Summary
Cameron Monaghan auditioned for the role of Han Solo forSolo: A Star Wars Story. While the role went to Alden Ehrenreich, Monaghan later went on to portrayOrder 66 survivorCal Kestis in the popularStar Wars Jedi: Fallen OrderandStar Wars Jedi: Survivorvideo games.Soloand theStar Wars Jedigames both take place during the 19 years betweenRevenge of the SithandA New Hope, with their stories being important contributions to this time period inStar Wars.
As perCosmic Marvel,Monaghan revealed at Fan Expo Canada that he auditioned to play a young Han in the 2018 standaloneStar Warsfilm. Monaghan joins the ranks ofDaredevilstar Charlie Cox,Top Gun: Maverick’s Miles Teller, and other well-known actors who auditioned but did not land the role. WithJedi: Fallen Orderreleasing in November 2019, Monaghan’sStar Warsdebut came only a year and a half afterSolo’s May 2018 theatrical release.
Alden Ehrenreich Was The Right Choice For Young Han Solo
He Was Perfect For The Role
BetweenGotham,Shameless, and theStar Wars Jedigames, Monaghan has proven to be an immensely talented actor, but Ehrenreich was ultimately the best choice to play a young Han. Instead of mimicking Harrison Ford’s iconic performance,Ehrenreich delivered a distinct portrayal of a young Han that felt consistent with the character’s essence. He was charming, cocky, headstrong, and at times, naive, already proving to be the embodiment of a scoundrel with a heart of gold.
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Ehrenreich’s performance is one of the best parts ofSolo, which would not have been the same if another character had been cast in the role. WhileStar Warshas since resorted to digitally recreating younger versions of its central characters instead of recasting, as seen withLuke Skywalker inThe Mandalorianseason 2 and inThe Book of Boba Fett, Ehrenreich proved that recasting can be more effective.He was more compelling than a digital recreation of a de-aged Ford would have been, and his performance was commended by Ford himself.
Harrison Ford describedSolo: A Star Wars Storyand Alden Ehrenreich’s performance as “spectacular.”
If Han is going to appear in a story set during the time period ofThe Mandalorianand its various spinoffs, Ehrenreich would be well-suited to playing Han at this stage in his life. Meanwhile,Monaghan was better-suited to bringing a brand-new character to lifeinStar Wars Jedi’s Cal. Even thoughSolo: A Star Wars Storydid not get a sequel, depending on what Cal’s fate is, there is potential for Ehrenreich’s Han and Monaghan’s Cal to cross paths in a future story.
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Cast
Solo: A Star Wars Story explores the early adventures of Han Solo, showcasing his beginnings and key encounters with significant characters in the Star Wars universe. Set in a backdrop of galactic turmoil, the film delves into the origins of his famed relationships and his rise as a rebellious smuggler.
