J.J. Abrams: The Han Solo Spin-Off Movie Has an Amazing Script

J.J. Abrams has teased the Han Solo Star Wars spin-off film has an “amazing script”.

The 50-year-old filmmaker – who was at the helm of Star Wars: The Force Awakens – is looking forward to the hotly-anticipated movie, which focuses on the Rebel Alliance leader, played by Alden Ehrenreich.

He told Fox News: “I can tell you it is an amazing script and the cast is obviously extraordinary. I think it is a thrill to be a part of something that meant so much to me as a kid and to be part of allowing it to mean so much for kids now. It is fun to see it live on in various forms and ways even five years ago I would have never imagined it would have continued and knowing what is coming up is even more exciting.”

Fans were recently given a first look into the new movie when bosses released the first picture of the cast together to coincide with principal photography officially starting at Pinewood Studios, London on February 20.

Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller said: “Watching such inspired people from all over the world, with such unique voices, come together for the sole purpose of making art, is nothing short of miraculous. We can’t think of anything funny to say, because we just feel really moved, and really lucky.”

Details of the plot were also revealed, with the story set to follow Han Solo and his sidekick Chewbacca as they encounter Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) ahead of the events of Star Wars: A New Hope.

It comes after Woody Harrelson teased he would be playing a “bit of a criminal” in the upcoming movie.

Of his character, he said: “I’m a mentor to Han. I’m also a bit of a criminal. I don’t think I should say more than that because the Force is not allowing me.”

The as yet untitled Han Solo spin-off movie is slated for release in 2018.