I was invited on an all expense paid trip to cover the amazing #HanSoloEvent from our partners at Disney. All opinions are my own.
The draw to come these events is the time we get to spend getting to know and interview the greats. I am always so thankful for these opportunities. It’s simply amazing to know that I sat in the room with Opie. The amazing Richie Cunningham answered questions we had about Solo and he was the kindest man. Without further adieu find out what Ron Howard had to say about Solo.
My Exclusive Interview with Ron Howard
When we get into the room with Ron Howard we never know how it’s going to go. Ron answered questions and told us stories and we felt like we were all just having lunch with him. He was amazing.
Were you worried about Alden playing Han Solo and following in Harrison Ford’s footsteps?
RH: There’s a lot of judgement surrounding Alden and his performance. Harrison Ford told me that he did a great job a few weeks ago. No one speaks for Harrison Ford but Harrison Ford. Alden took inspiration from Harrison. I think Alden thought more about the body movement of Harrison’s Han. Physical traits make the character so when Alden studied his body language I thought that was a great thing.
How did you get involved with Solo?
I got the call to eat breakfast with Kathleen Kennedy and we were just doing breakfast I thought. Ron wasn’t aware of creative conflict or differences with the previous director. They were out there but I wasn’t paying attention. Larry Kasden was in town and when I got there John Kasden was there too. I was expecting just a hello breakfast. Turns out they were in crisis with the young Han Solo movie. They asked me if I would consider doing it. He said no I can’t imagine that I would. Then I read the script and loved it. It answered so many questions for me about the character. Over a period of three days I began weighing the pros and cons. My wife Cheryl said you’re going to be disappointed if you don’t do this.
Were there any challenges on set?
RH: It was a challenge but it was fun. George Lucas told me to trust my instincts. I did. I fell into it easily. I loved the cast. I believed in their story. This story was hatched before Disney acquired Lucas films. It was a conversation that Kathleen Kennedy and George Lucas had. It went beyond the saga of what else do you think would excite the fans of Star Wars. Young Han Solo was a story Larry Kasden had been wanting to tell for a while. That’s how it happened. Before any directors or anyone was involved. Everyone has wanted to give 110% to this story.
Ron Howard is known for his personal touches on his film.
Were there any Easter eggs in the film? Specifically for Arrested Development.
No Arrested Development Easter eggs. There’s some Star Wars stuff in the new season of Arrested Development which goes live on Netflix on Mar 29. This is one of my favorite shows. I’m excited to check it out!
What did you think about when Solo died in the previous film?
RH: It was well done. I think that Star Wars has these complicated themes. I think Solo asks some of those questions about what it’s like in those moral gray areas. When your survival is at stake and you’re presented with choices you may not be proud of. It’s about young people on a quest for their freedom. I think knowing the outcome gives the story of young Han Solo more power and more weight. It just makes me more curious about what makes him tick.
Thank you Ron for a great interview! I think Solo was a well done movie on the life of young Han Solo and quite frankly I can’t wait to see more. I hope there’s more stories about him in the future. I can only imagine that there will be.
Solo: A Star Wars Story Movie Trailer and info
ABOUT THE MOVIE
Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY, an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo befriends his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and meets the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga’s most unlikely heroes. The film stars Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Paul Bettany.
SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY Trailer:
The film stars Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Paul Bettany.
Before you go check out my post with my review or my red carpet experience. Don’t forget to follow me on facebook and twitter while you’re there. Then see my interviews with Emilia Clarke and Alden Ehrenreich.
Like STAR WARS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starwarsmovies/
Follow STAR WARS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/starwars
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Visit the official SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY site: http://www.starwars.com/films/solo
SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY opens in theatres everywhere on May 25th!
How awesome you got this opportunity to interview Ron Howard. It must have been a really unforgettable experience and he sounds really passionate and enthused about this movie indeed.
Wonderful read. It’s amazing to learn from creative and brilliant people from Disney.
What an exciting opportunity to be able to meet the cast and crew in person! I already have my tickets to see the movie on Sunday, it looks like they did a go job staying true to the character.
They really did! You’re going to love it! I will see it again!
Looks like such a fun opportunity! so happy for you.
I’ve loved Ron Howard ever since I discovered Happy Days reruns. He is such a class act and so talented.
We still watch Happy Days at our house too.
Really cool interview! I actually enjoy reading a post like this. I like to pick the brains of individual and love finding out great tib bits!
That’s a super cool opportunity to be able to attend an event like that! I hope you had tons of fun and made great memories! (Looks like you had a great time from the photos)
These trips are always so much fun…a lot of work but definitely worth it.
Ron Howard is a creative person..will watch this all-new adventure movie for sure..yeah Emilia is one of my favorites so after being so popular by playing leading role in Game of Thrones ..want to see her in this movie…congratulations for doing such a great interview.
Thank you!!
Yesterday I enjoyed your Emilie Clarke interview and today I enjoyed Ron Howard interview! What an amazing opportunity you had to meet both of them!
I’m so glad you enjoyed them. Yesterday I put up a Woody Harrelson interview too! He plays Tobias Beckett in Solo!
It would be so amazing to be able to meet him and get to talk to him about the film. He’s such a wonderful and brilliant director and I’ve enjoyed watching the films he has directed in the past!
Oh my! This is an exciting development. Ron Howard seems like a cool guy. Excited to watch Solo!
What a lovely interview with Ron Howard. It’s such a wonderful opportunity to do so as well! I love how he told Han Solo’s story.
woow what a great opportunity to get to interview Ron Howard ! thank you for sharing such an amazing read
That is one hell of an opportunity! Congratulations on getting this interview, and I’ve got to say that it was very well done and I really enjoyed reading it!