With the recent takeover of LucasFilms by Disney, rumors have been aplenty concerning potential Star Wars spin-offs and standalone films, none more prevalent or potentially attractive than those concerning Han Solo and Boba Fett.
While rumors surrounding a potential Yoda film have already infiltrated various forms of the media, Entertainment Weekly has reported from “several sources” that a young Han Solo origin story is in the works. What’s more, Han Solo’s origins have much to do with another Star Wars favorite — the enigmatic Boba Fett, who may also be getting his own film.
The article states that Han Solo’s origins would take place in the time period between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, whereas the Boba Fett origins story could possibly take place between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back or between the latter and Return of the Jedi. The genius between these two spin-offs marketing wise would be that directors and writers could still rehash old characters (i.e. lure fans of the old films). Creative genius is another matter altogether..
Walt Disney Co. chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced yesterday that spin-off plans are already in the works. The company has brought onboard Simon Kinberg — whose work includes Sherlock Holmes, Jumper, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith — as well as Lawrence Kasdan, the screenwriter for The Empire Strikes Back and Raiders of the Lost Ark. The pair also have a hand in writing the new trilogy, which has already claimed J.J. Abrams as a director.
To be sure, a Star Wars film based solely on Han Solo fits the bill for a marketable movie. It would require a young and charismatic (i.e. marketable) actor and could even involve a love interest. Seeing as Boba Fett is similarly ambiguous in terms of good-guy, bad-guy dynamics, a similar story could be told from his perspective (complete with plenty of daddy issues, of course). What do you think? Are any of these rumors true? Do you want them to be? Be sure to check back for updates while you’re making up your mind.
