Solo: A Star Wars Story may have had a tumultuous production, but it’s getting a very prestigious premiere. The second-ever Star Wars spinoff movie will have its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it will screen out of competition. The screening will be held on May 15th, 10 days before Disney releases Solo worldwide on May 25th, so look for the first reviews to hit around that time.
It’s a pretty sweet ending to what was a troubled road to release. Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller were fired in the middle of production, and director Ron Howard then came onboard and reshot much of the film. Many assumed the release date would have to be pushed back, but Howard forged ahead and is on track to even maybe complete the film a little early.
While Cannes, which takes place in the titular French town, is a notoriously fancy film festival, it’s no stranger to blockbusters. Films ranging from Shrek to X-Men: The Last Stand to Up also had their premieres at Cannes. Moreover, Solo isn’t even the first Star Wars movie to premiere at Cannes—that’s where the first official premiere screening of George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith was held.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Cannes audiences respond to the film, which stars Alden Ehrenreich as a young Han Solo and traces the origins of everyone’s favorite smuggler. Donald Glover co-stars as young Lando Calrissian, and Emilia Clarke plays new character Qi’ra.
The Cannes Film Festival runs from May 8th through May 19th. For more on Solo: A Star Wars Story, peruse links to our recent coverage below.
- Exclusive 'Solo' Denny's Commercial Features Creatures, Card Games
- 'Solo': Ron Howard Reportedly Shot the Same Script as Lord and Miller
- Phil Lord and Chris Miller Won't Have a Directing Credit on 'Solo'
- 'Solo' International Posters Get Some Noteworthy Changes
