Star Wars: Woody Harrelson on Alden Ehrenreich’s acting after 'unsatisfactory' rumours
STAR WARS’ new Han Solo Alden Ehrenreich has been branded a “great actor” by co-star Woody Harrelson.
Han Solo movie: Woody Harrelson stars with Alden Ehrenreich
The legendary performer’s praise of the young hotshot comes after unconfirmed reports suggested LucasFilm bosses were “disappointed” with his performance in the prequel story, which is due out next year.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Harrelson said: “He’s a great actor and a great guy, a great sense of humour.
“I think a lot of humour comes through what he’s doing. I think it could be one of the funnier Star Wars films.”
The Han Solo film - the official title for which is still unannounced - recently also underwent a change of director, with Ron Howard installed at the helm relatively late into the filming process.
Ehrenreich will play the iconic character as a younger man
Harrison Ford played Han in the original Star Wars series
I think a lot of humour comes through what he’s doing
However, playing down any notion that the film will have suffered as a result, Harrelson maintained: “Fortunately the Force is still very much with us so it’s great that Ron came along when he did.”
It was around the same time as the director debacle hit the headlines that speculation over Ehrenreich’s performance also first surfaced.
A report from The Hollywood Reporter had said: “Not entirely satisfied with the performance that the directors were eliciting from Rules Don’t Apply star Alden Ehrenreich, Lucasfilm decided to bring in an acting coach.
“Hiring a coach is not unusual; hiring one that late in production is.”
Thrilling behind the scenes look at Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Harrelson will play a mentor to Han
Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Thandie Newton are also on board.
Before that film comes out, the next chapter in the main Star Wars saga - Episode VIII: The Last Jedi - releases in December.
The Han Solo movie is out in May 2018.