Every year, Star Wars fans mark the anniversary of Solo: A Star Wars Story's release by taking to social media to demand that Lucasfilm #MakeSolo2Happen. Thus far, it hasn't worked, with even plans for a Donald Glover-led Lando spin-off on Disney+ seemingly falling by the wayside since being announced.
The 2018 movie was plagued by behind-the-scenes chaos, including a change in directors after Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were replaced by Ron Howard.
Talking to NME, the filmmaker reflected on the experience of stepping behind the camera to finish (and reshape) Solo, and weighed in on the chances of a sequel. "The only discussion that I’m aware of about a sequel for Solo is coming from the fans at this point," he explained. "I don’t think it’s a Lucasfilm priority, as I understand it."
Despite the chances of Solo 2 becoming a reality looking slim, Howard wouldn't be against the idea of telling another Han Solo story.
"There [were] 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"
As for what went wrong with Solo (it received mostly positive reviews but failed to take flight at the box office), Howard puts it down to one issue, in particular. "Maybe it’s the idea that it’s too nostalgic," the director acknowledged. "That going back and revisiting an origin story for a beloved character may not be what the fans were looking for."
The bigger issue may have been trying to recapture the magic of Han Solo without Harrison Ford, while a last-minute marketing campaign - a result of those reshoots - did little to help matters either.
Do you think Lucasfilm should #MakeSolo2Happen or has the moment passed?