Solo: A Star Wars Story

Publisher's summary

Embark on a journey aboard the Millennium Falcon to a faraway galaxy in Solo: A Star Wars Story. This is an entirely new adventure featuring the galaxy's most cherished rogue. Amidst a string of daring exploits within a shadowy and perilous criminal realm, Han Solo crosses paths with his future, formidable co-pilot, Chewbacca, and encounters the infamous gambler, Lando Calrissian. This voyage shapes the destiny of one of the Star Wars saga's most improbable heroes.

Prologue ‡

Plot summary

Defying Lady Proxima

On Corellia, a planet known for its shipbuilding, six years following the establishment of the Galactic Empire, a human "scrumrat" with piloting dreams named Han, and his romantic interest Qi'ra, yearn to break free from the control of the Grindalid crime lord Lady Proxima and her White Worms criminal organization. After a delivery job goes wrong, Han uses his M-68 landspeeder to evade criminals through Coronet City. While driving across a bridge, he hangs his dice on the windscreen.

Upon arriving at the Den of the White Worms, Han and the other Scrumrats are forced into Lady Proxima's underground chamber by her enforcers. Three children are seen fighting over items they stole. Han and Qi'ra embrace in a tunnel. Han tells Qi'ra that he has acquired a vial of hyperfuel coaxium, planning to use it as their means of escape. Moloch, Syke, and Rebolt soon find them and bring Han before Lady Proxima, who lives underwater.

Surrounded by the Scrumrats and her enforcers, she demands a report from Han. He claims that other criminals stole his money and coaxium, but he learned a "very valuable lesson": not to trust "those guys." Lady Proxima is enraged that Han returned empty-handed. Rebolt strikes Han with a stick. Han, defiant, seizes the stick and vows to retaliate against those who harmed him. Moloch aims his blaster at Han, but Qi'ra intervenes. Lady Proxima warns Qi'ra against disobedience.

Han then produces a rock, claiming it to be a thermal detonator, but Proxima is not deceived. Han reveals it was a ruse and throws the rock through the ceiling, allowing sunlight to enter. The light burns Proxima's face, causing her to retreat underwater. Han and Qi'ra escape in Han's stolen M-68 landspeeder, fleeing the White Worms' den into Coronet's streets. Han plans to reach Coronet Spaceport with the coaxium to bribe their way off-world. Han dreams of becoming a pilot and exploring the galaxy. Qi'ra hopes they can acquire their own starship and gain independence.

Escaping Corellia

Moloch's A-A4B truckspeeder, carrying two Corellian hounds, quickly pursues them. Moloch rams his truckspeeder into Han's landspeeder. After barely avoiding a truck, Han drives through an Imperial checkpoint. An RA-7 protocol droid protests their intrusion, but Moloch's truckspeeder runs it over and decapitates it. When Qi'ra notes Moloch's speed, Han assures her that they are faster. An Imperial patrol trooper on a C-PH patrol speeder bike pursues Han's landspeeder and Moloch's truckspeeder, but the trooper crashes into a barrier.

Han and Qi'ra drive through a factory, with Moloch closely following. Han manages to evade Moloch's truck by navigating the landspeeder through a narrow turn. With the landspeeder stuck, Moloch sends Rebolt and the Corellian hounds after them. Han and Qi'ra reach the Coronet spaceport on foot. The spaceport has a heavy Imperial presence, with long lines of people waiting to leave. They witness several arrests, including a family, by stormtroopers.

Han and Qi'ra join a queue. Qi'ra worries about being trafficked by the Crimson Dawn, but Han promises to protect her. Lacking identification, Han and Qi'ra bribe the Imperial Emigration Officer Falthina Sharest with the coaxium vial to pass through customs. After handing over the coaxium, Han gets through. Before Qi'ra can cross, she is captured by the White Worms enforcers Rebolt and Syke. Qi'ra urges Han to escape, and he vows to return for her.

Han evades Imperial forces and the White Worms by stealing a hat and hiding behind crates. He sees more arrests by stormtroopers. Lacking funds to leave, Han finds an Imperial Military recruiting station. Han speaks with Drawd Munbrin, the Imperial recruitment officer, and volunteers to join the Imperial Navy as a pilot. Since Han lacks a surname, Munbrin names him "Han Solo." After approving Han's application, Munbrin directs him to Transport ID-83 for the Imperial Flight Academy on Carida, promising him he will be flying soon.

Ordeals on Mimban

Three years later, Han has been dismissed from the Carida Flight Academy for disobedience. He is now serving as a Mudtrooper Corporal during a battle on Mimban. Solo's 224th Imperial Armored Division is engaged in trench warfare against the Mimbanese Liberation Army, suffering heavy losses in the muddy, harsh conditions.

Han participates in an assault led by Major Staz to capture a ridge. After Han falls, Staz helps him up, saying they are close. Solo is confused, but Staz tells him to head to the last ridge. Staz is then killed by an explosion. Han and surviving troops, including Private Collum Woslo, Corporals Sharlu Greslin, Danith Nodar, and Wesger Odry, gather in a trench with "Captain" Tobias Beckett, who takes charge as the highest-ranking officer. Beckett leads the soldiers into action, overcoming the last resistance on the ridge.

After the battle, Han thanks "Captain" Beckett. Beckett advises him to leave immediately. Solo then encounters Beckett's companions Val and the Ardennian Rio Durant, disguised as Imperial Army troopers. They tell him to stay away. Lieutenant Alayus Bolandin informs Han and his comrades that they are moving to the Southern Marshlands in three hours. When Bolandin requests an advance party, Solo questions the Empire's destruction and occupation of Mimban, angering his superior officer.

