Star Wars Han Solo movie news: Alden Ehrenreich signs three picture deal with Disney for possible trilogy

Reuters

Iconic Star Wars character Han Solo may not be appearing in the upcoming Star Wars: Rogue One but this does not mean that he won't be getting his own spinoff.

In an interview with Extra TV, Rogue One director Gareth Edwards clarified that a young Han Solo will not be appearing in the movie, which is packaged as a prequel and a sequel taking place between Episodes 3 and 4.

"I'm not sure if I'm allowed to do this, but I think I should. Han Solo's not in the movie," he said, putting an end to fan theories once and for all.

It was also announced that Hayden Christensen, who famously played the young Anakin Skywalker, the Jedi who eventually became Darth Vader, is also not included in the cast, even for a cameo.

Meanwhile, actor Alden Ehrenreich has signed a three picture deal with Disney for its planned Han Solo spinoff movies, beating out other young talents being considered for the role like Miles Teller, Taron Egerton and Jack Reynor.

It was reported by New York Daily News that Disney has locked the "Hail Ceasar" star to a three picture contract, in case the current spinoff being developed by the studio becomes a blockbuster.

The film will focus on the early years of Han Solo, the captain of the Millennium Falcon before he encountered Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia. The movie may or may not be tied to the Empire since it is considered a prequel.

The first film will be directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who worked on The Lego Movie while the script is being written by the father and son team of Lawrence and Jake Kasdan. Lawrence has a standing history with the Star Wars franchise as he penned "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi."

The first Han Solo spinoff will be released in May 2018.