Solo: A Star Wars Story writer reveals surprising inspiration behind new spin-off

The new spin-off, focussing on the iconic character Han Solo, originally played by Harrison Ford, is out next month.

Speaking to Empire, Kasdan opened up on the “new, inventive” action that hasn’t yet been seen in the main saga.

One particular example of the action is a moment on a high-speed train on the snow-planet Vandor.

“Part of the challenge is to come up with new, inventive kinds of action we haven’t seen in Star Wars,” Kasdan said.

“We often referenced Heat and Thief as high-end criminals doing serious jobs that involve huns and big hijackings.”

The moves are works of American director, screenwriter and producer Michael Mann, now 75.

Heat, which starred Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro, is one of his most iconic works, released in 1995 – it’s based on the true story of ex-Alcatraz inmate Neil McCauley being pursued by former Chicago police officer Chuck Adamson.

Thief was released in 1981 and is a neo-noir crime thriller – Mann’s debut – starring James Caan.

Solo stars Alden Ehrenreich as Han, alongside Donald Glover as the younger Lando Calrissian.

They’re joined in the ensemble by Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Paul Bettany – among others.

Ron Howard directs, having taken over from the fired Phil Lord and Chris Miller last summer.

Howard could possibly have hinted on Twitter over the weekend that we will be seeing Jedi and Sith action in the spin-of after all.

When a fan said he preferred the lightsaber duels from the main saga, but would watch anyway for Clarke, Howard insisted: “I honestly don’t think you’ll be disappointed – enjoy.”

Solo: A Star Wars Story is out on May 25.