Disillusioned with the Empire, Han seeks out Beckett and his gang, who are planning a heist. Han recognizes them as thieves posing as Imperial personnel. Val and Beckett want to kill Han, but he offers his piloting skills. When Rio questions what a "fly boy" is doing in the mud, Han claims he was expelled for being independent. Han points out Rio's Ardennian heritage. Desperate to escape, Solo tries to blackmail them into letting him join by threatening to expose them. However, Beckett turns the tables, convincing Lieutenant Bolandin that Solo is trying to desert.

Meeting Chewbacca

Seeking to eliminate a "trouble-maker," Bolandin throws a chained Solo into a pen to fight a captive "beast." Two Imperial Army sentries joke about starving the beast for three days, anticipating entertainment. The beast is revealed to be a Wookiee named Chewbacca, whose species is enslaved by the Empire. Believing Han to be a threat, Chewbacca attacks, throwing him against the girders and into the mud.

As the Wookiee is about to drown Solo, Solo surprises him by speaking Shyriiwook, convincing Chewbacca that he is an ally. Together, they fake a fight for their captors, noticing a weak pillar supporting the mesh above their cell. The sentries laugh, believing Han is doomed. After several attempts, Han pretends to provoke Chewbacca into pushing against the main pillar, collapsing it and dropping the troopers into the pit. After jumping to safety, Chewbacca throws Han out of the pit and follows.

They discover they are chained together. Chewbacca wants to flee, but Han convinces him to escape to a nearby airfield. He asks Chewbacca to trust him, promising they can separate if he wishes. Meanwhile, Beckett's gang boards their stolen Y-45 armored transport hauler. Removing his Imperial helmet and uniform, Rio wonders how they can breathe in the suits. As they take off, Beckett spots Han and Chewbacca waving below.

Rio is impressed by Solo's determination and suggests a Wookiee would be useful. Val objects, but Rio convinces Beckett to land and pick up Han and Chewbacca. The five leave Mimban in the stolen hauler. Han showers in the shower unit. When Chewbacca enters, Han suggests they take turns. Chewbacca roars.

Beckett's gamble

After escaping Mimban, Beckett takes the transport hauler to the snowy, mountainous planet Vandor. Watching the mountains from the hauler, Han thanks Chewbacca for saving him, saying he only saved the Wookiee because of him. He tells Chewbacca about his plan to do one job with Beckett's gang in exchange for their freedom. Chewbacca agrees. Han asks Chewbacca his name and decides on "Chewie," finding it easier to say than his full name in Shyriiwook.

After landing, Beckett recruits them for a plan to steal refined coaxium from a 20-T Railcrawler conveyex transport on Vandor. Surveying the train tracks, Beckett outlines his plan: hitting the conveyex between the tower and the bridge. Rio will drop them onto the conveyex to separate the payload container and lift it onto the AT hauler. Rio will jam communications, and Val will blow up the bridge, allowing them to escape. The night before, Beckett warns of Enfys Nest and the Cloud-Riders.

Resting by the campfire, Val criticizes Beckett for enlisting Han and Chewbacca, whom she sees as amateurs. Beckett defends his plan as a way to settle their debts. At the campfire, Beckett and his associates question Han's motives. Han shares his plans to become a pilot and find Qi'ra. Rio prefers not to be tied down, while Val discusses her relationship with Beckett. Chewbacca says he is searching for his family. Beckett promises Han and Chewbacca they will have enough to buy their own ship if they follow his instructions.

Heist on Vandor

While Rio flies the Y-45 hauler, Han, Chewbacca, and Beckett land on the cargo wagon carrying coaxium, while Val positions herself on the bridge. Their presence draws the attention of Imperial range troopers, who exchange fire. As the conveyex train travels along a narrow cliff, Han and Chewie narrowly avoid being crushed. Together, they detach the coaxium wagon from the rear.

Keeping in touch with Beckett, Rio lowers the "witch cables" onto the coaxium wagon. Before Beckett's gang can escape with the coaxium, the Cloud-Riders attack on swoop bikes. Their leader, Enfys Nest, orders her followers to lower their harpoons. Han and the others dodge blaster fire. One swoop bike crashes against a rock. Two Cloud-Riders board the Y-45 hauler and fatally wound Durant. Solo leaves Chewbacca to uncouple the wagon while he helps Rio.

Solo boards the transport hauler and flies the ship, triggering a security sensor. Val warns Han that Viper probe droids are coming. As the battle continues, Val, stationed on the bridge, distracts and fends off several security viper probe droids. With his last breath, Durant apologizes to Solo for mocking his flying and tells him Val was right about not dying alone. Beckett fights Enfys Nest on top of the wagon.

The conveyex approaches the bridge, and Val realizes she cannot abandon her position without letting the crew steal the coaxium. After telling Beckett her change of plans via comlink, Val professes her love before detonating the bomb, killing herself and destroying the bridge. The destruction causes the conveyex to plunge into a gorge. Chewbacca detaches the coaxium wagon from the train.

However, the Cloud-Riders have attached grappling hooks, dragging the wagon down. Not wanting to risk Beckett and Chewbacca's lives, Solo lets go of the coaxium wagon, which falls into the ravine and explodes. Chewbacca grabs Beckett, and they survive by clinging to the cable.

An audience with Dryden Vos

After the failed heist, Beckett creates a memorial for Val and Rio. Angered by Solo's decision to drop the cargo, Beckett hits him. Beckett reveals he was ordered to steal the coaxium to repay his debt to Dryden Vos, leader of the [Crimson Dawn](/article/crimson_dawn] criminal syndicate. Han suggests deserting, but Beckett says Vos sends bounty hunters after those who cross him. Beckett suggests going to Vos to make amends. Han agrees to come along to fix things and demands payment for his and Chewbacca's services, which Chewie agrees to.

