It’s only been five months since the galaxy far, far away descended on theaters with The Last Jedi, a film that divided Star Wars fans after it gave us an older, more cynical Luke Skywalker. But if some didn’t like seeing their hero in a different light, how will they respond to seeing a younger, less experienced version of another beloved figure from the original trilogy, this time played by an entirely different actor? Based on the first reactions to Solo‘s world premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, the movie might be able to start healing the rift among fans.
Issues during production, most notably that Ron Howard reshot a majority of the movie after replacing original directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord who left over “creative differences,” had plenty of Star Wars fans wondering whether or not Lucasfilm should delay the release. But it sounds like those worries were much ado about nothing.
Here’s what the Nerdist team thought:
https://twitter.com/michelledeidre/status/994803919317553154
#Solo was fantastic. Rock solid, straight-down-the-middle #StarWars movie. If you’re looking for a palette cleanser after #TheLastJedi, this is it!! pic.twitter.com/2Qjbk4UWcQ
— Jesse B. Gill (@jessebgill) May 11, 2018
SOLO was SO much better than I was expecting! It balanced fan service w/ meaningful storytelling, and it’s an absolute blast. Full of Easter eggs & deep cut references. The cast oozed charisma, especially Donald Glover as Lando & Phoebe Waller-Bridge as L3-37. #HanSolo #StarWars pic.twitter.com/xzXNWleU15
— Dan Casey (@DanCasey) May 11, 2018
Pleasantly surprised by #SOLO! A cute, fun, stylish #StarWars adventure. Would absolutely watch more Han and Chewie, which is not what I expected going into this AT ALL. Excited to see it again. pic.twitter.com/rpwaZCNevC
— Rachel Heine ✨ (@RachelHeine) May 11, 2018
But we weren’t the only ones who left the theater happy.
#Solo was a blast. The Kasdans nail the character of Han Solo. Yes, the story is a series of expected events (Han meets chewie….etc) but none of them happen as expected. Stay away from spoilers, big Marvel-level shit that will make you wonder where Lucasfilm is headed next.
— /Film (@slashfilm) May 11, 2018
#SoloAStarWarsStory is reaaaaalllly good. Fun as hell. It’s a straight intergalactic heist movie, kind of refreshing to see a Star Wars movie w/o a Death Star or the rebellion’s fate at stake. Alden Ehrenreich is super impressive as Han, but L3 might be my favorite new character.
— Kevin Polowy (@djkevlar) May 11, 2018
#Solo is afun! I was pleasantly surprised that it worked as well as it did given all the behind the scenes drama & retooling. Charming cast, fun action, good jokes, good fan service but still does its own thing. #StarWars will be fine.
— Jim Vejvoda (@JimVejvoda) May 11, 2018
#Solo is a ton of fun! Alden Ehrenreich is full of charm and definitely does right by Harrison Ford. Not to mention Donald Glover, who's equally great as Lando.
Don't let the drama and rumors fool you, this is a seriously fun, exciting addition to the Star Wars universe!
— Tom Jorgensen (@Tom_Jorgensen) May 11, 2018
I really dug #SoloAStarWarsStory! I woke up this morning questioning whether I was excited for this movie and walked out ready to see Han’s next adventure on this path. It’s a super solid movie and feels true to what makes #StarWars fun.
— Terri Schwartz (@Terri_Schwartz) May 11, 2018
Solo: A Star Wars Story is more of what I loved about Rogue One. Most real looking film in the franchise, and the best blaster actions scenes and vehicle chases. #SoloAStarWarsStory
— Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) May 11, 2018
Wow. Just come out of #SoloAStarWarsStory and can confirm it’s kinda a blast. @donaldglover was as perfect as expected, but Alden Ehrenreich has swagger to match, and spare.
— Joel Meares (@joelmeares) May 11, 2018
So, I was REALLY worried about #SoloAStarWarsStory but those concerns are totally laid to rest. A movie for fans AND those totally fresh to the Star Wars franchise. Heart, humor and a Falcon full of top notch action. From a worry to a favorite. Very, very happy! pic.twitter.com/VhvBSDFvjE
— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) May 11, 2018
Alden Ehrenreich is the real deal, Thandie Newton is who I want to be when I grow up, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s L3… well we’ll talk about that later. 😃 #SoloAStarWarsStory
— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) May 11, 2018
WOW! #SoloAStarWarsStory! I felt like I was watching a @StarWars movie again. So many great moments for the fans AND surprises.. I’ve got the feels after this one…MORE than #InfinityWar.
— Brian Tong (@briantong) May 11, 2018
Boom. #SoloAStarWarsStory Loved it. Stay off the internet! Avoid spoilers! Great job @RealRonHoward and cast!
— Clayton Sandell (@Clayton_Sandell) May 11, 2018
Got out of #SoloAStarWarsStory and I’m completely floored. This movie seriously holds up! I was on the edge of my seat and had so much fun watching it! Interviewing the stars of the film tomorrow, cannot wait â£ï¸ pic.twitter.com/7GAr6h2c8q
— Jacki Jing (@JackiJing) May 11, 2018
I’m a big Star Wars fan. I have big expectations. #Solo was everything I didn’t know I needed. I can’t wait to see it again when it comes out. #StarWars pic.twitter.com/IPy2NlZdos
— Justin_McFarland.psd (@YoSoySandwich) May 11, 2018
Ooo @StarWars fans you are in for a friggin TREAT w/ #Solo. Killer cast. A great adventure. So much fun. #hansolo
— Kara Warner (@karawarner) May 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/ConnerWS/status/994801048979148800
https://twitter.com/BlogXilla/status/994804477554282496
We’re not exactly surprised those in attendance loved Donald Glover’s Lando Calrissian, but some thought it took the movie some time to really hit the hyperdrive, and they also needed time to get used to seeing Alden Ehrenreich play Han.
It does take a bit to get used to Alden as Han, but after 30 minutes or so your brain adjusts. (Also I've now finally seen Clint Howard in a Star Wars movie.) #soloastarwarsstory
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) May 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/katerbland/status/994796867476250626
https://twitter.com/_MattCave/status/994798514210295808
#SoloAStarWarsStory has a bit of a rough start, but it was a blast of of an adventure. And yes, Donald Glover steals the movie! But you already knew that. pic.twitter.com/4SGiq6tDmQ
— Jenna Busch-Henderson (@JennaBusch) May 11, 2018
There’s some fun to be had with #SoloAStarWarsStory. Ehrenreich was solid and really enjoyed Glover and Waller-Bridge as L3, but not convinced we needed a young Han Solo movie. Was really hoping for higher stakes, more energy and depth.
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) May 11, 2018
The biggest downside to these reactions? The rest of us have to wait until May 25th to see Solo.
What do you think of these first reactions? Are you more excited to see it now? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Featured Image: Lucasfilm
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