Who should play Han Solo in the announced 'Star Wars' spin-off?

Can any of these actors possibly fill Harrison Ford's shoes?

By Daniel Fienberg, Drew McWeeny, Alan Sepinwall, Dave Lewis and Chris Eggertsen Thursday, Feb 7, 2013 1:11 AM

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It's hard to imagine anyone else but Harrison Ford playing the role of Han Solo, and yet with the revelation that one of Disney's proposed "Star Wars" spin-off films will feature a young version of the Millenium Falcon captain in a standalone story, the possibility of another actor stepping in for Ford has now become a reality.

So which of today's young thesps is best suited for the role of the interstellar daredevil? Click through the gallery below to check out a few of our own suggestions, then sound off with your own picks in the comments.

Han Solo casting ideas for the announced 'Star Wars' spin-off

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Next 71 Comments

Gotham

Danny Pudi as Hans Solo would be damn perfect
February 7, 2013 at 2:56AM EST Reply to Comment
- Toogoogly Exactly what I thought!
  February 28, 2013 at 4:15PM EST
tr

Gordon-Levitt is literally the only one on that list with the proven chops to play Solo. Everyone else is either too "pretty boy" (Efron, Franco, etc) simply not right for the part at all (Hutcherson, Baruchel, etc), too unknown, or lacking in talent (Kitsch, Badgeley, etc).
February 7, 2013 at 3:13AM EST Reply to Comment
- Tom If you think Kitsch is lacking in talent, you've never seen Friday Night Lights. He's the only person other than Levitt who wouldn't embarrass themselves as Han.
  February 7, 2013 at 7:14AM EST
- tr Kitsch sucked in John Carter, Battleship, and Wolverine. He's been bland and uninteresting in everything since FNL. That's all I need to see.
  February 7, 2013 at 12:55PM EST
- Tom You know, there's another common thread between JC, Battleship and Wolverine besides Taylor Kitsch: They were all poorly conceived, poorly written and poorly directed movies.
  
  I guess Dominic West is "lacking in talent" too. He was just as terrible in John Carter as Kitsch was and was even worse in 300.
  
  It's a good thing context and writing is irrelevant in evaluating an actor's performance, isn't it.
  February 7, 2013 at 2:03PM EST
- mridge1 I'm amazed that Kitsch still gets leading roles. He's been bland in every staring role. I'm not sure where the Kitsch of FNL went.
  February 7, 2013 at 9:08PM EST
FistOSalmon

I have to point out that Ford was 33 or so when they filmed Star Wars. So if your making a "young Han Solo" movie means the actor needs to actually be younger than a 33 year old that looked about 30 when they start filming this several years from now. Which means you can dump almost this entire list. Also it's about young Han not young Wicket, you can leave the midget from Hunger Games off the list.
February 7, 2013 at 3:47AM EST Reply to Comment
- FistOSalmon Also posting from an iPhone makes me sound illiterate. And angry.
  February 7, 2013 at 3:49AM EST
- HR i don't think the guy from the Hunger Games can even reach the gears lol
  February 7, 2013 at 10:07AM EST
- FistOSalmon Casting another Han Solo is particularly difficult. As much as I liked Ford in say Blade Runner or Witness no one would give much thought to casting someone else in those roles. Han Solo and Indiana Jones are as associated with a particular actor as any in history. I don't really see how you pull it off unless you go really young, say 19-20 and tell a story about Han getting disillusioned at the Academy and meeting Chewie.
  
  If you had to go with anyone around 30 I hate to say it but Kitsch is your guy. Yes he had two huge big budgeted bombs but I don't see those as realistically being on him and he's got that rogue thing to a greater extent than any other youngish actor you see today.
  February 8, 2013 at 6:39AM EST
Max

Taylor Kitsch is the only one on that list who could play Solo. Go watch "Savages" and tell me I'm wrong. I don't care that "John Carter" (which is one of the most unfairly maligned movies of all time) and "Battleship" (okay, yeah this one sucked) bombed. He just hasn't found the right vehicle yet. He would be perfect because out of all the other douchebags (Josh Hutcherson are you fucking kidding me? When has this waste of breath been good in ANYTHING?) on this list, he's the only one who has everything Harrison Ford had in his younger career.
February 7, 2013 at 4:10AM EST Reply to Comment
- mridge1 Couldn't disagree more. Maybe he just hasn't found the right role but I think he's been bland in every starring role he's had.
  February 7, 2013 at 9:09PM EST
- blip Go watch the oscar-nominated Kids are Alright for good performance from Josh Hutcherson, and maybe Little Manhattan, but he's still a bit young there. Am not saying that he's right for the part, just that he is actually a quite decent actor.
  February 21, 2013 at 4:56AM EST
cassie

jensen ackles, he has the acting chops & the looks + his character on supernatural is simillar to han solo, also if he lose some weight looks much younger
February 7, 2013 at 5:09AM EST Reply to Comment
- KlarkKent I don't know if he's right for the part, but I loves me some Ackles. I've been hoping he'll find something post-Supernatural that displays his awesomeness.
  February 7, 2013 at 3:03PM EST
Tom

