Here's what the cast of 'Solo: A Star Wars Story' looks like in real life

January 2024 ยท 4 minute read

"Solo: A Star Wars Story" is the latest anthology film to join the franchise and the stars hit the red carpet Thursday night in Los Angeles.

The film follows a young Han Solo in his early smuggling days and features young versions of other icons including Chewie and Lando. Early reviews are surprisingly good, with many critics calling the movie "fun" and a "delight." 

"Solo" hits theaters May 25. 

See what the cast looks like in real life.

Alden Ehrenreich steps into iconic shoes to play a young Han Solo.

He is a smuggler. Walt Disney

Ehrenreich met with Harrison Ford, who originated the role, to learn some valuable lessons.

"Tell them I told you everything you needed to know, and that you can't tell anyone," was one piece of advice Ford shared with Ehrenreich, the new Han Solo actor told Entertainment Weekly. 

Ehrenreich looked dashing in blue on the red carpet.

Alden Ehrenreich at the "Solo" premiere. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

He is best known for his role in the Coen brothers' "Hail, Caesar!"

Woody Harrelson introduces Tobias Beckett, a criminal and Han's mentor, to the "Star Wars" universe.

He brings a band of smugglers together. Walt Disney

"He is a very tough criminal," screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan told Entertainment Weekly of the new character. "And, as you might think with Woody, who has enormous humanity, it's not just that."

Harrelson wore a gray jacket to the premiere.

Woody Harrelson at the "Solo" premiere. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

His career took off after he starred on "Cheers." 

Emilia Clarke brings Qi'ra, another criminal and friend of Han's.

She is full of secrets. Walt Disney

Clarke told Entertainment Weekly that her character grew up with Han.

"They grew up as pals, as partners in crime," she said. "There is obviously the romantic side of things. But they grew up together. So they were kids together."

Emilia Clarke wore a beautiful red, floral dress to the premiere and had her hair blonde.

Emilia Clarke at the premiere. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

She is best known for HBO's "Game of Thrones." 

Donald Glover transformed into the iconic Lando Calrissian.

He is another smuggler. Disney

Glover met with Billy Dee Williams, who played the original Lando, to discuss the role.

"I mean, I had a lot of questions," Glover told Entertainment Weekly. "And then he just told me, just be charming. And so, I was like, 'OK!' I just kind of did that."

Donald Glover was dapper in an all-red suit.

He had fun on the red carpet premiere. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

A busy man, Glover makes music under the name Childish Gambino and created and stars on FX's "Atlanta."

Thandie Newton plays Val, a member of Tobias' team.

She is good with a blaster. Walt Disney

Her role has been mostly kept under wraps. 

Her black gown was out of this world.

Thandie Newton at the "Solo" premiere. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

She is currently on HBO's "Westworld." 

Phoebe Waller-Bridge is a new droid, L3-37.

The droid joins many other iconic ones. Walt Disney

The droid is a companion to Lando and cares about droid rights. 

Waller-Bridge wore a simple, sparkly gown and looked stunning.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge at the premiere. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

She stars on BBC and Amazon comedy "Fleabag." 

Joonas Suotamo reprises his role as the iconic Wookiee Chewbacca.

He is always found with Han. Walt Disney

Suotamo first stood-in for Peter Mayhew in the role for some scenes in "The Force Awakens." 

Suotamo wore a blue suit to the premiere.

Joonas Suotamo at the "Solo" premiere. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

He is a former Finnish basketball player

Paul Bettany acts as Dryden Vos, the leader of a criminal organization known as Crimson Dawn.

He lives a wealthy lifestyle. Walt Disney

Dryden is described as "ruthless." 

Bettany was handsome in a traditional suit and glasses at the premiere.

Paul Bettany at the premiere. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

He plays Vision in the Marvel "Avenger" movies and was recently in "Avengers: Infinity War." 

Jon Favreau voices the alien Rio Durant.

He is an important alien. Walt Disney

He is a pilot and works alongside Tobias. 

Favreau wore a tan suit.

Jon Favraeu at the premiere. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

He directed "Iron Man" and "Iron Man 2." 

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