Beckett, Han, and Chewie travel to the outskirts of Fort Ypso, where Vos' yacht First Light has arrived. After surrendering their weapons to Captain Aemon Gremm, they enter the public gallery. Beckett's team enters the yacht's hallway. Beckett speaks to Vos' concierge Margo, requesting a meeting with Dryden Vos. She says Vos is meeting with Governor Diles Anevi, whom Vos kills. Captain Gremm informs Vos of Beckett's arrival.

Beckett advises Han and Chewbacca to keep their heads down, gesturing to the wealthy people enjoying expensive food and drinks. Han unexpectedly reunites with Qi'ra, who now works for Vos. They drink together, reminiscing about their past. Beckett arrives with Vos and introduces Han and Chewie. Vos reveals Qi'ra is his top lieutenant. After pleasantries, Vos chastises Beckett for underestimating Enfys Nest and demands a reason not to kill them.

Since the available coaxium is in Imperial hands, Han proposes stealing unrefined coaxium from Kessel, where the Pyke Syndicate operates a mining operation. While Vos is unwilling to risk his syndicate's business with the Pykes, Han and Beckett say they have no alliance with the Pykes, so taking on the operation would not implicate Crimson Dawn. Qi'ra supports Han's idea but warns that the unstable coaxium must be processed quickly. Beckett suggests Savareen, since it is not under Imperial control. Vos approves the plan but sends Qi'ra to watch Han and Beckett. In the turbolift, Beckett says he can provide the gear, while Qi'ra offers the ship.

Finding a ship

Knowing they required a speedy vessel for the Kessel operation, Qi'ra guides Solo and his allies to The Lodge located near Fort Ypso. It is there that she presents Lando Calrissian, a renowned pilot and smuggler celebrated for winning his prized ship in a sabacc match. As they pass two droids engaged in combat, they discover Lando immersed in a sabacc game with various alien individuals. Disregarding the counsel of Qi'ra and Chewbacca, Han decides to challenge Lando in a sabacc game, with the intent of seizing his ship.

Securing victory in the initial round, Han amasses a sum of credits. Simultaneously, as Han and Lando engage in their game, the Cloud-Rider Weazel is discreetly observing their actions. Han then commits to a second round, wagering for Lando's ship, rumored to be the swiftest in the galaxy. However, Lando employs a cunning trick to emerge victorious. Following the game, Lando engages in a conversation with Qi'ra, who conveys their need for a ship capable of undertaking the Kessel Run. Beckett successfully persuades Calrissian to participate in the mission in return for a 25 percent share of the earnings. During a discussion with Calrissian, Beckett recalls eliminating the bounty hunter Aurra Sing during a previous conflict.

Han and his crew also encounter Lando's droid co-pilot, L3-37, programmed with female characteristics and a fervent advocate for droid rights. L3-37 voices her disapproval of the droid fighting pits at the Lodge and instigates a confrontation with the owner, Ralakili, who opposes her attempts to halt the droid fights. L3-37 nearly suffocates Ralakili, but Lando intervenes and persuades her to release him. Despite L3-37's reservations about the new addition to the team, Lando and the others commence their journey to Lando's ship, which is currently impounded.

After L3-37 creates an opening in the barrier, Lando unveils his ship, the Millennium Falcon, to Han and his companions. Lando has enhanced the ship, incorporating features such as an escape pod and a refreshment area. Beckett consents to deactivate the gravity lock in exchange for a five percent reduction in Lando's share, bringing it down to 20 percent. Lando reluctantly agrees to Beckett's proposition. As the Falcon departs, Weazel informs Enfys Nest that they have attached a homing beacon to the ship. Enfys speculates that should they survive, they will bring the desired payment directly to them.

Journey to Kessel

During their voyage on the Falcon, Han informs Lando that he recognizes the ship as a YT-1300 light freighter due to his father's employment at a CEC facility before his termination. Solo's father had aspirations of becoming a pilot and contributed to the ship's construction. Lando responds by mentioning that his mother was the "most extraordinary woman" he had ever encountered. L3-37 then enters and requests Solo to vacate the co-pilot seat. She programs a hyperspace route to Kessel, and they initiate lightspeed travel. Lando clarifies that they must navigate through the Akkadese Maelstrom to reach Kessel.

In the meantime, Beckett is engaged in a game of dejarik with Chewbacca. Beckett strategically removes one of Chewbacca's pieces, provoking the Wookiee's anger, leading him to strike the hologram set with his fists. Beckett instructs Chewbacca on the importance of strategic foresight. Han inquires about Qi'ra's whereabouts, but Beckett responds that people are predictable. Han then proceeds to Qi'ra's quarters, where she is trying on a blue cape. Qi'ra questions Han about his strategy for Kessel. He expresses a desire to ask her about her experiences after their separation on Corellia, but Qi'ra shows no interest.

Han shares a passionate kiss with Qi'ra, and they embrace. Beckett interrupts them, reminding them of the tasks at hand. In a private conversation, Beckett cautions Han that he is making a significant error by trusting Qi'ra. He suggests that Han and Chewbacca would form an effective team but expresses distrust towards Qi'ra. Beckett advises Han to trust no one and to anticipate betrayal from everyone. Han views this as a solitary way to live, but Beckett asserts that it is the only viable approach.

Lando and L3-37 guide the Falcon out of hyperspace, arriving at the edge of the Akkadese Maelstrom. Lando goes to inspect the "damps" and asks if L3-37 requires anything. She responds sarcastically with "equal rights" as the ship proceeds through the tumultuous region. When Qi'ra enters the cockpit, L3-37 explains that the sounds are a result of carbonbergs, planet-sized objects colliding with each other. She cautions that it is perilous for ships to traverse the Maelstrom. L3-37 questions Qi'ra about her intentions and notices the mark on her hand. When L3-37 suggests that Han is in love with Qi'ra, she denies it, but L3-37 reveals that Lando is enamored with her, although she does not reciprocate the same feelings for her master.

