Hail, Caesar! and Blue Jasmine actor, Alden Ehrenreich has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner to play young Han Solo in the upcoming Star Wars prequel about the roguish smuggler's early days.

Alden Ehrenreich (seen here in Beautiful Creatures)

As reported by Deadline , the news seemingly comes from inside sources after impressive screen tests that edged him ahead of fellow actors Taron Egerton and Jack Reynor The Han Solo film is part of the Star Wars Story sub-series - of which Rogue One will be the first entry - and is to be directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller , the LEGO Movie and Jump Street directors.Little is known about the plot at this point, although we know Han Solo will be college age , and Chewbacca will be putting in an appearance The film is slated for release on May 25, 2018.

Joe Skrebels is IGN's UK News Editor and he's sorry to do this . Follow him on Twitter