Han Solo Considered a Co-Lead in STAR WARS: EPISODE VII
We already know that Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill are all officially back to reprise their roles as Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode VII. What we don't know is how big their roles will be. In the recent issue of Entertainment Weekly (via: Jedi News) we learn a little bit about that, and they confirm some previous rumors as well.
The report says that Hamill, Fisher, and Ford will all have "significant" roles, but make a point of saying that Han Solo is considered a co-lead in the film alongside three of the younger actors. So it seems that his role will be larger than Hamill's and Fisher's, which makes sense. After all, everyone loves Han Solo!
Then we have the following details and confirmations that EW provided "from sources with direct information about the project who spoke on condition of anonymity."
- Casting began in earnest in January.
- At press time, several roles have yet to be filled, including a major female lead.
- Michael Arndt's initial script has been significantly overhauled by [J.J.] Abrams and [Lawrence] Kasdan, which led to a delay in casting.
- Hamill, Fisher, and Ford had been secured to return for Episode VII before the Disney sale in 2012.
All of those things have been rumored, but this confirms it all. The coolest part about this, other than Solo having a big part in the movie, is that the three original stars were all set and ready to make this happen before Disney owned the franchise. The fact that we are going to see more Star Wars movies in the near future makes me so damn happy.