I'd be pretty down for Tim Riggins as Han Solo. I don't think Gordon-Levitt has the physicality for it, but he's the next best option on this list
February 7, 2013 at 7:17AM EST Reply to Comment
- Jason Did you see Gordon-Levitt's fight scene in Inception's rotating hallway? Methinks he has the physicality.
  February 22, 2013 at 12:17PM EST
Tom

I'd be pretty down for Tim Riggins as Han Solo. I don't think Gordon-Levitt has the physicality for it, but he's the next best option on this list.
February 7, 2013 at 7:18AM EST Reply to Comment
Indy J

I sincerely hope they do not even consider casting Shia LaBeouf...
February 7, 2013 at 8:20AM EST Reply to Comment
velocityknown

I think Taylor Kitsch would be a great choice and I sincerely hope that everyone is smart enough to realize that John Carter and Battleship flops were not at all his fault.

I think the biggest omission from this list is Garret Hedlund. He could be a fantastic choice.
February 7, 2013 at 9:44AM EST Reply to Comment
anon

No Logan Lerman in your list. He would make a pretty good young Han Solo. Hutcherson might not even be tall enough to reach the steering wheel of the Millenium Falcon. Kitsch after John Carter? dream on
February 7, 2013 at 10:02AM EST Reply to Comment
- blip I don't know whether he's right for the part, but Logan Lerman is certainly an interesting choice and he certainly got the leading acting chops, he carried Perks of Being A Wallflower excellently!
  February 21, 2013 at 4:58AM EST
anon

No Logan Lerman in your list? He would make a decent Han Solo. Some of these names. Just no. Taylor Kitsch after the John Carter disaster? don't think Disney will gamble on that again and hutcherson may not even be able to reach the steering wheel of the millenium falcon.
February 7, 2013 at 10:05AM EST Reply to Comment
Gregory

They do not need someone who can just act, need someone who is infectiously charming with a hint of "you better not cross me". Not a single person on that list qualifies.

And Nathan Fillon better be Solo in the new trilogy. He is exactly what is needed. Browncoats rule
February 7, 2013 at 10:38AM EST Reply to Comment
- tr Fillion is too old now. Go back into your basement.
  February 7, 2013 at 12:56PM EST
Primogen

Disney has NOT "announced" a Han Solo film. All they said that it was one of several ideas they were kicking around.

I don't think any of these suggested actors has the smart-ass, leap-before-you-look, charming rogue qualities that would allow us to accept them as a young Han Solo, but I'm not familiar enough with the acting range of each to count them all out. The best suggestion someone came up with was Nathan FIllon -- if he were a dozen years younger.
February 7, 2013 at 11:14AM EST Reply to Comment
Jeff

Of all those names, to me based on the criteria suggested, the one that seems best suited would be Dave Franco. He's the right age and has a lot of easy charm and could potentially pull off the swagger the character needs.

Frankly, even Franco suffers in comaparison. Harrison Ford was/is one of a kind and in my opinion, there isn't anyone out there (that I know of) who brings the same combination of qualities he does. By all rights, Han Solo shouldn't have been as entertaining and endearing as Ford was able to make him.
February 7, 2013 at 12:20PM EST Reply to Comment
pineapple

James Roday would be perfect.
February 7, 2013 at 12:22PM EST Reply to Comment
Eric

Josh Holloway (Sawyer from Lost) would make a great Han if age doesn't matter or maybe for episode VII.
February 7, 2013 at 12:51PM EST Reply to Comment
- Ric Josh Holloway was my ultimate pick for Sonny Crockett and Terrence Howard as Ricardo Tubbs in the Miami Vice reboot and they f*cked up the casting in that film. Mann needs to re-do with my dream cast :0)
  February 27, 2013 at 7:47PM EST
Splungeman

