Fan Fears Over “Solo: A Star Wars Story”

One of the biggest franchises in the world is returning to theaters this May. Advertisements have already begun. One aired during this year’s Super Bowl. It’s looking up to be everything you could expect from a Han Solo-based “Star Wars” movie: The Millennium Falcon, bigger-than-life characters and the world’s favorite rogue.

Seeing the trailer for the upcoming film “Solo: A Star Wars Story” brought out some concerns for fans such as myself and my fellow viewers. The new trailer was full of big names, such as Emilia Clarke from “Game of Thrones” and Woody Harrelson.

But, fans don’t go to see a “Star Wars” movie because we like the names on the poster; we go for the story. Both are welcome in any film, of course, but there was talk in the room I was in after the trailer about fears that the series was turning to big name allure to draw attention rather than its classic storytelling and world-building.

Moreover, Solo is one of the heroes of the “Star Wars” universe. That being said, he’s wasn’t always a good guy; we see him shoot someone during a casual conversation the first time we meet him. It’s his change of heart by the end of “Episode IV,” his flip from being the self-serving rogue to saving Luke and, in turn, the day, that make him a great character.

It’s not that he’s always been good; it’s the fact that he’s not good, that we don’t want to like him, that make him great. I’m afraid the film will try to make him into a kind of happy-go-lucky go-getter, counter to his cynicism and eagerness to do what he wants, regardless of the rules (which made him great in the first place).

All the same, we are being blessed with two “Star Wars” movies within six months. Hopefully the film can live up to the legend that is Han Solo.