Emilia Clarke (Daenerys) joins standalone Star Wars film about Han Solo

(Photo by Araya Diaz/Getty Images)

Lucasfilm has just made another huge announcement regarding the second Star Wars standalone film, which will revolve around a young Han Solo. Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) is joining the cast in that galaxy far, far away. StarWars.com broke the news late this evening and had this to say about the actress:

"Clarke, known for her stirring portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, will join the upcoming untitled Han Solo Star Wars movie. Clarke’s role will round out a dynamic cast of characters that Han and Chewie will encounter on their adventures."

Clarke joins an already exciting cast. Alden Ehrenreich (Hail Caesar!) has been tapped to portray Han Solo himself, and Donald Glover (Atlanta) has been cast as a young Lando Calrissian. The untitled Han Solo movie will be helmed by directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (22 Jump Street, The Lego Movie) and is set for release in May of 2018.

Clarke is a huge get for Lord and Miller. As to what role she might play, speaking as a huge Star Wars nerd (I run FanSided’s Stars Wars website, Dork Side of the Force), I have absolutely no idea.

Image Credit: Marvel Star Wars

In the Marvel Star Wars Comics, Han Solo was married before he met Princess Leia, but Clarke doesn’t look like Sana Solo…although that hasn’t stopped movie companies from changing the skin tone of characters before, so you never know. Either way, this is some very exciting news for our dear Emilia Clarke, as she will be going from one massive franchise to another. Congratulations, Emilia, and may the Force be with you!