Entering Kessel

As they get closer to Kessel, Beckett outlines the strategy for reaching the thermal vault where the coaxium is stored. He emphasizes that everyone must adhere to the plan. The Falcon lands in a clearing near the mine's entrance, where they are met by several Pykes, including Capo Quay Tolsite. Qira' takes on the role of Oksana Floren, a slaver and Deputy Assistant to the Vice Admiral of the Federation of Trade Route Allocation and Monetization. Han and Chewbacca pose as slaves, while Beckett acts as a "security attaché" wearing a helmet. L3-37 is disguised as a servant droid.

"Floren" meets with Capo Tolsite and offers to exchange the Federation's slaves for the Pyke Syndicate's spice. One of the Pyke sentinels forces Chewbacca and Han Solo to kneel with a pike and examines them. Tolsite orders Han and Chewbacca to be clipped. Before departing, Qi'ra punches Han in the stomach but secretly gives him his lucky charm. Qi'ra, L3-37, and Beckett accompany the Pykes into Tolsite's control room, while Han and Chewie are escorted into the mines. L3-37 translates for Tolsite, who is unable to speak Galactic Basic.

Qi'ra watches with concern on the surveillance cameras as Han and Chewie are assaulted by their Pyke captors. Tolsite insists that "Floren's" "security attache" wait outside his office. While Tolsite is distracted, Han and Chewie overpower their guards as the camera feed cuts out. Han knocks out his guard, but Chewie ends up tearing off the arms of his captors. Back in the control room, Beckett deceives two guards into holding his pike and then shoots them. While Beckett eliminates the remaining guards, Qi'ra defeats and kills Tolsite using the martial arts Teräs Käsi, which Dryden taught her. L3-37 is impressed with Qi'ra's combat skills.

The Heist and the slave revolt

Within the mines, Han and Chewbacca, in disguise, blend in with the slaves and guards. L3-37 communicates with the WDD adminmech DD-BD and frees him from his restraining bolt. She encourages him to liberate his droid companions while she directs Han and Chewbacca to the thermal vault. The freed droids release the slaves from their remotely controlled restraints and chains, sparking a droid and slave rebellion within the mines. As they approach the vaults, Chewbacca detaches to free a Wookiee slave named Sagwa. Han hands Chewie a pike, which he uses to attack the Pyke guards assaulting Sagwa.

Following Beckett's instructions, Han reaches the vault and subdues the guard. After L3-37 unlocks the vault, Han steals 12 unrefined coaxium canisters. Meanwhile, Lando reflects on the fifth chapter of the Calrissian Chronicles, which recounts his encounter with the Sharu. Lando is distracted by the commotion caused by the uprising, and L3-37 informs him that she has discovered her true purpose. Han struggles to push a sled carrying the canisters but is spotted by the Pyke guards. Chewbacca intervenes and eliminates the guards with his pike. Sagwa and Chewie assist Han in pushing out the canisters.

Lando exits the Millennium Falcon to join the battle as Han and the rest of the team fight their way out with the liberated slaves and droids. Han and Lando shoot several Pyke sentries. Beckett and Qi'ra exit the mines. L3-37 cheers. While Chewbacca and Sagwa load the coaxium canisters aboard the Falcon, Han and the others exchange fire with Pyke sentries, who have brought a sonic cannon. Before they can escape, L3 is fatally wounded by gunfire. A grieving Lando rushes to the aid of the dying L3-37, who succumbs to system failure. Lando is injured, and Han comes to his aid, driving the sentries away.

A slave named Tak guides the slaves to safety. Chewbacca embraces Sagwa before departing with Han and Lando. Chewbacca carries a wounded Lando aboard the Falcon, while Qi'ra destroys the Pyks' sonic cannon with a grenade, causing an explosion. While a distressed Lando cradles a disintegrating L3, Beckett instructs Han to get them out of Kessel. Han pilots the Falcon out of the mine and into the skies of Kessel. While Lando mourns the loss of L3-37, Qi'ra volunteers as Han's co-pilot. They are joined by Chewbacca, while Beckett secures the hidden storage compartment containing the coaxium.

Achieving the Kessel Run

As they depart Kessel and navigate through the Maelstrom, Lando cautions them that they must act quickly due to the volatile nature of the unrefined coaxium. The Falcon abruptly stops when they see an Imperial Star Destroyer blocking the Maelstrom's exit, having arrived in response to the rebellion on Kessel. Lando suggests abandoning the shipment, but Qi'ra warns that Dryden will kill them if they fail. Seeking to recover the Falcon's stolen coaxium cargo, the Star Destroyer launches several TIE fighters and heavy fighters to pursue the freighter.

Han pilots the Falcon away from the Star Destroyer, and the Imperial TIE fighters give chase. Due to the highly volatile nature of the unrefined coaxium, Lando estimates that completing the Kessel Run is impossible before the fuel detonates, as the conventional route has never been completed in less than twenty parsecs. Han proposes taking a shortcut through the maelstrom, which Lando considers suicidal. Han persuades Lando to upload L3's neural cords, which contain her navigational data, into the Falcon's systems.

Han guides the Falcon and its TIE pursuers through the perilous storm clouds of the Maelstrom, while Beckett operates the ship's ventral laser cannon, destroying two TIE fighters. However, a third fighter manages to evade Beckett's laser cannon and damages the top of the Falcon's hull, causing Lando to fall. Han rolls the Falcon, colliding with the TIE fighter and sending it into an asteroid. More TIE fighters continue the pursuit, prompting Han to state that they need to divert power to the rear shield generator. Chewbacca complies, prompting Han to ask when he learned to fly. Chewbacca responds that he is 190 years old.