I think they should go for an unknown that has exactly the qualities they are looking for. You don't need a star or semi-star to get people to come see this. The character and the franchise sells the movie. Have a couple of knowns in supporting roles.
February 7, 2013 at 1:28PM EST Reply to Comment
Splungeman

They should go for an unknown who has all the perfect qualities. You don't need an established star to helm this movie. The character is the draw. Fill some supporting roles with a few names people know.
February 7, 2013 at 1:31PM EST Reply to Comment
- Splungeman Oh and sorry for double posting this. Web browser sending mixed messages. :P
  February 7, 2013 at 1:32PM EST
- C King No problem double posting, since this is the only comment here that makes sense. Throw away all previous film work and just find someone who is right for this movie. This list is primarily people associated with other series, all of whom are wrong for the role. Ford was fairly close to unknown when he got cast, just like several of these other actors who launched their series as relative unknowns. People will see a new Star Wars regardless of the popularity of the cast, so just hold an open audition and pick the best guy that shows up.
  February 27, 2013 at 1:09AM EST
A

Moviefone has a better list in the more appropriate age range plus they included Logan Lerman and excluded Zac Efron and the midget from THG
February 7, 2013 at 1:42PM EST Reply to Comment
Zachary Fedell

Chris Pratt! Chris Pratt! Chris Pratt!
February 7, 2013 at 1:51PM EST Reply to Comment
youngjt80

I've never heard of Josh Hutcherson. I thought that was Drew Brees!
February 7, 2013 at 1:56PM EST Reply to Comment
Alex

Josh Holloway is the perfect fit for Solo. He hasn't done much since Lost, has the J.J. Abrams connection, and has the persona of the lovable rogue down perfectly. He's easily the best choice in terms of embodying the role, giving one Lost's most underrated actors more work, and being just familiar enough for audiences to be intrigued.
February 7, 2013 at 2:28PM EST Reply to Comment
Dock

What about Zachary Levi? He was up for the lead in Guardians of the Galaxy for Disney and he's got both Action and comedic chops. If you dirtied him up a bit I think ti could work it just depends on the age they are going for. JGL and Levi would be my top choices
February 7, 2013 at 3:45PM EST Reply to Comment
- Dan Levi is already 32. This is supposed to be "YOUNG Han Solo," not "same age if not older than Ep IV Han Solo."
  February 7, 2013 at 3:47PM EST
Dan

This list is absolutely terrible. Jay Baruchel? Chris Pratt? Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Chris Pine are already basically the same age as Harrison Ford was in 1977.

I expect better from Feinberg, McWeeney, and Sepinwall than this.
February 7, 2013 at 3:46PM EST Reply to Comment
Jim Vanderhorst

Though I was overall disappointed with the sex-over-substance approach of the new On the Road, I was convinced while watching it that Garrett Hedlund is the right choice for young Solo and none of the other options on this list made me doubt that call at all.
February 7, 2013 at 4:05PM EST Reply to Comment
Dan

Some intriguing names, but none of the under 25s on that list seem capable of doing it.
February 7, 2013 at 4:31PM EST Reply to Comment
Haynie

I just hope they're going to base the movies on the great trilogy by A.C. Crispin, which takes you from Han's youth all the way up to the Mos Eisley cantina. There's a wealth of material there, great side roles for characters like Lando Calrissian or love interest Bria, and fantastic vehicle for whoever wants to get their star launched by playing Solo.

As for casting, actual age is irrelevant. It's about how old you LOOK. I think Matt Lauria of Friday Night Lights fame would be perfect.
February 7, 2013 at 5:19PM EST Reply to Comment
FranklynStreet

You guys have printed a gallery of pretty boys. It's an affliction in Hollywood right now, the fact that there are no real leading men-- they're all underwear models who look like boys. Han Solo will instantly not work if they cast one of these guys. The role requires a surly MAN, someone like Josh Holloway or Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.
February 7, 2013 at 7:08PM EST Reply to Comment
Natural Gaz

Kitsch can't act. It's JGL or NO ONE from this list. And you know what? It will be NO ONE from this list.
February 7, 2013 at 8:17PM EST Reply to Comment
mridge1

Is a digitally de-aged Harrison Ford really out of the question?
February 7, 2013 at 9:11PM EST Reply to Comment

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Who should play Han Solo in the announced 'Star Wars' spin-off?

Can any of these actors possibly fill Harrison Ford's shoes?

