‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ Set for Special Premiere Screening at Cannes

Updated below. Sounds like the Croisette is about to get even more star-studded, literally. Deadline reports that Ron Howard‘s “Solo: A Star Wars Story” is prepping for a special screening at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, days before the standalone feature is set to hit domestic theaters. Sources tell the outlet that “the Lucasfilm origin story will premiere in a special screening May 15, before the picture makes its global premiere May 25.”

While the festival has yet to announce its slate — and may, in fact, still be ironing it out even now — the annual event is preparing to roll out its full lineup next week. It seems that “Solo” will land among the ranks of other Cannes debuts, including the recently revealed opening night film, Asghar Farhadi’s “Everybody Knows.”

It wouldn’t be the first time a “Star Wars” film played at the lauded festival. In 2002, “Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones” screened out of competition and in 2005, “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” premiered at at the fest.

Starring Alden Ehrenreich as a young Han Solo, the film promises to dig deeper into the formative years of the legendary scoundrel. Those years include a possible stint working for the Empire (gasp) and introductions to other classic heroes like Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) and Chewbacca, plus the addition of plenty of new characters in this very starry galaxy. The film also stars Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, Paul Bettany, and Thandie Newton.

Update: Disney has confirmed the premiere event, adding that Howard and his cast are expected to attend the out of competition screening.

“Solo” will open on May 25.

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