Qi'ra checks on Lando in the passenger area and uses one of his red capes to extinguish a fire, despite his protests. A TIE fighter manages to shoot the Falcon's rear ventral cannon, causing it to break off. Han flies the Falcon deeper into the Maelstrom, with the TIE fighters in pursuit.

Mimicking a maneuver from a Corellian street racer, Han instructs Chewbacca to deploy the landing gear as the Falcon scrapes against the surface of an asteroid. The landing gear is nearly sheared off but dislodges rocks and debris, one of which breaches the TIE fighter's cockpit. Han then takes the Falcon deeper into the Maelstrom. Meanwhile, Lando and Qi'ra manage to retrieve L3's internal processor. Beckett observes the coaxium vials becoming more unstable and alerts the others. Lando and Qi'ra manage to install L3's processor into the Falcon's systems.

As they reach the Maw Cluster, L3 constructs a model of the Maelstrom and warns them that they are approaching a massive summa-verminoth. Encountering the monster, the crew attempts to escape, only to find themselves at a large gravity well that Lando identifies as the Maw. Thinking quickly, Han ejects the Falcon's escape pod into the well for the summa-verminoth to follow, and the beast takes the bait. Guiding the ship's systems, L3 finds an exit 90 degrees to the left.

However, the Falcon is trapped in the gravity well. Qi'ra and Lando convince the rest of the team to inject a drop of coaxium into the fusion core to provide the necessary boost to escape the gravity well. Executing their plan, Beckett retrieves a drop of coaxium. Meanwhile, the summa-verminoth is pulled into the Maw and destroyed. At Solo's command, Beckett boosts the ship's fusion core with a drop of coaxium, which briefly supercharges the engines. Despite an initial failure, the hyperdrive activates, and the Falcon jumps into lightspeed before the Maelstrom closes in.

Arrival on Savareen

After completing the Kessel Run, Solo and his companions arrive on the planet Savareen to meet with Vos. As the Falcon approaches the Bis Refinery, Solo contacts the air traffic controller Dhowar Repareed, informing him that he is arriving with a cargo of coaxium that requires immediate unloading. The damaged Falcon circles the coastal refinery before landing on a landing pad, listing due to its damaged landing gear.

As the coaxium is unloaded, Solo jokes that he completed the Kessel Run in just twelve parsecs with some generous rounding. Han puts his arm around an unamused Lando, who is grieving over the loss of L-3 and is furious about the damage to his ship. He tells Han that he will be waiting aboard in his quarters for his share of the money and vows never to see him again.

Han finds Qi'ra at a bar in the nearby Pnakotic Coast village and asks when Vos is arriving. Qi'ra assures him that he will be paid for completing his job. When Solo asks Qi'ra about her servitude to Dryden, she explains that the crime lord helped her out of a "bad" situation. He asks how long it will take her to pay off her debt. Qi'ra warns him that everyone, including Vos, serves someone and that he should not make an enemy of Dryden Vos. Han says he can take care of himself and is no longer the "kid" she knew on Corellia. When Qi'ra asks who he is, Han says he is an outlaw. She tells him she is the only person in the galaxy who knows that he is a good guy. Han disagrees and says he is a terrible person. Beckett reminds the two about the coaxium.

Confrontation with the Cloud-Riders

While walking through the village, Han and his companions notice that much of it is in ruins and that the inhabitants are impoverished. While visiting a bar run by Kenholdt Ransard, the group are surrounded by Enfys Nest and her Cloud-Riders. Han tries to lift his blaster out of his holster, but Beckett advises him not to. Solo attempts to intimidate the Cloud-Riders by claiming to have a complement of armed mercenaries aboard the Millennium Falcon. However, Lando takes off aboard the Falcon, abandoning Han and his companions.

Beckett claims that Crimson Dawn will arrive before the coaxium has been refined and dares them to kill them. Qi'ra proposes a compromise, but Beckett dismisses the Cloud-Riders as marauders who only know how to kill. However, Enfys Nest steps forward to face Beckett and removes her mask, revealing herself as a young human girl. She walks past a shocked Beckett and tells them that she needs a drink.

Inside the bar, Enfys tells Han and his companions how the Crimson Dawn originated from a band of mercenaries who plundered a planet. When the inhabitants rebelled, the mercenaries responded by cutting off the tongues of every last man, woman, and child. Enfys explains that she and the Cloud-Riders are from populations who have been terrorized by the Crimson Dawn and the other Five Crime Syndicates. She warns Han and his companions that the Crimson Dawn will use the stolen coaxium to plunder more systems. When Han asks what the Cloud-Riders will use the coaxium for, she tells them that they need the coaxium for their rebel cause.

Sympathetic to the Cloud-Riders' cause and plight, Solo tells Beckett that they cannot give the coaxium to Dryden Vos. Beckett doesn't care and asks Solo if he has a plan. Solo says he has a plan to get their money without giving up the coaxium. Beckett warns that Dryden has a private army and suggests an alternative plan. From a distance, Enfys asks what Solo and Beckett are discussing, and Qi'ra says he is going to help them. After their meeting, Beckett invites Solo to come with him, but Han declines the offer. Before leaving, Beckett tells Han that he is going to Tatooine, where a big-shot gangster is recruiting a crew for a job. Beckett sees it as an opportunity to pay off his debts.

