Michael K Williams Joins the Han Solo Standalone Film
By Buckie Wells
Lucasfilm adds another member to its franchise by casting Michael K. Williams for an unspecified role in next year’s Han Solo spin off film.
You know, once Star Wars tweeted out the cast photo, I assumed that all the major roles were filled. But to their credit, they must have seen all the white faces of Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke and Alden Ehrenreich, then thought to themselves: “Maybe the fans are right. Maybe some more — some continued — diversity will be good.”
Enter Michael K. Williams.
As announced exclusively by Variety today, The Wire star is currently in talks with the studio juggernaut to star in next year’s Han Solo standalone. If he signs the contract, he’ll obviously be joining Donald Glover. But let’s not play that ‘jump to conclusions’ game. Because assuming that Glover and Williams would play characters who are related would be like assuming that Lando Calrissian and Mace Windu were also related.
Honestly, the only logical conclusion to be drawn here is that Star Wars needs more Finn’s and more Poe’s.
Despite the recent news that Disney would feature a gay character in the upcoming Beauty and the Beast live action adaptation, the company is developing a reputation. Of course, the reputation seems to be that Disney rather drag its feet on progress than to affect real social change. As unfortunate as it is, Bob Iger would never want to sacrifice money for a fanbase. For example, a theater in Alabama has already decided not have showings of Beauty and the Beast because of LeFou’s sexual orientation.
So imagine if theaters promised to boycott the Han Solo film. A movie that still has so much to prove? Obviously, Rogue One did just fine, but let’s not forget the revolt that sprung up when people found out that Jyn Erso would be the lead.
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All that’s to say that I hope Star Wars continues to promote diversity in their films.