Han Solo spin-off: Star Wars screenwriter reveals when filming starts, confirms release date

'They’re about to move to London to start shooting'

Han Solo (LucasFilm)

While there are numerous upcoming reboots and sequels that could anger devoted fans, none have quite the same potential to be disappointing as the Han Solo spin-off.

Centring on the adventures of a young version of Harrison Ford’s loveable rogue, the film - written by Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Empire Strikes Back scribe Lawrence Kasdan - is set to hit cinemas in May 2018. Filming will, of course, take place months beforehand, with Kasdan revealing work will begin January 2017.

After being asked by fans at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival if they should be excited, he said (via RadioTimes): “Oh, I think so! You know, Chris Miller and Phil Lord are going to direct it. They’re great, funny and imaginative and we’ve had a great time together.

“My son [Jon] and I wrote the script and Chris and Phil are working on it and they’re about to move to London to start shooting in January. And it should be fun.”

Asked to clarify when the film will be released, he said: “They’re actually scheduled for May. The [other Star Wars films] are falling on Christmas — Rogue One and Episode 9. Han will come before Episode 9.”

Episode 8 was previously supposed to be released in May 2017, but was delayed until December that year, something many thought may happen to the Han Solo film. At the moment, the May release seems fairly certain.

Meanwhile, Disney is reportedly disappointed with what they have seen of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story so far, ordering numerous reshoots of the film.