Forgive me for dumping on the Friday before the new year. Ron Howard says talk about a sequel to Solo: A Star Wars Story is entirely fan-driven and not a priority for Lucasfilm. Woof! That is some harsh reality, Ron. With so many Star Wars projects in development across theatrical releases and streaming, surely there’s room for Solo 2, no? Let’s dig into Howard’s interview with NME and find out, shall we?
Speaking NME about Solo 2 rumors, Howard said, “The only discussion that I’m aware of about a sequel for ‘Solo’ is coming from the fans at this point,” Howard confirmed. “I don’t think it’s a Lucasfilm priority, as I understand it.” Howard added, “But there’s some great characters launched, and the folks from Lucasfilm love the fans and really do listen so I would never say never — but I’m not aware of any concrete plans right now to extend the story or deal with that particular set of characters.”
While this update is a bummer, it’s encouraging to know Howard is taking a “never say never” approach to the situation. That’s better than nothing. As someone who enjoyed Solo: A Star Wars Story more than most, I would be down for Solo 2. Han Solo strikes me as a character who caused mischief all over the galaxy before he met Luke and Leia, and a part of me wants to witness the shenanigans.
Sadly, even Howard thinks Solo: A Star Wars Story was disappointing. At least that’s what he said in 2019 while speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. “It made a lot of money, it just didn’t live up to expectations,” Howard admitted. “I came in eager to help, felt like I could, and had a blast. Normally it takes three years, I worked eight months and had an experience. I feel very good about the way it turned out. I loved the way it played to audiences, which I witnessed. All of that I am able to feel good about.”
Development for Solo: A Star Wars Story was something of a nightmare for everyone involved. The film focusing on Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) and Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) exchanged hands multiple times, with Howard swooping in at the eleventh hour to salvage what was there and add his signature flare. The final product received mixed reviews from critics and fans and tossed our chances for a Solo 2 into the Sarlacc Pit. There’s a chance Lucasfilm could revisit the Star Wars spinoff in the future, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.
Do you want Lucasfilm to focus on Solo 2? Is it too late to redeem a young Han Solo’s misadventures in a galaxy far, far away? Feel free to let us know what you think in the comments section.