On May 25th, 41 years after we first met the lovable smuggler and his Wookie co-pilot, Han Solo returns to the big screen to show us what it was like for the rogue before he met the farm boy and old wizard who would change his life forever.
Solo has always been a fan favorite. He is the guy every kid wanted to be growing up. Just gruff enough that he had the bad boy schtick down to a tee, but still one of the good guys. He also flew alongside the most loyal co-pilot in the galaxy in the form of the massive Wookie Chewbacca AND flew the fastest ship in the galaxy, The Millenium Falcon. It made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs, didn’t you know? Fans are excited about the movie because they’ll get a chance to see things like the Kessel Run, his relationship with Lando, and how he and Chewbacca met. To help get us ready for Solo: A Star Wars Story, let’s take a look at these 10 facts that every Star Wars fan must know.
He’s From The Planet Corellia
Corellia is a planet covered mostly in oceans and forest regions. Its native species is human, and they are known for being great pilots and shipbuilders. You can see their handprint all over the Star War universe.
Han Solo is enough to legitimize the planet’s space-faring endeavors without adding the fact that the bounty hunter Dengar is also from there, as well as the only pilot to survive both Death Star runs, Wedge Antilles. On top of pilots, they also have an amazing shipbuilding history. They have built Imperial Cruisers but also were the creators of Leia’s ship the Tantive IV blockade runner that appears in the opening of Episode IV and of course the YT-1300 light freighter. Sound familiar? That’s because the Millenium Falcon is a modified version of this model!
In a galaxy of trillions of citizens, Corellia sure has put out a lot of names.
He Understands Shryiiwook
What’s Shryiiwook? That’s the language that Chewbacca speaks! That’s why Han can understand everything Chewbacca says. So why doesn’t he ever speak it? For the same reason, Chewbacca doesn’t speak basic, neither have the correct vocal chords to produce the language. So, for now, we’ll have to deal with Han and the select others who understand it to translate it for us!
He Was Married… Before Leia…
When Disney purchased Lucasfilm, they made the decision to get rid of the old Expanded Universe. Gone were books and books worth of material. Not to mention comics, video games, and other media. So, when they assigned Marvel the new comics everyone was wondering what would be kept and what would be new?
Well in the first trade for the Han Solo comic series it is revealed that the smuggler was married once before… to Sana Starros. Though Han vehemently denied it to Leia, who was standing next to him when Starros showed up, she was intent on finding him. What con were they pulling that the guise of being married was needed? You’ll have to read the comics for more!
Han Once Worked For The Empire
In Han’s early years he tried to find a way out of his old life. What did he try? He joined the Imperial Navy! Yep, everyone’s favorite rogue was a no good imp.
In the original canon, this is where he met Chewbacca, freeing him from Imperial slavers. This is why Chewbacca owed him a life debt. It is very likely that in the new movie their origin will follow a similar storyline. But can you picture it? Han Solo in one of those stuffy Imperial Officer uniforms?
He Runs Races Post Rebellion
Han still has the need for speed and adventure even after his tenure as an officer in the Rebel Alliance. In the book Bloodlines by Claudia Gray, it is revealed that Han spends most of his time off-world coordinating Sabre races and cultivating young and upcoming pilots.
Even in times of peace when you’re a hero of the Galatic Civil War, you must yearn for some adventure I guess, especially if you’re Han Solo.
He Loves Giving Nicknames
In the much-maligned TV Holiday special, we learn that Chewbacca has a family. We meet his wife, son, and father. Their names are Mallatobuck, Lumpawaroo, and Attichitcuk.
Now we know that Han likes to give nicknames, with the loving monicker he gave his co-pilot. But what did he call the rest of Chewie’s family? Well, his wife was given the elegant moniker of Malla… but the other boys? They were called Lumpy and Itchy… Yes, those were the names he gave two Wookies. Chewie, Lumpy, and Itchy sound like three symptoms you have to tell your doctor about.
Recent book Aftermath: Life Debt by Chuck Wendig confirmed that Chewbacca does have a son in the new canon, so maybe we’ll get more Lumpy in the future…
Han Solo Coppola
The original character of Han Solo was actually based off of George Lucas’ college friend Francis Ford Coppola. Yep, the same guy who brought you The Godfather was the genesis for Han Solo. “Tell Jabba that Greedo is sleeping with the fishes.”
R.I.P. Han…But Not Yet
For anyone who saw The Force Awakens, you know the fate of Han Solo. Meeting his end at the hand of his own son, Ben Solo. Also known as the infamous Kylo Ren. But originally Harrison Ford wanted him to perish in Episode VI. He believed that it would add more weight to Han and the sacrifice would serve the story well. It didn’t happen though and the Corellian made it all the way to party with the teddy bears at the end!
Everyone’s Favorite Rogue, Kurt Russell?
A lot of young actors were brought in for the role of Han Solo. Originally Harrison Ford was brought in strictly as a reader for an army of Lukes but it became clear that no one could capture the smuggler like Ford could. One of those young actors who came in? Kurt Russell! There are a few names on the list who showed up but Russell’s audition screening is actually out there for you to see! A baby-faced Russell is somewhat of a surprise to see, but I think he did pretty well after losing out on this one…
I Love You… I Love You Too?
“I love you… I know.” Arguably the smoothest interaction in movie history.
In the face of imminent death and surrounded by evil, Princess Leia finally tells Han how she feels. This is one of the most independent and powerful women in the galaxy and what does he say? “I know.” Classic. Originally Han was supposed to say “I love you too.” Whose idea was it to change it? Harrison Ford himself. When it felt that the line didn’t seem natural for Han, he pitched the idea to director Irvin Kershner and they went with it.
Man, is Ford really that smooth in real life?
Solo: A Star Wars Story approaches and personally, this fanboy is incredibly excited! Check out the trailer below!