Los Angeles, Jan 4 (IANS): Actor Woody Harrelson is reportedly in talks to essay "Star Wars" character Han Solo's mentor in the upcoming "Star Wars" spin-off.

The film stars Alden Ehrenreich.

The ensemble has already begun filling with rising stars, but executive producers wanted Han Solo's role to go to an actor with considerable clout, and started meeting with actors over the past several weeks, reports variety.com.

Kathleen Kennedy and Allison Shearmur are producing the film, which is expected to begin production in January. The movie is slated to hit theaters on May 25, 2018.

Other confirmed cast members include Donald Glover, who will play a young Lando Calrissian, and Emilia Clarke as Han Solo's love interest.

The plot will focus on the early years of the notorious space smugglers.

Harrelson and Shearmur have worked together in "The Hunger Games".

The film is being directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller.

The movie will be set prior to "Star Wars: A New Hope," like the other "Star Wars" standalone project "Rogue One".