Aldren Ehrenreich Officially Announced To Play Young Han Solo

One of the most iconic roles in the galaxy has finally been cast, and it was the worst-kept secret we saw coming. As previously leaked, Alden Ehrenreich will play the young Han Solo in the untitled standalone Star Wars film.

The 26-year-old Hail, Caesar! actor was introduced to the audience at London's Star Wars Celebration event livestreamed at Starwars.com. He showed up during a filmmaker panel that starred Star Wars: Episode VIII writer/director Rian Johnson, as well as Phil Lor and Christopher Miller, the directors for the new Han Solo film that's expected to release in theaters on May 25, 2018.

Ehrenreich revealed the the auditio process took six months, and the coolest part was sitting in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon starship with Chewbacca. "I've never screen-tested with a Wookiee. It was amazing."

Lord told fans that they auditioned thousands of actors and "turned over every rock to find someone who has the charisma and magic swagger." Miller added: "It was a waste of money because the person to get the part was literally the first person to walk through the door."

Production on the Han Solo film will begin next year in England, and John Boyega, who was a surprise guest on the panel, gave Ehrenreich this advice: "You're going to be fine. You've got that charm stuff down. Enjoy the ride."

Here's a video of the panel via Flicks and the City:

Boyega, who's reprising his role as Finn in Episode VIII, also talked about the film: "The characters have been pushed in a new direction in a very, very cool way,"

Director Rian Johnson revealed some info about Episode VIII, and Boyega praised the filmmaker for making it special.

No plot details have been revealed for both the Han Solo film and Episode VIII, but Johnson said that Episode VIII's showcase moment will be at next year's Star Wars Celebration at Orlando (April 13-16, 2017).