Han Solo spin-off movie release date may be delayed; Woody Harrelson in talks to be cast

The “Star Wars” Han Solo spin-off movie could see a delay in the release date, according to a new report. Meanwhile, actor Woody Harrelson is reportedly in talks to be a cast member of the film.

The Han Solo spin-off was originally scheduled to be released on May 25, 2018 in the US. However, according to a report by Making Star Wars, sources in the theatre industry have revealed that the movie has been pushed to Dec. 13, 2018. The report notes that there may have been a mistake in the paperwork that the studio has filed, and there is no official word about a possible changein the release date.

The release date of “Star Wars: Episode 8” was previously shifted from May 2018 to December. After the huge box office success of “The Force Awakens,” Disney may continue with this approach and release the Han Solo spin-off during the holiday season.

Meanwhile, casting is ongoing for the film. According to a report by Variety, studio executives have been meeting with actors in the past few weeks for a role in the film. They are apparently looking for an actor with “considerable clout,” and Harrelson is reportedly the favourite for the role.

The role that Harrelson is being considered for is that of a mentor to Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich). So, the new character will be seen showing the swashbuckling smuggler the tricks of the trade. Just like “Rogue One,” the plot of the new spin-off is set before the events in “A New Hope.”

The Han Solo spin-off movie is being produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Allison Shearmur. Harrelson has already worked with Shearmur on “The Hunger Games” project, in which he played the role of Katniss Everdeen’s (Jennifer Lawrence) mentor. More details about the film are expected soon, as the production is scheduled to begin from this month.