REVISITING THE ORIGINAL VERSION OF 'SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY'!

Solo awaits entry into the lair of crime boss Lady Proxima, in an unused shot from Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Never has a Star Wars film deserved to do better box office success than Solo: A Star Wars Story when it debuted in cinemas during mid-2018. The film is great fun and Ron Howard and his cast and crew did a splendid job of crafting the young Han Solo's first rogue adventure. The amount of re-filming needed for the movie beyond what was originally shot by ultimately replaced original directors Chris Miller and Phil Lord has never been fully pinned down (sources vary between sixty and eighty per cent!), and photos of certain intriguing scenes cut or revised are unlikely to ever see the light of day post release (especially related to the late Michael Kenneth Williams leonine alien version of Dryden Vos), but we can at least sample a small amount of the originally planned material showcased through the film's media and publicity build-up and in selected tie-in books released during 2018. 

Enjoy this compendium celebrating the alternate version (and deleted scenes) of the film... 

STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: 'SOLO': CORELLIA RECRUITMENT!

STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: 'SOLO': REVISITING A CANTWELL CLASSIC!

 STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: 'SOLO': CHEWIE'S WINTER BREAK!

Alternate scene by Lord and Miller linked to Lady Proxima's crime den.

STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: 'SOLO': RIDE 'EM, CHEWIE!

STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: 'SOLO': GOING UP!

STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: 'SOLO': THE KESSEL PLAN...

STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: 'SOLO': BAD HAIR DAY!

We may never see the archived footage of Michael Kenneth Williams' original baddie (replaced by Paul Bettany's Dryden Vos in re-shoots) but we can surmise that he looked like the Leonine-visaged Hylobon mercenaries, to whom he was originally part of the same race.

Other related info:

Michael K. Williams sheds light on his former Solo: A Star Wars Story role

‘Solo’: Phil Lord & Chris Miller Scenes Still in the Movie – IndieWire

Does This 'Solo' Deleted Scene Give Us a New Glimpse at Lord and Miller's Version? - TheWrap

'Star Wars' Deleted Scenes: How Cut 'Solo' Scenes Connect to 'Lego' Directors

This deleted scene from 'Solo: A Star Wars Story' shows how different the movie could have been

'SOLO': THE FEMALE FACTOR!

The definition of a survivor, having endured such prior bad luck and hardship in her early life amongst the slave scavengers of Corellia, the resourceful Qi'Ra, as of the end of Solo: A Star Wars Story, was seen becoming one of the most powerful crime bosses in the galaxy via the Crimson Dawn cartel. And that makes her more dangerous and unpredictable than ever, despite her deep affection for former lover, Han Solo...

Acclaimed author E.K. Johnston, adept at developing popular Star Wars franchise heroines within all-new canon-related adventures, looks set to deliver another acclaimed winner with her take on Qi'ra, as Crimson Climb comes to Disney Books (US hardback) later in the year (October 2023)...

Rise to power, rise to control...

Solo: A Star Wars Story Actor Addresses Qi'ra Cliffhanger

'SOLO': TO DEAL WITH A SCOUNDREL...

Still on Vandor, the eager to score success for themselves Han and Chewbacca (aka 'hairy and the boy'), with critical help from Qi'ra and Beckett, encounter the charismatic, talented, but still crooked entrepreneur Lando Calrissian, to whom a right-price deal must be struck quickly to acquire his services and fast ship for travel to Kessel. A fun scene from Solo: A Star Wars Story full of effective dialogue, humour and good character performance moments.

Behind the scenes on the partial reshooting of the sequence.

It's also a scene genuinely honouring (if transferred to a space fantasy environment) the kind of atmospheric, cold and frosty western township vibe seen in popular seventies genre films like the Warren Beatty cult classic McCabe and Mrs Miller, a primary creative example for Solo's Vandor-set tone by its original directors, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.

Star Wars: Will Alden Ehrenreich return as Han Solo?

'SOLO': THE KESSEL PLAN...

It's an audacious plan they have to steal the unrefined coaxium from the dangerous Pyke Syndicate ensconced on the legendary, brutal world of Kessel. Nonetheless, the disguised Qi'ra is ready to help the reckless Han Solo and Chewbacca in their madness, during this deleted Falcon corridor scene moment from Solo: A Star Wars Story.

https://www.vogue.com/article/solo-a-star-wars-story-costume-designers-interview

'SOLO': IN THE SHADOWS OF FREEDOM!

He's played his escape hand, now Han Solo and Qi'ra are on the run from their enslavers on Corellia, making their bid for a new life offworld in the fun and memorable speeder chase scene at the beginning to Solo: A Star Wars Story.

'SOLO': LABYRINTH DANGER!

