what I wanted from this movie!
That Old Canto Bight Feeling – By Megan Rickards
After seeing the teaser trailer the night before during Super bowl Sunday, I was hyped for the full-length trailer to come the next day. Being as I’m doing my best to wake up early and work out before class, it was the first thing I saw upon waking up. I must have done so at the perfect time, as it seems like only moments after I did so, that people began talking about it on twitter. Quickly going to YouTube, I watched it for myself, and was not too disappointed.
While it didn’t blow me away like the trailers for Rogue One did, what I liked was that it did have that same type of gritty feel. It seems like with this, we’re going to get a real down in the trenches sort of tone, while also mixed with a semi high class likely cantina type thing. That is, if the woman in the gold dress, singing and sort of dancing with a microphone is anything to go by. When I saw it, I couldn’t help but quickly think of Canto Bight from The Last Jedi. While I highly doubt this movie is going there, I think with whatever scene that part is in, will at least have a similar, if grungier feel.
After thinking about the trailer, it looks like they took those same tones and themes and infused them into this movie. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, simply that they do seem to be there. Of course, only time will tell.
Lando of Hope and Glory – By Katarina Schultz
Teaser trailers are my favorite kinds of trailers. I prefer the short glimpses of what’s to come to full length trailers. The more mystery the better, for me at least. So, I prefer the Solo teaser trailer that was released during the Super Bowl to the Good Morning America full trailer. As far as teaser trailers go, this one really got me on the hype train.
The first thing I noticed about it was that it looks very Star Wars-y, it feels very Star Wars-y. There’s the grit and the action and the drama and the mess, all thrown together with just the right amount of mystery to make me want to run out and buy tickets. I confess I was one of the Solo movie unbelievers when the news was first announced. And a part of me still is. I love my main characters to death, but I’d prefer to explore the supporting characters and wander down less told story lines. But after seeing the teaser, I know I’m going to show up for Solo and I’m going to enjoy doing so. I’m particularly interested in the new characters it introduces. Qi’Ra and Val and the new droid, L3-37 are drawing me in and planting the seeds of excitement in my mind. Oh, and one final word: LANDO.
Is It May Yet? – By Patty Hammond
I really like the Solo teaser trailer, it is chop full of characters including new character Qi’Ra and returning favorites Lando, Chewbacca and of course The Falcon! I am so glad that we already have an idea on Han’s background in the Imperial Flight Academy. I am so excited to see what this film gives us. Looks like some sort of heist is in the works. Wonder if this is where Han and Lando have a falling out.
In addition, unlike many fans, I have no issue with new actors playing Han and Lando. Based on the trailer, Donald Glover looks like he is nailing the part and we do not have any major dialog yet. So glad we do not have long to wait!
Is it May yet?
Oh, Solo Sceptical – By Shay Spargo
I must admit when the news of a new anthology film centered on the history of Han Solo first broke, I was with the side that was highly skeptical. Even though I’m a huge Star Wars fan and I really do love Han, he’s not my absolute favorite character in the entire saga. And besides that, a film based entirely on this character somehow felt out-of-place to me.
As time went on and we began to get news of the many troubles this film experienced while in production, I continued to get more worried for it. Star Wars has never had a movie that flopped before; of course, there are those that do better than others, and many fans still cringe at the very mention of The Phantom Menace. But you do have to admit, every Star Wars movie has done fine upon its release, even if the general opinion about it does eventually turn sour. I was very worried about what a truly failed Star Wars movie would mean for the franchise’s reputation, even if it was only an anthology film and not an installment of the core, Skywalker-centric saga.
But despite my concern, I decided to try something out: I determined that I would give Solo a chance, and not judge it until I had seen the completed film.
Now that the trailer is out, I’m glad that I made that decision. Even though I’m still a bit more excited for the big finale of Star Wars Rebels, I’m very intrigued to see where this movie will take us, and what it could reveal about the character and background of the original Star Wars criminal-turned-war hero. I’m especially interested in what possible tie-ins there could be to the animated series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. There have been lots of rumors concerning what connections to those shows might be in this film, and I’m very excited for the possibility of getting some. I’m also loving the vibes I’m getting from Donald Glover’s rendition of Lando Calrissian, who has become an OT favorite of mine since his appearance on Star Wars Rebels.
Back from the Brink of Solo Disappointment – By Brad Tracy
I admit it. I was worried. With each day that passed where we didn’t have a Solo trailer, I became more and more convinced that this movie was going to be an absolute disappointment. I am happy to confess I was wrong. From lying Imperial recruiters to nifty new droids to high-stakes space races, this movie looks like it will offer a little bit of everything for Star Wars fans. The locales appear gripping and the plot promises to be intriguing. I am excited to discover how Disney/Lucasfilm will both incorporate the Solo/Chewbacca origin story we all know and how they will chart a new course for this duo. I am still cautiously optimistic given the director change mid-production, but I am confident Ron Howard will add another amazing story to the Star Wars saga.
The Fastest Hunk of Junk in the Galaxy – by Phil Roberts
Despite the rollercoaster ride of directorial changes and rumoured last-minute acting coaches, my excitement for the Solo anthology movie has never been in doubt. Harrison Ford’s Han Solo, has been my favourite Star Wars character for decades aside from the mighty Boba Fett, and the idea of an entire movie dedicated to the greatest smuggler in the galaxy was music to my ears. Fast forward to the trailer, and I’m sorry to say I wasn’t entirely blown away. The images were intriguing, and teased some exciting set pieces, but as the Solo logo appeared on the screen I was left feeling a little underwhelmed.
And then, the Millennium Falcon flew across the screen pursued by the sinister, and totally outmatched forces of the Galactic Empire. With a young Han Solo at the controls, the Falcon zoomed effortlessly through a smoke nebula leaving the Tie Fighters in her wake. It is a glorious scene, and being a devoted lover of the Millennium Falcon, the sequence was enough to send me into an overload of euphoria. The Falcon looks glorious. The fans have always speculated about the truth surrounding the Falcon’s mysterious origins and in Solo, it appears we will be getting some answers!
The tone of Solo appears more befitting of Rogue One than some of the lighter movies in the saga, and this will undoubtedly ensure a gritty, intense and profound Star Wars movie worthy of the devoted fans. Whether Alden Ehrenreich can produce a performance worthy of the great Harrison Ford, remains to be seen. But, with the mighty Wookiee, Chewbacca alongside him and the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy beneath him, he has every chance of filling his enormous shoes!
She’s got it where it counts, kid!
Bring on Solo!
Your Choice:
The Solo: A Star Wars Story trailer has certainly got the fans talking, and there have been some fantastic opinions from the team, but do you agree with us?
Drop us a line and share your opinions with us:
Solo: A Star Wars Story is released in May.
May The Force Be With You
Author
Phil Roberts is the Owner, Daily Content Manager, and Editor-In-Chief of The Future of the Force. He is passionate about Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Follow him on Twitter where he uses the force and babbles frequently!
