Warning: this article contains some MASSIVE spoilers for Solo: A Star Wars Story! You've been warned!
If there's one thing that Ron Howard's Solo: A Star Wars Story definitely does, it's that it expands the Star Wars franchise lore and Han Solo's relevance to that lore. In that regard, one of the biggest reveals in the entire film comes with the revelation that Han's last name stems from the fact that he has no family or "people." I recently had the chance to ask Han actor Alden Ehrenreich how he felt about that game-changing revelation when he saw it in the script, and he explained that he loved how the writers were able to piece together these smart character moments based on the existing mythology. Ehrenreich told me:
Oh, I thought it was great. I thought it was really clever and really smartly done. I think the writers do a great job of kind of incorporating so many great flourishes that kind of relate to the original movies and bring it all into this.
As shocking as the reveal was for many fans, Alden Ehrenreich loved it when he saw it. The concept of Han's name stemming from his lack of a true home feels firmly rooted in the lore, and the actor appreciated the attempts to tie everything back into the original trilogy in meaningful ways.
Want a closer look at my chat with Alden Ehrenreich about Solo: A Star Wars Story? Take a look at a clip from the interview, below!
Of course, the reveal of Han Solo's name is only one of many different seeds that get planted and fleshed out in Solo: A Star Wars Story. In addition to the character's new title, the film also explains the origins of his trusty blaster, his relationship with Chewbacca, his ownership of the Millennium Falcon, his rivalry with Lando Calrissian, and his willingness to shoot first in a life or death situation -- among many, many others. Now, with Alden Ehrenreich reportedly contracted for more films as the beloved Corellian smuggler, we will have to wait and see what other facets of Han's personality they can expand upon as this corner of the galaxy far, far away continues to evolve.
On that note, if you want to see the story of how Han Solo got his name, then make sure to catch Solo: A Star Wars Story, which is currently in theaters. Beyond that, if you want more in-depth information about the latest Star Wars spinoff movie, then check out our full review of the film as well as our comprehensive To 3D guide. Looking ahead to next year, mark your calendars and start gearing up for the December 20, 2019 debut of J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: Episode IX.