Breaking the speed record in navigating the Kessel Run is one thing, actually getting out of it alive is another, as Han Solo and his motley crew of thieves inside the Millennium Falcon discover in this great art for the limited edition Mondo double vinyl LP release of John Powell's rather excellent score for the still criminally under-appreciated anthology adventure Solo: A Star Wars Story.

https://thefutureoftheforce.com/2020/09/22/breaking-solo-a-star-wars-story-expanded-score-coming-in-2020/#:~:text=John%20Powell%20has%20taken%20to,of%20the%20end%20credits%20suite!

Extended track list back sleeve details.

'SOLO': SHADY ADVENTURERS ALL!

The adventures of a former slave/thief turned former Imperial pilot, turned space smuggler, then becoming one of the all-time great characters of the original Star Wars begin, as chronicled in the always fun Solo: A Star Wars Story, whose gallery of memorable characters, emerging from the somewhat shadier underbelly of the universe, are well showcased in this great art from fan favourite Phil Noto.

https://www.superherohype.com/movies/479989-solo-a-star-wars-story-writer-says-no-one-is-planning-a-sequel

'SOLO': A BOND FORMED FROM FEAR!

Once a part of Crimson Dawn, you're unlikely to escape its grip ever after.

Having been acquired for service to the Crimson Dawn criminal organisation spread throughout the galaxy, Qi'ra's special relationship with Dryden Vos is a combination of fear, servitude and trust (of sorts), but never anything of a true equal footing, especially with Vos's violent underlying nature.

Despite Qi'ra's clear to see uneasy but loyal relationship to her 'employer', Joel Schreiber's junior novel for Solo: A Star Wars Story has Darth Maul later intriguingly reveal to our flawed heroine that Vos considered Qi'ra his greatest trained disciple of Crimson Dawn, and most likely the only individual in his ranks physically capable of taking him down, which, of course, she ultimately would!

'SOLO': 'THE CREW' STANDS READY!

On a far-off realm, smuggling legend-to-be Han Solo, his loyal wookiee compadre Chewbacca, the enigmatic criminal Qi'ra, and the man with his eyes always on the prize, Lando Calrissian, stand by the intergalactic hot rod, the Millennium Falcon, ready for their next big adventure. Great composition art which we assume was part of the film's marketing campaign somewhere in the world back in 2018.

The entertaining as ever Solo: A Star Wars Story celebrates its First Anniversary today. And if any film deserves a sequel, further developing our heroes whilst also bringing in the likes of notorious 'scum' like Jabba the Hutt and Boba Fett, it's this one!

'SOLO': TOGETHER FOR FREEDOM!

Though their early relationship started on a rocky note, the love between Qi'ra and Han Solo soon grew, intensified with their need to escape from the industrial slums of Corellia once the opportunity finally arises, in this moment from Solo: A Star Wars Story.

'SOLO': THE FUTURE OF CRIMSON DAWN!

Their destinies now fully intertwined- Qi'ra and Maul, in this great fan composition.

It was quite the surprise on original release, wasn't it?! The shocking yet intriguing return of Ray Park as an older but no less bloodthirsty (former Darth) Maul (voiced by his regular TV animated voice man in Sam Witwer), back from the dead a la the established The Clone Wars series timeline events, and now a continued part of the Anthology/Prequel era. Though it's hugely unlikely that there will be any more young Han Solo sequels, there is every reason to believe that both Crimson Dawn leaders Qi'ra and her Dark Side employer will return somewhere in a future film or live-action TV series, hopefully in the projects being conceived by David's Benioff and Weiss...

More on Maul's return:
https://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-solos-most-shocking-star-wars-cameo-happened/1100-6459200/

Expanded Universe connections:
https://www.starwars.com/news/how-darth-maul-son-of-dathomir-connects-to-solo-a-star-wars-story

A different point of view:
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/solo-darth-maul-cameo-undermined-qi-ra-character-arc-1117058?utm_source=twitter

Ray Park returns:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lukethompson/2018/09/07/darth-maul-robot-legs-revealed-solo-a-star-wars-story-stills-ray-park-clone-wars-rebels-phantom-menace-sam-witwer-blu-ray-4k-dvd-the-last-jedi-ron-howard/#2282bf7719c3

Sam Witwer on Maul's return:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdRgY2gtxgk

'SOLO': WHEN FATE LEADS TO OPPORTUNITY!

The stakes have never been higher for either herself or Han Solo, as Qi'ra goes into battle against her former sadistic criminal employer Dryden Vos in the main audience chamber of his cruiser- her practice and use of ancient weapons soon brought to the fore in this great crowd-pleasing scene from Solo: A Star Wars Story, and one which I'm sure actress Emilia Clarke, looking very cool as Qi'ra, thoroughly enjoyed training for.

This superb image is part of many new released images from the film that can be purchased over at the STAR WARS Authentics site: https://www.starwarsauthentics.com/

'SOLO': HEIGHTENED INSTINCTS...

Newly arrived on Savareen, our heroes make their way back to the small settlement located at the refining colony, though Chewbacca's instincts for sensing potential trouble ahead are as as good as ever, in this scene from Solo: A Star Wars Story, out now on Blu-ray and DVD.

