'Star Wars' Han Solo film release date, news: Woody Harrelson in talks to join cast

(Reuters/Luke MacGregor)Woody Harrelson is reportedly going to play Han Solo's mentor in the upcoming "Star Wars" spin-off.

The "Star Wars" Han Solo film already has three notable names on its cast list, and it looks like it's about to add another one. It has been revealed that Woody Harrelson is in talks to join the upcoming spin-off as a mentor to Han Solo.

According to Variety, nothing has been set in stone yet, but Harrelson is apparently the "top choice" for the part. Known for his roles in "The Hunger Games" franchise, "Now You See Me," and "The Edge of Seventeen," Harrelson is reportedly being considered for the role because Disney and Lucasfilm are seeking an actor with "considerable clout" in the industry.

Before Harrelson got into negotiations, though, it has been said that another recognizable actor was being eyed for the part. According to The Hollywood Reporter's Borys Kit, Christian Bale was also considered for the role at one point. Kit took to his Twitter account to reveal the news.

But it looks like Bale, who is most popularly known for portraying Bruce Wayne in Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" trilogy, will have to find someone else to mentor.

Apart from Harrelson, Emilia Clarke and Donald Glover have also signed on for the upcoming "Star Wars" spin-off. Clarke is set to portray an unspecified female character, while Glover will be playing a young Lando Calrissian — a role that Billy Dee Williams originated.

Talking about his character in the film, Glover said that Lando will still be finding his way in the Han Solo film. "Cool changes depending on the perspective," he said. "Also, it's fun because [the Han Solo movie is set] before ["Empire Strikes Back"], so he's still figuring it out a little bit, which is fun."

As for the main role, it has been known for a while now that Alden Ehrenreich will don the iconic vest made famous by Harrison Ford. 

The yet-untitled "Star Wars" Han Solo film is expected to premiere on May 15, 2018.

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