Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for Solo
Memorial Day Weekend is already upon us and up here in the Northeastern part of the country, the warm temperatures have us all convinced the sun and the summer might be here to stay this time! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Memorial Day will be sunny and hot because I’m itching to get outside after the winter, although I’m really hoping for a dreary cold Friday on May 25th. Nothing makes me want to sit in the dark more than a rainstorm, and since I’ll be inside at my local movie theatre on Friday…let it rain! Solo: A Star Wars Story is hoping to smash the box office this coming weekend and overcome the controversies surrounding its production. I think they have a good chance at coming out on top!
Hold it…some of you haven’t seen all of the Star Wars films? Some of you haven’t seen ANY Star Wars films at all? Before you board the Millenium Falcon with a young Han Solo, you definitely need to get to know the older version of the space pirate first. Han Solo’s story in the original canon films is essential to understand before this latest film takes you back in time to his beginnings! I know you definitely want to get the most out of the screening you catch, so how should you prepare for Solo?
If You’ve Seen All of the Star Wars Films:
Order that popcorn with extra butter…you’re good to go!
If You’ve Seen None of the Star Wars Films:
No you don’t have to watch them all- let’s get that out of the way first! If you have nothing to do over the next few days, heck, sit on your couch, play the entire franchise from beginning to end, and emerge the next day exhausted, invigorated, and chock loaded with Star Wars knowledge!
If you have a job or school or other obligations, I realize that approach is not practical for you. That’s ok…here are the films you should watch to get a sense of Han’s character.
- Star Wars: A New Hope
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
- Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
Han plays a major role in The Force Awakens, though it is totally unnecessary to watch before seeing Solo (but it’s a great film to watch after!).
If You’ve Seen Some Star Wars Films:
If you’ve seen a few of the Star Wars films, you’re likely familiar with Han Solo and have a loose idea of how his story plays out. Since Disney bought the rights to the Star Wars franchise, they’ve begun to make and release a new era of films. The films definitely expand on of the world the original characters live in, the classic characters like Han and Vader aren’t featured in every film- which means you don’t have to watch them all! Since you’ve already seen some films in the franchise, I’m assuming (read: hoping) they were from the original 1970’s trilogy. Han Solo is a character in Episodes iv-vii, and his character certainly comes through in all of the films, but you can skip a few since you’re familiar with the universe. Here is what you should do to prepare yourself even further:
- Star Wars: A New Hope
- Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back
If You Have Time For Just One Film:
- Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back
I really struggled with this one since Han Solo’s character introduction in the Cantina scene in A New Hope is the best indication of his character-and it’s likely set right where the new film will leave off! Just like the Cloud City debacle (if you don’t know what I mean, get watching!) Lando Calrissian is to blame for the skipping of A New Hope. Lando is a major character in the Solo film, and I think it’s going to be really important to understand what he’s all about. His character isn’t introduced until Empire Strikes Back, which is why I’ve recommended it. Empire is not only when we meet Lando, but it’s also the film that features some of Han’s most cocky and iconic moments and I’m confident it’ll prepare you perfectly for the new film! Do you have your tickets yet?
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Special thanks to Maria Salerno for writing this article: Hiya pal! I am a NYC-based writer thrilled to be bringing you all things Disney! I’m a WDW Annual Passholder, so you can find me in the parks regularly throughout the year. In addition to being a Disney Parks loving girl, I’m also a Disney toy and merchandise collector, a runDisney enthusiast, and Disney music and movie aficionado. You can follow me on Instagram: NYCtoAP and find me on YouTube: NYCtoAP. Thanks for reading, hope to see ya real soon!