Beckett's deception

When Dryden Vos arrives on his yacht First Light near the Pnakotic Coast, Han, along with Qi'ra and Chewbacca, go to deliver the purportedly "fake" coaxium canisters to the Crimson Dawn crime lord. Upon entering the ship, a masked guard welcomes Qi'ra home and informs her that Vos is awaiting them. When he inquires about Han and Chewie's weapons, Qi'ra vouches for them. The trio ascend the turbolift. Han is confident of success, but Qi'ra says that survival is more important than winning.

Upon reaching Vos' living room, they are greeted by Vos, who appears pleased with their plan. Qi'ra claims that Beckett did not survive, while Han claims that Beckett died saving his life on Kessel. Vos expresses admiration for Beckett's principles and thanks Han and his team for following his example. Qi'ra claims that Han and Chewbacca would make good mercenaries with their own ship. Vos is pleased that his top lieutenant, Qi'ra, survived.

When Han requests payment, Vos asks to see the coaxium. Han opens the storage vial and presents a sample of the processed coaxium. When Vos asks to see one of the canisters, Han claims it is volatile but complies when Vos insists. Vos surprises Solo's team by announcing that the coaxium is fake and reveals that he is aware of Han's plan to sell the real shipment to the Cloud-Riders. Han suspects Qi'ra betrayed him, but Vos responds that Qi'ra has a soft spot for Solo.

Vos then reveals his "inside man" as Beckett, who enters the living room. After "apologizing" to Han, Beckett reminds him of his "lesson" not to trust anyone. Beckett orders Han to surrender while a guard checks the lid. A defiant Han responds that it is too late because Enfys Nest has it. Beckett responds that they had anticipated that, as Captain Aemon Gremm and his Hylobon Enforcers assault the nearby village, capture the masked "Cloud-Riders", and seize the coaxium containers. Vos asks Qi'ra what to do with the "traitor" Han. Qi'ra responds that she would want to know why and to prove their loyalty by sacrificing something they loved.

Han's "deceptive maneuvers"

One of Vos' guards raises a sword. Beckett says that he tried to warn Han about her. However, Han responds that he was paying attention to Beckett's advice and knows that people are predictable. Meanwhile, the Hylobon Enforcers discover that the coaxium containers are empty and that the "Cloud-Riders" are villagers serving as decoys. The real Cloud-Riders, including Enfys Nest and Auromae Iselo, emerge from hiding and ambush Vos' Enforcers. One fires a rocket launcher at the enforcers, disorienting them. The Cloud-Riders disarm and subdue Aemon and his enforcers.

Back aboard the First Light, Han mockingly asks Vos if he sent all his enforcers. Beckett realizes that the real coaxium is with Solo. Abandoning Vos, Beckett shoots the two remaining guards and forces Han at gunpoint to load the coaxium into the case. He also takes Chewbacca hostage and leaves with the coaxium containers. A furious Vos warns Beckett that he is making a big mistake, but the criminal ignores him before traveling down the turbolift with Chewie and the coaxium.

Once Beckett has left, Han grabs his blaster and fires at Vos, who retrieves a pair of custom Kyuzo petars. Vos attacks Han with his Kyuzo petars and manages to knock the blaster out of his hand. Vos chases Han around the room, hurling his daggers. While Han is distracted with Vos, Qi'ra draws a sword and manages to pin Solo to the ground, knocking the blaster out of his hand. Qi'ra apologizes, while Vos says that Qi'ra is loyal to Crimson Dawn.

However, Qi'ra quickly reveals that it was a ruse and strikes the unsuspecting Vos with her weapon. Vos fights back with his Kyuzo petars, but Qi'ra gains the upper hand and kills him by slashing him in the chest. Qi'ra tells Han to go after Chewbacca and Beckett, telling him that if they give their coaxium to Enfys, they will need something else to buy a new ship. Before parting company, Qi'ra embraces Han and reminds him to look after Chewbacca and to smile. She tells him that she is right behind him.

Divergent destinies

After Han's departure, Qi'ra takes possession of Dryden Vos' signet ring and secures the living quarters with it. Now alone on Vos' vessel, Qi'ra makes contact with Vos' superior, who is revealed to be Maul, the former Sith apprentice. She informs him about the failed coaxium mission, assumes Vos' position, and carefully avoids mentioning Han's involvement, instead placing the blame squarely on Beckett. She alleges that Beckett made off with the coaxium shipment. The Force is used by Maul to summon his lightsaber. He then commands Qi'ra to bring the yacht to the planet Dathomir, informing her that their collaboration will become much closer in the times ahead.

Simultaneously, Han finds Beckett and Chewbacca along the Pnakotic Coast. Beckett comments on Han's persistence, while Han tells Chewie that he arrived as quickly as possible. Han verifies Dryden's death and confirms that Qi'ra was the killer. Beckett states that Han still doesn't realize that Qi'ra is a survivor. Han retorts that Beckett's problem is that he believes everyone is like him. Beckett counters that Han is not like him. He attempts to deceive Han into relaxing his guard by offering to share a secret while simultaneously reaching for his blaster.

Before Beckett can fire, Han shoots first, delivering a fatal blow to the gangster. Han assists the dying Beckett, who commends Han for his swift thinking, acknowledging that he would have killed him if Han hadn't reacted. Beckett praises Han's bravery on Vandor before his final breath. Han observes Qi'ra leaving on the yacht First Light, having provided Solo with a clean break from his obligations to the Crimson Dawn. Qi'ra observes Han and Chewbacca from the viewport. Chewie places a reassuring hand on Han.

Following the demise of Vos and Beckett, Han and Chewbacca deliver the refined coaxium to Nest. Nest reveals her intentions to utilize the coaxium, valued at 60 million credits, to support the rebellion against the Empire. She extends an invitation for Han to join her, which he declines. Nest responds by suggesting that he may eventually become more sympathetic to the rebels' cause. As a token of gratitude for his assistance, Nest provides Solo with a vial of coaxium, enough to acquire a ship for himself.

