The “Star Wars” series has long been loved around the world since the first film was released in theaters in 1977. The series, which is not limited to the world of movies but has been expanded to include multimedia such as cartoons, comics, novels, and video games, continues to be a favorite among people of various generations in various countries. One of the most popular characters in the series is the outlaw Han Solo. Despite his popularity, no movie has ever been made with Solo as the main character. However, in 2018, the film “Solo: A Star Wars Story” was released, featuring him as a young man.
What kind of character is Han Solo?
Han Solo is a cynical, money-grubbing character, but a righteous and compassionate outlaw who will not abandon his friends in a pinch. Han Solo first appeared in the 1977 film Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Han and Chewbacca appear in Mos Eisley’s tavern, which Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi visit in search of a starship pilot to rescue Princess Leia. Here, they accept a mission to deliver Luke and his crew to the planet Alderaan in the Millennium Falcon in exchange for a reward.
Initially motivated by financial gain, as the story progresses, he throws himself into the rebel army’s battle and risks his life to save his comrades.
Towards the end of Episode VI, Han forms a bond with Leia Organa (formerly Princess Leia), and the two eventually fall in love. They have a son named Ben Solo. However, Ben is swayed by the power of the Force and falls to the dark side, becoming Kylo Ren.
A movie that delves into Han Solo’s origins
The movie “Solo: A Star Wars Story” depicts Solo’s younger days and delves into his origins. For example, why did he take the name “Han Solo”? Where did he learn to fly? What is the dice charm he displays on his spaceship? And the often-debated question among fans, “Did Han shoot first?” These and other aspects of Solo’s character are explored in the film. The film also features numerous references to the original Solo, including the music, direction, and camera angles, which demonstrate a sense of respect for the original character.
Han Shot First
This phrase originates from a conversation between Han Solo and the bounty hunter Greedo in the 1977 film Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. At the Mos Eisley cantina, Han Solo owes Jabba the Hutt money, and Greedo, who has come to collect the debt, points his gun at Han.
- In the original version (1977), Han shoots Greedo first and kills him.
- However, in the 1997 special edition (remastered), Greedo shoots first, and Han shoots back.
Many fans expressed dissatisfaction with this change, and the phrase “Han shot first” spread among fans.
Jonathan Kasdan, who wrote the screenplay for this film, has spoken about how he and his father, Lawrence Kasdan, who also co-wrote the script and has worked on the series, struggled with the decision.
On the other hand, this film is not likely to be readily accepted by fans. The Star Wars series has garnered support from fans across various genres over the years. Regarding Han, who had not been discussed in detail until now, each fan had their image of him, and there were parts where the gap could not be fully bridged positively. Additionally, there were discrepancies with the episodes about Han that George Lucas, the creator of the series, had spoken about, as well as discrepancies with the settings in the “Star Wars Legends” series, which are officially recognized works of fiction. These factors contributed to the complex reception of the film, reflecting its popularity.
Existing characters reflecting and embracing modern diversity
In the film “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” it is notable that characters from the series so far have been updated to reflect modern values.
For example, when people think of Solo, many imagine the giant brown Wookiee Chewbacca standing beside him. He has long been beloved as Solo’s partner. However, in the film, Chewbacca is portrayed more as a subordinate than a partner. According to the setting revealed by Lucas, Chewbacca swore allegiance to Solo after Solo freed him from captivity, creating a clear hierarchy rather than an equal partnership.
On the other hand, in this film, Chewbacca is depicted as an equal partner to Solo. It is because Solo did not save Chewbacca unilaterally. Still, instead, the two worked together to escape, and Chewbacca himself freed the captured Wookiees and chose to act alongside Solo of his own volition. Such changes likely reflect the values of modern society.
There are also changes in how Solo’s friend Lando is portrayed. In previous films, Lando was depicted as a character obsessed with romance. Still, in this film, it was revealed that he is portrayed as pansexual. Furthermore, Lando’s romantic interests are depicted as extending beyond human-like species to include droids and other diverse beings. The revelation that Lando had a romantic relationship with the Millennium Falcon’s systems, which are also known as his partner, was a surprising episode, and it felt like a depiction of inclusivity in line with modern values.
While this was a meaningful depiction in creating a new work for the modern era, I can also understand that some traditional fans might feel confused or disappointed by the change from the previously established character image.
A “Star Wars” work that boldly steps away from the Jedi
The film “Solo: A Star Wars Story” is not part of the main “Star Wars” series but was produced as a spinoff. The significant difference from the main series is that Jedi do not appear as main characters. When it comes to Star Wars, the presence of Jedi wielding lightsabers and skillfully manipulating the Force is a significant aspect. Still, there are now multiple works, including this one, that do not feature Jedi as main characters. “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” which preceded this work as a Star Wars film without Jedi, is one successful example.
For those who have seen Episodes 4-6, this is a heartbreaking film, and I wondered how X-wings and AT-ATs could be so hopeless.
Jedi are said to be few, and watching this film, it’s clear that this direction is a field worth exploring further. On the other hand, differentiating it from other science fiction works is one of the challenges. Unlike its predecessors, this film relied heavily on characters and items rather than the story, which may have hindered its progress in some ways.
Summary: A prologue to a new “Star Wars” where old and new images of Solo intersect.
The movie “Solo: A Star Wars Story” is a work that delves into the origins of Solo, a popular character in the “Star Wars” series. While it offers a new take on Solo, the parts where his image differs from the traditional one depicted have sparked mixed reactions. That said, a “Star Wars” film without Jedi has its unique charm, and the world-building feels sufficiently explored. As a standalone film, it might be a good starting point for those looking to dive into the “Star Wars” universe.
It has been announced that a film depicting the younger days of Lando Calrissian, a character related to this film, will be produced as a movie rather than a TV series.
