Summary:
- Glen Powell revealed that he missed out on the role of Han Solo in “Solo: A Star Wars Story” due to a poor final audition.
- His trademark charisma and experience with morally ambiguous characters could have made him a great fit for the role.
- Despite this, Alden Ehrenreich delivered a strong performance as Han Solo in the film.
Glen Powell recently revealed that he auditioned for the role of Han Solo in Solo: A Star Wars Story but admitted that he “blew” the audition.
Powell, who has starred in high-profile films like Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You, reflected on this missed opportunity in a recent interview. Despite not landing the part, Powell’s career has continued to thrive, but it’s intriguing to imagine how he might have portrayed the iconic Star Wars character.
While speaking with Ben Allen of GQ, Powell discussed his near-miss with the role of Han Solo, explaining how he stumbled in the final audition.
“I can joke about it now,” he says, “[but] I blew that final audition.”
Would Glen Powell’s Han Solo Have Been a Hit?
There’s no way to know for certain how Powell would have performed as Han Solo, but it’s safe to assume he could have done a good job. Powell is well known for his charisma and charm, qualities that would have made him a perfect fit for the roguish yet lovable scoundrel.
He also has experience playing morally complex characters, such as the arrogant yet ultimately good-hearted Hangman in Top Gun: Maverick. This role would have lent itself well to playing a younger Han who hadn’t yet earned the redemption he achieved in the original Star Wars trilogy.
Solo didn’t perform well at the box office, and while Alden Ehrenreich expertly portrayed Han, some viewers were not entirely satisfied with his performance. Ehrenreich took a different direction with the character, which was justified since he played a much different version of Han than Harrison Ford did.
However, Powell may have brought a portrayal closer to Ford’s, potentially resonating more with some fans. It’s hard to say how much of an effect Powell would have had on the film’s performance, given the various issues with Solo’s production, but his take on Han Solo could have been intriguing.
Powell’s Career After the Han Solo Audition
Losing the role of Han Solo came during a period when Powell missed out on several other high-profile parts, including roles in Captain America, Cowboys & Aliens, and The Longest Ride. However, these setbacks didn’t derail his career.
Powell continued to land significant roles, proving his resilience and talent. While it’s fascinating to speculate about how he might have portrayed the legendary smuggler, Ehrenreich’s performance in Solo remains commendable.
Solo: A Star Wars Story may be one of the most underrated films in the Star Wars franchise, partly due to Ehrenreich’s nuanced portrayal of Han Solo.
He provided insights into the character’s early life and development, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic figure. Had Powell’s final audition gone better, he might have delivered an equally compelling performance, adding another layer to Han Solo’s legacy.
In the end, Powell’s missed chance at playing Han Solo remains a curious “what if” in Hollywood history. His career, however, continues to flourish, showcasing his versatility and talent across a range of roles.
