Solo: A Star Wars Story - 10 Fan Service Moments That Will Make You Groan

3. Han Shoots First

Solo A Star Wars Story Chewbacca
Lucasfilm

One of the most exhausting discussions among Star Wars fans is a debate that can be summed up in three words - Han Shot First. In the original theatrical version of A New Hope, the confrontation between Han and Greedo in the Mos Eisley Cantina culminates in Han responding to Greedo's threats of violence with a preemptive blaster shot, killing the bounty hunter. Subsequent edits by George Lucas muddied the waters, creating the impression that Han merely retaliated when Greedo opened fire.

There's an obvious nod to this moment towards the end of Solo: A Star Wars Story. Han squares off against Tobias Beckett, who betrayed his former allies in an attempt to protect himself from the Crimson Dawn crime syndicate and is now on the run. They stand apart and, just as it seems as if a typical Mexican Stand Off is about to begin, Han preemptively shoots Beckett dead.

As with many of the moments on this list, this could have been a nice little nostalgic idea, but it's executed with such a lack of subtlety that it falls desperately flat.

Contributor
Contributor

Freelance film journalist and fan of professional wrestling. Usually found in a darkened screening room looking for an aisle seat and telling people to put away their mobile phones. Also known to do a bit of stand-up comedy, so I'm used to the occasional heckle.