A Second Game with Lando Calrissian

In another location, Han and Chewbacca soon locate Lando at a jungle outpost situated on Numidian Prime. Lando is entertaining patrons with stories of his exploits in StarCave Nebula. Han scolds Lando for abandoning them on Savareen before embracing him. When Lando requests his share of the profits, Han responds that he won't receive any since they barely survived their previous adventure. After some friendly banter, Han once again challenges Lando to a sabacc game for ownership of the Falcon. Han had previously discreetly taken the cards Lando had hidden in his sleeve, preventing Lando from cheating, which allowed Han to win the game.

After obtaining the Falcon, Han informs Chewbacca that he intends to travel to Tatooine, where Beckett had mentioned that a gangster is establishing an organization. The Falcon then initiates a jump to hyperspace.

How it Was Made

Initial Ideas

The initial concept of a live-action portrayal of a young Han Solo emerged during the preliminary stages of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith. Writer and director George Lucas envisioned Solo as a child on Kashyyyk, with Chewbacca acting as a father figure to the young boy. Solo would have been present during the Battle of Kashyyyk and would have encountered Yoda, assisting the Jedi Master in discovering fragments of a droid that could have aided Yoda in determining the location of General Grievous. Concept art created by Iain McCaig depicted the young Solo as unkempt, contrasting with the character's later fastidiousness. "He's such a persnickety guy later — he always has to have the best of everything," McCaig stated in The Art of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, "so I thought it'd be great if when he was a kid, he was an absolute slob." These concepts were never developed beyond the initial planning stages, and Solo did not appear in Revenge of the Sith—although Chewbacca did make a cameo appearance during the battle.

Following the release of Revenge of the Sith, Lucas began to develop a live-action television series titled Star Wars: Underworld, which was set between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. This unproduced series, which would have explored elements of the criminal underworld, might have included aspects of Solo's early life. According to Stephen Scaia, the show's writers devised a story about how Solo first encountered Chewbacca. Another narrative would have explored Solo's initial meeting with Lando Calrissian, who was first introduced in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back.

Early Stages

The concept of a young Han Solo film began to take shape in the period leading up to The Walt Disney Company's acquisition of Lucasfilm. In October 2012, as Lucas prepared to sell his company, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy contacted Lawrence Kasdan, the writer of The Empire Strikes Back and co-writer of Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, and invited him to meet with her and Lucas to discuss potential new films in the franchise. Kasdan recounted that Lucas had already formulated some fundamental ideas for the sequel trilogy and had also conceived the idea of stand-alone films. One of these films would focus on a young Han Solo, prior to the events of A New Hope. Kasdan was initially reluctant to participate in the new films, but he decided to work on the Han Solo movie because Solo was his favorite character. He presented his idea to Bob Iger by describing the scene in which Han receives his last name.

After accepting the assignment, Kasdan was also asked to assist in developing what would eventually become Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens. After completing his work on that film, Kasdan felt creatively depleted, so he enlisted his son Jon to help develop the Han Solo film. The Kasdans collaborated on the script for nine months, drawing inspiration from Treasure Island, Heat, Unforgiven, and various films by the Coen brothers. At the suggestion of the elder Kasdan, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were hired to direct. Lord and Miller auditioned thousands of actors for the role, including Harrison Ford impressionist Anthony Ingruber. They ultimately selected Alden Ehrenreich, who was the first person to audition. According to Miller, they sought not an imitation of Ford, but "someone who could evoke the spirit of the iconic performance we all remember while bringing something new and fresh." Ehrenreich's casting was officially announced during Celebration Europe. He (and later, Ron Howard) met with Harrison Ford to discuss the character, and Lucasfilm provided Ford with a copy of the script for his approval. Once Ehrenreich was cast, certain portions of the script were revised to better suit his voice; the final script also incorporated contributions from Lord, Miller, and Howard. As Jon Kasdan told SFX magazine, "I think ultimately the movie that you'll see is truly a product of the five of us all coming together in this weird way to tell this story."

How it Was Filmed

Principal photography commenced in January 2017, under the working title of Star Wars: Red Cup. In addition to Pinewood Studios, filming took place in Fuerteventura, Spain, the Dolomites in Italy, and at a secret location near London. One of the three prizes in the 2017 Force for Change fundraiser was a role in the film.

On June 20, 2017, Lucasfilm announced that Lord and Miller were leaving the project due to differences in creative vision, and that a new director would be named shortly. Entertainment Weekly reported that Lord and Miller favored an improvisational approach on set, which Lucasfilm insiders felt was moving the film away from the vision that the Kasdans had crafted in their script, ultimately altering the story significantly. Lucasfilm believed that these perceived issues could be resolved during reshoots, but Lord and Miller were reportedly unwilling to substantially change their approach to the film. Consequently, Kennedy decided to remove Lord and Miller from the production. Co-writer Lawrence Kasadan later attributed the issue to tone: "You can have fun with the tone but you never make fun of the tone, in my world."

On June 22, Lucasfilm announced that Ron Howard would assume directorial responsibilities for the film. Howard had previously worked on three Lucasfilm projects: 1973's American Graffiti, 1979's More American Graffiti, and 1988's Willow (which starred Star Wars veteran Warwick Davis, who also appeared in Solo). Following the announcement, Howard expressed his lifelong fandom of Star Wars and stated that he was "gratified to be asked to lend my voice to the [Star Wars] universe." Michael Kenneth Williams was initially cast in the film but was unavailable for the reshoots, so he was replaced by Paul Bettany. George Lucas visited the set at one point and assisted in directing a scene. On October 17, Howard confirmed that production had concluded, and he officially revealed that the film's title would be Solo: A Star Wars Story. By March 30, 2018, the editing and score were finalized, and post-production concluded by April 22. John Powell composed the film's musical score, and John Williams contributed a new theme.