US Target stores release with exclusives.

'SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY' - OUT NOW ON UK BLU-RAY/DVD/DIGITAL!

It's time to 'buckle up, baby', lightspeed your way down via the nearest habitable Outer Rim trading post and pick up your copy of Solo: A Star Wars Story, out now in all UK home entertainment formats. Those fans who sadly didn't get to see it on the big screen will surely enjoy this truly fun and thoroughly entertaining summer Star Wars blockbuster, whilst fans who saw and loved it first time round can also catch up on all the special 'Easter Eggs' they may have missed!

US release review:
https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Solo-A-Star-Wars-Story-4K-Blu-ray/205706/

Release trailer (US):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-H9iUziVX8

An unusual hiding place for Qi'ra and Han in one of the film's early deleted scenes.

Deleted scene taster:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TvzXPhzr4U

Behind the scenes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfxoXB4aKRE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8815hhloAEY

The cast talks:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSiFJ-NN_7w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEpuHfbvD0s
https://www.youtube.com/starwars

Clips:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3tP1Xh7_C4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3EKgqjMw4g

Also available on standard Blu-ray.

Get it here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Solo-Star-Story-Blu-ray-Region/dp/B07D5LFM7H/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1537719422&sr=8-2&keywords=solo+a+star+wars+story

OUT NOW IN THE UK: 'SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY' - A JUNIOR NOVEL

He's a dab hand in writing adventures concerning that criminal underbelly side of the Star Wars saga, and penned memorable exploits for the likes of Han and Chewbacca, as well as a certain crimson lightsaber wielding Sith Lord, so Joe Schreiber is more than a fine choice in handling the newly released Junior Novel adaptation of Solo: A Star Wars Story, out now in the UK from EGMONT. It's a fast paced and fun book for all ages let alone the junior age group, also featuring deleted scenes soon to be revealed in the film's home entertainment release.

Here's the release blurb:

Board the Millennium Falcon for a galactic adventure that explores the story of one of Star Wars' greatest heroes! Han Solo leaves his homeworld Corellia behind and dreams of becoming the greatest pilot in the galaxy. But before he can find the perfect ship he'll have to survive a dangerous job in the criminal underworld. Read along as Han encounters Chewbacca the Wookiee, smuggler Lando Calrissian and other heroes and villains. Author Joe Schreiber captures all the excitement and adventure of the hit film.

Get the book here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Solo-Star-Story-Junior-Novel/dp/140529194X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537628526&sr=8-1&keywords=solo+a+star+wars+story+junior

'SOLO': STARTING A REVOLUTION!

Need a big distraction when you're stealing one of the most valuable substances in the galaxy from a dangerous crime syndicate? Well, have no fear, L3-37 is here, and she's stirring up a droid revolution to boot! A great scene for the character from Solo:A Star Wars Story, out this month on home entertainment formats worldwide.

'SOLO': A GALAXY OF ROGUES AND SCOUNDRELS!

The Jedi are gone and the Republic for whom they served has collapsed in on itself, through which an oppressive Empire has now been forged. This is a time of darkness, of scum and villainy. And a time when 'free enterprise' for rogues and misfits thrives between the far-out cracks of the universe. Welcome to the universe and main characters of Solo: A Star Wars Story.

'SOLO': ALL THE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED!

Adventure, excitement, comedy, loyalty, recklessness, and heart- all the vital elements to a great Star Wars movie. And Solo: A Star Wars Story was blessed with all those ingredients and more. Above all else though, it was great fun. One of these rare international fly posters promoting it certainly worked well in giving potential moviegoers a fine look at the film during its original theatrical release.

'SOLO': WELCOME TO FORT YPSO!

Vandor may have a distinctly cold climate, but it still attracts lots of warm-blooded humanoids and aliens to it from throughout the galaxy, especially at its mountain based Fort Ypso, of which Han and Qi'ra, with Chewbacca in tow, are soon on their way there to acquire the skills of a special individual, in this great picturesque scene from Solo: A Star Wars Story. I love the huge animal tusk assembly above the main outdoor stairwell.

Here's one of the early concept paintings for the Western-esque setting- another visual reference/homage by James Clyne to the classic movie McCabe and Mrs. Miller, from the 1970's, and its snowbound frontier town setting. Clyne would be Solo's longest serving concept artist/designer on the standalone SW film, stretching across two and a half years.

Discover more great conceptual work and behind the scenes information on the film inside the lavish The Art of Solo: A Star Wars Story, written and compiled by Phil Szostak, out now from ABRAMS.

Get it here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Solo-Star-Wars-Story/dp/1419727451/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1534073891&sr=8-1&keywords=the+art+of+solo

'SOLO': AN EXPLOSIVE CONTRIBUTION!

Under attack from all sides, though their mission of theft is almost completed, Qi'ra brings some explosive back-up to the Falcon's soon escape from Kessel, in this great image from Solo: A Star Wars Story.