You don't need us to remind you that Solo: A Star Wars Story had something of a troubled production. Original directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were replaced midway through production, leaving filmmaker Ron Howard to steer the ship back in the direction Lucasfilm wanted. The result was a movie met with mostly positive reviews, but so-so box office results.
While often scrutinised by fans and critics alike, there was a lot to love about Solo, including its stellar cast and a fun origin story for Han Solo that revealed his past in the new Disney canon.
Father and son team Lawrence and Jon Kasdan penned the movie's screenplay, and we recently spoke with the latter to discuss his role as a writer and executive producer on Disney+'s Willow. We'll bring you that conversation in full next month (as it's a tad spoilery), but while we had Jon on the line, we had to ask about the #MakeSolo2Happen movement.
Each May, Star Wars fans make their voices heard by campaigning for a sequel. That hasn't gone unnoticed by Kasdan and, as you can see in the player below, he's clearly ready and willing to return to the franchise if the circumstances are right.
You mentioned Solo, and like a lot of fans, I’m there every year Tweeting #MakeSolo2Happen…
Yes, you know, I’ve been very conflicted about it over the past couple of years. I feel that too. I’m certainly one of those people, and when that time of year rolls around, immediately, my imagination goes to all the things we intended to do. But then, on the other side, I’m so overwhelmed by how much great Star Wars content is coming into the world at this moment.
I’m excited for the movie that Damon Lindelof is going to make. I’m excited for another season of Andor, possibly the best Star Wars show in history. Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau are just knocking out great, fun pieces of candy every six months that we get to enjoy. You know, I think if there’s a reason for a Solo 2 is if there’s a great reason. Certainly, I’d be game if there were.
I know I’d love to see if Han Solo ever crossed paths with Maul because what a great tease that was.
Me too! That feels like there’s so much fun. That was another version of there were so many great characters we were able to establish and, for me, I guess the strangest argument for a Solo 2 is that the movie was Alden [Ehrenreich]'s journey to owning that mantle. By the end of it, I thought he really did, and he didn’t get the fun of just inhabiting it for a movie. I’d love to see him back.
The way Solo ended, it was clear Lucasfilm initially had plans for a sequel. Unfortunately, we've heard nothing about what's happening there, while the Lando Disney+ series starring Donald Glover still hasn't come to fruition. That could have quite easily served as a loose follow-up to the movie, better explaining Maul's role in Crimson Dawn in the process.
Only time will tell what the future holds in store for Solo, but be sure to check back here soon for much more on Willow ahead of its November 30 premiere.