Entertainment

Joining Han Solo film is ‘dream come true’, says Paul Bettany

Director Ron Howard welcomes the Londoner to the cast, saying: “He’s a blast.”
Director Ron Howard welcomes the Londoner to the cast, saying: “He’s a blast.” Director Ron Howard welcomes the Londoner to the cast, saying: “He’s a blast.”

Paul Bettany has said it is a “dream come true” to join the Han Solo Star Wars spin-off.

Director Ron Howard announced on Twitter on Friday that the British actor had joined the “Outer Rim”, a reference to a region in the Star Wars universe.

“It’s my third opportunity to work with Paul. He’s a blast & so talented,” Howard added.

Londoner Bettany, 46, replied: “It’s a dream come true.

“Love coming to work everyday, and laughing with an old friend.”

The pair have previously worked together on A Beautiful Mind and The Da Vinci Code.

His casting comes after The Wire actor Michael K Williams dropped out of the film, due to be released in May next year.

Reports said Williams left because of schedule clashes created after the film’s original directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller left the production and were replaced by Howard.

The as yet untitled film will star Alden Ehrenreich as a youthful incarnation of the smuggler played by Harrison Ford.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover and Thandie Newton are also among the cast.