After being silent for some time, director Ron Howard finally breaks his silence and hints on who will be the antagonists for the "Han Solo" movie. Taking to social media, Howard tweets "The Empire Looms Large", while sharing a picture of what appears to be the control room of the Death Star.

The Galactic Empire has played a big part on the entire "Star Wars" franchise, primarily serving as the main antagonist for most of the movies, spinoffs and television shows. The Death Star in particular has been a major focal point for several movies, specifically in Episode 4 "A New Hope" and the first spinoff title "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." The giant space station was also glimpsed in Episode 3 "Revenge of the Sith." And if Howard's Twitter post is to be followed, the Death Star may show up on the yet-untitled "Han Solo" title.

Howard's "Empire" tease is one of the biggest reveals has done for the "Han Solo" movie since taking over directorial duties from Phil Lord and Chris Miller last June.  According to Screen Rant, the director previously shared photos of the Lando Calrissian, played by Donald Glover, and Solo's iconic vehicle the Millennium Falcon travelling through hyperspace.

According to what is now called "Legends" or the Extended Universe, Han Solo once served for the Empire, /Film reports. It was at that time where Solo met his partner Chewbacca, when he saved the wookie from the Imperial Soldiers beating him up. That resulted into his expulsion and could be the start of their bounty-hunting ways.

The "Han Solo" spinoff title is the second of three scheduled standalone titles. "Rogue One," released in 2016, was the first, with a solo Boba Fett title as the third. The yet-untitled "Han Solo" movie is set to release on May 2018 In the meantime, the next chapter of the main Star Wars movies, titled "The Last Jedi," is scheduled on December 2017. 

 

ADVERTISEMENT