We are still just under two years away from the untitled Han Solo spinoff movie reaching theaters on May 25, 2018, but that doesn't mean that we can't start getting very excited because of creative decisions being made behind the scenes. We love the fact that Lucasfilm and Disney handed the baton to the brilliantly funny Phil Lord and Chris Miller. We approve of their choice of Alden Ehrenreich as young Han. And today we are learning that award-winning cinematographer Bradford Young has been hired for the film, and that is a huge reason to get very, very excited.
Variety awards editor Kris Tapley confirmed the hire in the following Tweet:
Bradford Young is on Tapley's radar because of his work on Denis Villeneuve's gorgeous and intelligent sci-fi drama Arrival, which we recently reviewed at the Toronto International Film Festival. But for those who have been paying attention over the last few years, Young has lensed some truly breathtaking feature films, with an exquisite eye for visual detail. His lighting skills are unmatched. He can wash out scenes, but still keep them crisp and clear. His work as a cinematographer on films like A Most Violent Year and Selma have earned him nominations from the Independent Spirit Awards and the Sundance Film Festival.
But the proof is in his actual images. Look at these shots crafted, in part, but Bradford Young:
Little by little, this Young Han Solo movie is putting its pieces together for an eventual shoot. Phil Lord and Chris Miller are assembling their team, which now includes Bradford Young, and they'll continue to surround leading man and new Han Solo Alden Ehrenreich with talent. We know that this story is expected to take place in the time frame prior to Star Wars: A New Hope, but we don't know for certain who else will be back for the movie. Chewbacca is coming back. So, allegedly, is Lando Calrissian, though we don't know for sure who will play him (Donald Glover has been rumored).
All we can confirm is that, with Young in charge of cinematography, the movie is going to be a feast for the eyes... and sometimes, that is enough.
