We watch Kylo Ren impale Han with his lightsaber at the end of The Force Awakens, so it comes as a surprise that actor Harrison Ford is listed in the credits for Episode VIII. Did Han really die? While Han returning back from the dead would certainly be welcome (unless he comes back as a zombie, which would not be welcome), thats most likely not the reason. The 30-year span between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens could use some gaps filled. What happened with Han and Leia? How did Han say goodbye to Luke? What did he do to lose the Millennium Falcon? Hans appearance in VIII would probably be kept to flashbacks, whether in someones mind (Kylo Ren, for instance) or as recorded holo-projections, but the purpose would be to help answer these questions. Flashbacks arent a tool that the Star Wars movies use, but if weve learned anything from The Force Awakens, its that the producers are willing to bend the normal conventions fans have grown used to. Such flashbacks could shed some insight into Bens upbringing. What was Han like as a father? How much emotional damage did he inflict when he left? Why did he leave? Dialogue could help fill in some of the information we need to know, though seeing them happen would add more depth to the story. And who wouldn't want to see more scenes with Han?
A wry wit writer from Florida, Sean literally bleeds Star Wars. He enjoys spending time with his three kids and indulging in a game of Hearthstone or Magic: The Gathering every now and then.
