If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that stepping into an iconic role is no easy task, especially when it’s as legendary as Han Solo.
Solo: A Star Wars Story didn’t just tell us about the backstory of one of the galaxy’s most beloved smugglers; it introduced us to Alden Ehrenreich’s take on Han.
And for some reason, Ehrenreich’s portrayal doesn’t get nearly as much credit as it deserves.
One fan put it best: “He did a great job being Han Solo and not trying to be Harrison Ford.”
Let’s break down why this difference matters and why Ehrenreich’s performance truly stands out.
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Why Alden’s Han Solo Isn’t Harrison Ford’s Han Solo—and Why That’s a Good Thing
When it was announced that Ehrenreich would be playing a young Han Solo, fans had mixed feelings. After all, Harrison Ford’s portrayal defined Han with that perfect blend of charm, wit, and unpredictability.
Ehrenreich didn’t aim for a Ford impersonation; he went for the core of Han Solo. His performance took us to a version of Han that hadn’t yet become the seasoned, scruffy-looking smuggler we meet in A New Hope.
In Solo, we see a young, ambitious, slightly naive Han who is figuring out his way in the galaxy—a character who’s not yet as cynical or self-assured as Ford’s Han, but who is undeniably on his way there.
This is Han before the rough edges fully form, and Ehrenreich embodies that transformation beautifully.
One of the standout moments in Solo is Han’s experience on the muddy battlefields of Mimban, a chaotic “boots on the ground” look at the Imperial war machine.
This gritty, raw portrayal of warfare feels a lot like Rogue One’s Space Vietnam vibe, but with a twist. The Mimban sequence draws from a World War I aesthetic, with brutal trench warfare and a visceral look at the Empire’s oppressive reach across the galaxy.
The scene also serves as a powerful moment of “show, don’t tell.” Instead of merely telling us that the Empire is brutal, we see it.
We feel it in the chaos, the desperation, and the sheer human cost of war. This setting pulls us into Han’s early experience with the Empire, showing just how brutal his environment was, which is key to shaping his more hardened and cynical side.
This scene is a perfect example of how Ehrenreich’s performance fits seamlessly with the intense atmosphere around him.
Surrounded by this gritty portrayal of Imperial force, we watch Han adapt and survive—a trait that will define his path forward.
If Star Wars explored more of these war stories, focusing on the ground-level impacts of the Empire, it would be an incredible addition to the galaxy.
Embracing the Character, Not the Actor
One of the most compelling aspects of Ehrenreich’s performance is that he didn’t try to be Harrison Ford; he tried to be Han Solo.
There’s a big difference between capturing a character’s essence and simply replicating an actor’s iconic moments. Ehrenreich understood that distinction.
He knew that for audiences to buy into Solo, his Han needed to resonate with Ford’s portrayal without feeling like a copy.
And honestly, it’s a move that should be respected. With his take, Ehrenreich showed us the evolution of Han Solo, letting us see the cracks, the ambition, and the mistakes that ultimately mold him into the hero we later see leading the Rebel Alliance.
Give Ehrenreich the Credit He Deserves
In the end, Alden Ehrenreich deserves a lot more appreciation for his take on Han Solo. It’s no small feat to embody such a beloved character while making the role feel fresh and true to its roots.
Ehrenreich took on a monumental challenge, and he did so with skill, creativity, and respect for the character.
Maybe it’s time we start recognizing Alden Ehrenreich for what he truly brought to Solo: a young Han Solo finding his path, learning the ropes, and showing flashes of the charming scoundrel we all came to love.