Marketing and Release ‡

How They Sold It

A TV spot was broadcast during Super Bowl LII, followed by a full teaser trailer the following day and the release of a series of character-themed teaser posters. A theatrical trailer and poster were released on April 8, with the former premiering during American Idol. Pre-sale tickets became available starting on May 3, and sales ranked second only to Infinity War among 2018 releases. The film had its world premiere on May 10, and was shown at the Cannes Film Festival on May 15. It was widely released on May 25 (the 41st anniversary of the release of A New Hope, in which Harrison Ford first played Han Solo).

The film was featured in the February and April 2018 editions of Entertainment Weekly, the 300th edition of SFX, and the June 2018 edition of Empire. The cast and crew made numerous media appearances to promote the film, including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Good Morning America, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Donald Glover hosted the May 5 episode of Saturday Night Live. Various cast and crew members participated in Q&A sessions on Twitter, Facebook, and Tumblr.

What People Thought

Solo opened with $103 million in North America and $68.2 million in international markets. Disney Chairman Alan Horn commented on the film's performance: "It's always a challenge because — and I say this with love and respect for media — the thing about these big movies is they get a lot of attention, whether positive or negative. So when they don't work, like Solo, the media says it's a failure. I think it was a pretty good movie. It didn't resonate as much as we'd hoped it would, but the press writes it up in a more negative way than I would."

The film received an Oscar nomination for "Best Visual Effects," and a Saturn nomination for "Best Science Fiction Film Release."

Related Products

Lucasfilm made Solo licensing agreements with Denny's, Esurance, General Mills, Nissan, Solo Cup Company, and Symantec. Denny's ran a commercial featuring props, characters, and a set from the film. The French car company Renault also broadcast an ad showcasing the film's train sequence. The Solo merchandise line was launched in stores on April 13. The video games Star Wars Battlefront II, Star Wars: Commander, Star Wars: Force Arena, Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, Star Wars Pinball, and Minecraft were updated with Solo-related content. Several LEGO sets were released as part of LEGO's overall LEGO Star Wars line, creating the LEGO Star Wars Solo subtheme.

Tie-in stories to Solo included the novel Last Shot by Daniel José Older, the comic Star Wars: Lando - Double or Nothing, and the novel Most Wanted, which takes place during Han and Qi'ra's time on Corellia and establishes their desire to escape. On the same day as the film's release, Solo: A Star Wars Story The Official Guide by Pablo Hidalgo was released, identifying many of the film's background elements and characters. Other reference materials released to promote the film included The Official Movie Guide, Entertainment Weekly's The Ultimate Guide to Han Solo, Solo: A Star Wars Story Ultimate Sticker Collection, and Star Wars Insider's "Soldiers of the Empire" article. The book The Art of Solo: A Star Wars Story detailed the film's development from a concept art perspective. Solo: A Star Wars Story: The Ultimate Guide was later released as another behind-the-scenes text.

Legal Issues

The release of the initial teaser posters led to a complaint from a French artist named Hachim Bahous. Bahous claimed that the poster design was a copy of a series of covers he designed for Sony Music for French album releases. A comparison showed that the posters and covers had nearly identical coloration for both the background and character/album names, as well as a similar font. On April 23, Ren Ventures, which owns the trademark for the card game Sabacc, filed a lawsuit against Lucasfilm and Denny's Star Wars card game after Sabacc was featured in promotion for the film.

When You Could Watch it At Home

Solo was made available on digital streaming platforms on September 14, and on physical media and on-demand services on September 25.

Additional Content:

• Solo: The Director & Cast Roundtable — Engage with director Ron Howard and the cast as they have an intimate and entertaining discussion about the film's production.
• Team Chewie — See what goes into bringing your favorite Wookiee to life in this lighthearted behind-the-scenes look.
• Kasdan on Kasdan — Legendary Star Wars screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jonathan share their experience of writing the movie's script together.
• Remaking the Millennium Falcon — Follow the transformation of the galaxy's most famous ship, from Lando's elegant and pristine pride and joy to Han's stripped-down, customized freighter.
• Escape from Corellia — Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this high-speed chase through the streets of Corellia.
• The Train Heist — Explore the challenges and excitement of creating this action-packed sequence, including its remote location and impressive effects.
• Becoming a Droid: L3-37 — Meet the newest droid and the talented actor who helps bring her to life.
• Scoundrels, Droids, Creatures and Cards: Welcome to Fort Ypso — Take an in-depth tour of the lively bar where strangers mingle and gamblers risk everything in the legendary card game, Sabacc.
• Into the Maelstrom: The Kessel Run — Join Han and Chewie in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon to see how this iconic moment in Star Wars history unfolds.
• The Millennium Falcon: From Page to Park — In an exclusive bonus feature available as a digital code with the Target release, you can get a look at the history of the most famous ship in the galaxy, its origin and development, and how it will translate in one of the most anticipated expansions in Disneyland 's history.
• Deleted Scenes: Proxima's Den, Corellian Foot Chase, Han Solo: Imperial Cadet, The Battle of Mimban: Extended, Han Versus Chewie: Extended, Snowball Fight!, Meet Dryden: Extended, Coaxium Double-Cross

On the day of the digital streaming release, co-writer Jon Kasdan posted 52 behind-the-scenes details (in lieu of an audio commentary) on his Twitter account. He later joined Ray Park and the hosts of The Star Wars Show for a Facebook live preview of the film's bonus features.

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