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Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Gotham Danny Pudi as Hans Solo would be damn perfect

Toogoogly Exactly what I thought!

tr Gordon-Levitt is literally the only one on that list with the proven chops to play Solo. Everyone else is either too "pretty boy" (Efron, Franco, etc) simply not right for the part at all (Hutcherson, Baruchel, etc), too unknown, or lacking in talent (Kitsch, Badgeley, etc).

Tom If you think Kitsch is lacking in talent, you've never seen Friday Night Lights. He's the only person other than Levitt who wouldn't embarrass themselves as Han.

tr Kitsch sucked in John Carter, Battleship, and Wolverine. He's been bland and uninteresting in everything since FNL. That's all I need to see.

mridge1 I'm amazed that Kitsch still gets leading roles. He's been bland in every staring role. I'm not sure where the Kitsch of FNL went.

FistOSalmon Also posting from an iPhone makes me sound illiterate. And angry.

HR i don't think the guy from the Hunger Games can even reach the gears lol

mridge1 Couldn't disagree more. Maybe he just hasn't found the right role but I think he's been bland in every starring role he's had.

blip Go watch the oscar-nominated Kids are Alright for good performance from Josh Hutcherson, and maybe Little Manhattan, but he's still a bit young there. Am not saying that he's right for the part, just that he is actually a quite decent actor.

cassie jensen ackles, he has the acting chops & the looks + his character on supernatural is simillar to han solo, also if he lose some weight looks much younger

KlarkKent I don't know if he's right for the part, but I loves me some Ackles. I've been hoping he'll find something post-Supernatural that displays his awesomeness.

Tom I'd be pretty down for Tim Riggins as Han Solo. I don't think Gordon-Levitt has the physicality for it, but he's the next best option on this list

Jason Did you see Gordon-Levitt's fight scene in Inception's rotating hallway? Methinks he has the physicality.

Tom I'd be pretty down for Tim Riggins as Han Solo. I don't think Gordon-Levitt has the physicality for it, but he's the next best option on this list.

Indy J I sincerely hope they do not even consider casting Shia LaBeouf...

velocityknown I think Taylor Kitsch would be a great choice and I sincerely hope that everyone is smart enough to realize that John Carter and Battleship flops were not at all his fault. I think the biggest omission from this list is Garret Hedlund. He could be a fantastic choice.

anon No Logan Lerman in your list. He would make a pretty good young Han Solo. Hutcherson might not even be tall enough to reach the steering wheel of the Millenium Falcon. Kitsch after John Carter? dream on

blip I don't know whether he's right for the part, but Logan Lerman is certainly an interesting choice and he certainly got the leading acting chops, he carried Perks of Being A Wallflower excellently!

anon No Logan Lerman in your list? He would make a decent Han Solo. Some of these names. Just no. Taylor Kitsch after the John Carter disaster? don't think Disney will gamble on that again and hutcherson may not even be able to reach the steering wheel of the millenium falcon.

Gregory They do not need someone who can just act, need someone who is infectiously charming with a hint of "you better not cross me". Not a single person on that list qualifies.And Nathan Fillon better be Solo in the new trilogy. He is exactly what is needed. Browncoats rule

tr Fillion is too old now. Go back into your basement.

pineapple James Roday would be perfect.

Eric Josh Holloway (Sawyer from Lost) would make a great Han if age doesn't matter or maybe for episode VII.

Ric Josh Holloway was my ultimate pick for Sonny Crockett and Terrence Howard as Ricardo Tubbs in the Miami Vice reboot and they f*cked up the casting in that film. Mann needs to re-do with my dream cast :0)

Splungeman I think they should go for an unknown that has exactly the qualities they are looking for. You don't need a star or semi-star to get people to come see this. The character and the franchise sells the movie. Have a couple of knowns in supporting roles.

Splungeman They should go for an unknown who has all the perfect qualities. You don't need an established star to helm this movie. The character is the draw. Fill some supporting roles with a few names people know.

Splungeman Oh and sorry for double posting this. Web browser sending mixed messages. :P

A Moviefone has a better list in the more appropriate age range plus they included Logan Lerman and excluded Zac Efron and the midget from THG

Zachary Fedell Chris Pratt! Chris Pratt! Chris Pratt!

youngjt80 I've never heard of Josh Hutcherson. I thought that was Drew Brees!

Dock What about Zachary Levi? He was up for the lead in Guardians of the Galaxy for Disney and he's got both Action and comedic chops. If you dirtied him up a bit I think ti could work it just depends on the age they are going for. JGL and Levi would be my top choices

Dan Levi is already 32. This is supposed to be "YOUNG Han Solo," not "same age if not older than Ep IV Han Solo."

