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

2. Solo Gets His Name

Solo A Star Wars Story Chewbacca
Lucasfilm

One of the most troubling reports prior to the release of Solo: A Star Wars Story was that the film would tell fans how Han Solo got his name. This sparked controversy among fans who didn't want it to be the case that one of the most fundamental elements of Han - his name - would essentially be retconned by the new film.

In this film, it transpires that Solo was not originally Han's surname. The moniker comes about when, on the run from crime boss Lady Proxima, Han signs up for the Imperial Academy. When asked to give his second name, Han merely says that he's alone and has no family, prompting the smirking employee to log his surname as "Solo".

It's a moment of such grating awkwardness that it's tough not to cringe when it happens. Rather than a neat moment of nostalgia to please Star Wars devotees, it comes across as a cheap gag that would be more suited to amateur fan-fiction. This little addition to Star Wars canon is not an idea that will allay the fears and concerns of fans who were worried when it initially became clear that Han's name would be discussed in this movie.

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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.