Harry Styles responds to rumors that he auditioned for the role of Han Solo in Disney and Lucasfilm’s anthology prequel movie. Since Disney purchased Lucasfilm and announced the revival of George Lucas’ beloved Star Wars franchise, the movies within the studios’ planned slate have been met with massive success and positive reactions from both fans and critics alike. J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens revitalized the main Skywalker Saga while Gareth Edwards’ Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was the first anthology film in the franchise, setting up the events of Lucas’ original movie.

However, Disney and Lucasfilm have confirmed four additional installments in the revitalized Star Wars franchise that will hit theaters in the coming years, including Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi, the young Han Solo movie, Star Wars: Episode IX, and a third anthology entry. Although the subject of the third anthology film has yet to be revealed, production on Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s Han Solo movie is underway, with Alden Ehrenreich playing a younger version of the character originally portrayed by Harrison Ford. However, other actors were rumored to be up for role, including a former One Direction band member.

Rumors that Harry Styles auditioned for Han Solo surfaced recently, claiming he had been in early contention for the role despite having very little acting experience - though he will appear in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk this year. Now, during a recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show, the host read various rumors about Styles aloud and gauged the singer’s reaction to see whether the reports were true or not. The final rumor read was of Styles auditioning for Han Solo. Though the singer keeps a straight face in response to the rumor, those on the show with him take it to mean the report is true. Watch below:

Of course, whether Styles’ reaction is confirmation that he auditioned for Lucasfilm’s Han Solo movie is unclear, but it should be noted that he doesn’t flat out deny the rumor either, as he did with previous reports mentioned during the segment. It’s possible the singer did audition for the role - or, at the very least, his name was among the actors Disney/Lucasfilm considered - but it was only during the early days of the casting process so he is trying to downplay his involvement. Or, the rumor isn’t true and Styles isn’t denying being linked to Han Solo since it doesn’t hurt his image, though that’s an admittedly cynical take on the situation.

Whether or not Styles was ever up for the role of Han Solo, though, Disney and Lucasfilm eventually went in a different direction by casting Ehrenreich, a much less well known actor but one with more acting experience. Joining Ehrenreich in the cast for Han Solo are Donald Glover as young Lando Calrissian, Woody Harrelson as Han’s mentor, Emilia Clarke, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Thandie Newton, Michael K. Williams, and Ian Kenny.

While fans curious to see what Styles could have done with the Han Solo role won’t be given the chance, Disney and Lucasfilm have managed to shepherd in the new generation of Star Wars movies to undeniable success. It follows that Lord and Miller’s Han Solo movie will be successful as well, especially given the popularity of the lead character. Of course, the project will be faced with high expectations, but both The Force Awakens and Rogue One were able to meet - or surpass - expectations so it’s likely Han Solo will be another hit for the Star Wars franchise.

Next: Will This Fan-Favorite Jedi Appear in Han Solo?

Source: The Graham Norton Show

  • Star Wars 8 Release Date: 2017-12-15 Han Solo Release Date: 2018-05-25 Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker Release Date: 2019-12-20