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By Tufayel Ahmed
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Step aside, Harrison Ford, because a new Han Solo is commandeering the Millennium Falcon.
Disney and Lucasfilm confirmed Tuesday that production has begun on its untitled Star Wars prequel that will center on the famous smuggler.
Filming got underway at Pinewood Studios in London this week, with Hail, Caesar! actor Alden Ehrenreich stepping in to play a young Han Solo. Donald Glover will play Lando Calrissian, previously played by Billy Dee Williams in the original Star Wars movies, while Finnish actor Joonas Suotamo will play Chewbacca.
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Suotamo previously served as original Chewie, Peter Mayhew's stunt double in 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
In an Instagram post, Suotamo paid tribute to Mayhew's portrayal of Chewbacca. "Chewbacca is one of the most iconic characters in the history of film, and Peter's development and portrayal of this beloved Wookie has spread so much joy around the globe," he wrote. "Peter's guidance and kindness have been invaluable gifts, which warmed my spirit and prepared me for this journey. I aspire to make Peter proud and bring Star Wars fans the Chewie they know and love."
Here it is #chewbacca #starwars
A post shared by Joonas Suotamo (@joonassuotamo) on Feb 21, 2017 at 9:35am PST
Game of Thrones's Emilia Clarke, Westworld's Thandie Newton and comedian Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the star and creator of breakout comedy hit Fleabag, will appear in the lead female roles.
Woody Harrelson rounds out the cast.
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, best known for directing The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, will direct the spinoff, which is due in theaters in May 2018.
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