Every actor in Hollywood wants to play Han Solo in Star Wars spin-off

Disney's search for a young Han Solo has started. Casting directors for the Star Wars spin-off movie are casting a wide net in order to secure the perfect actor. According to THR, 2500 hopefuls between the ages of 18 and 32 have already auditioned for the part either in person or via video. Candidates for the role are being "whittled down" before a shortlist is submitted to the film's directors, Chris Miller and Phil Lord.

A large percentage are unknowns, hoping to catch their big break in a franchise that gave life-changing opportunities to its original cast and newcomers Daisy Ridley and John Boyega. Those contenders also include a wide range of recognisable names including Dave Franco, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chandler Riggs, Hunter Parrish, Rami Malek, Logan Lerman, Ansel Elgort, Jack Reynor and Colton Haynes. The guidelines apparently stress an actor who faintly resembles Ford, with the ability to do action scenes and a spot of comedy. None of the actors above really look similar to the Star Wars vet, so it's looking good for an unknown to swoop in and nab the role.

Lawrence Kasdan and Jon Kasdan are writing the script that's said to revolve around the Millennium Falcon pilot's early years. In particular, those life experiences, which transformed him into the roguish charmer played by Harrison Ford in the original trilogy. The untitled movie is due to open on May 25 2018.