Dan This list is absolutely terrible. Jay Baruchel? Chris Pratt? Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Chris Pine are already basically the same age as Harrison Ford was in 1977.I expect better from Feinberg, McWeeney, and Sepinwall than this.

Jim Vanderhorst Though I was overall disappointed with the sex-over-substance approach of the new On the Road, I was convinced while watching it that Garrett Hedlund is the right choice for young Solo and none of the other options on this list made me doubt that call at all.

Dan Some intriguing names, but none of the under 25s on that list seem capable of doing it.

Natural Gaz Kitsch can't act. It's JGL or NO ONE from this list. And you know what? It will be NO ONE from this list.

mridge1 Is a digitally de-aged Harrison Ford really out of the question?

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Star Wars is updated

Gotham

Danny Pudi as Hans Solo would be damn perfect

tr

Gordon-Levitt is literally the only one on that list with the proven chops to play Solo. Everyone else is either too "pretty boy" (Efron, Franco, etc) simply not right for the part at all (Hutcherson, Baruchel, etc), too unknown, or lacking in talent (Kitsch, Badgeley, etc).

cassie

jensen ackles, he has the acting chops & the looks + his character on supernatural is simillar to han solo, also if he lose some weight looks much younger

Tom

I'd be pretty down for Tim Riggins as Han Solo. I don't think Gordon-Levitt has the physicality for it, but he's the next best option on this list

Tom

I'd be pretty down for Tim Riggins as Han Solo. I don't think Gordon-Levitt has the physicality for it, but he's the next best option on this list.

Indy J

I sincerely hope they do not even consider casting Shia LaBeouf...

velocityknown

I think Taylor Kitsch would be a great choice and I sincerely hope that everyone is smart enough to realize that John Carter and Battleship flops were not at all his fault.

I think the biggest omission from this list is Garret Hedlund. He could be a fantastic choice.

anon

No Logan Lerman in your list. He would make a pretty good young Han Solo. Hutcherson might not even be tall enough to reach the steering wheel of the Millenium Falcon. Kitsch after John Carter? dream on

anon

No Logan Lerman in your list? He would make a decent Han Solo. Some of these names. Just no. Taylor Kitsch after the John Carter disaster? don't think Disney will gamble on that again and hutcherson may not even be able to reach the steering wheel of the millenium falcon.

Gregory

They do not need someone who can just act, need someone who is infectiously charming with a hint of "you better not cross me". Not a single person on that list qualifies.

And Nathan Fillon better be Solo in the new trilogy. He is exactly what is needed. Browncoats rule

pineapple

James Roday would be perfect.

Eric

Josh Holloway (Sawyer from Lost) would make a great Han if age doesn't matter or maybe for episode VII.

Splungeman

I think they should go for an unknown that has exactly the qualities they are looking for. You don't need a star or semi-star to get people to come see this. The character and the franchise sells the movie. Have a couple of knowns in supporting roles.

Splungeman

They should go for an unknown who has all the perfect qualities. You don't need an established star to helm this movie. The character is the draw. Fill some supporting roles with a few names people know.

A

Moviefone has a better list in the more appropriate age range plus they included Logan Lerman and excluded Zac Efron and the midget from THG

Zachary Fedell

Chris Pratt! Chris Pratt! Chris Pratt!

youngjt80

I've never heard of Josh Hutcherson. I thought that was Drew Brees!

Dock

What about Zachary Levi? He was up for the lead in Guardians of the Galaxy for Disney and he's got both Action and comedic chops. If you dirtied him up a bit I think ti could work it just depends on the age they are going for. JGL and Levi would be my top choices

Dan

This list is absolutely terrible. Jay Baruchel? Chris Pratt? Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Chris Pine are already basically the same age as Harrison Ford was in 1977.

I expect better from Feinberg, McWeeney, and Sepinwall than this.

Jim Vanderhorst

Though I was overall disappointed with the sex-over-substance approach of the new On the Road, I was convinced while watching it that Garrett Hedlund is the right choice for young Solo and none of the other options on this list made me doubt that call at all.

Dan

Some intriguing names, but none of the under 25s on that list seem capable of doing it.

Natural Gaz

Kitsch can't act. It's JGL or NO ONE from this list. And you know what? It will be NO ONE from this list.

mridge1

Is a digitally de-aged Harrison Ford really out of the question?

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