In March 2016, The Hollywood Reporter reported that Ehrenreich was one of a number of actors to audition for the role of Han Solo for the upcoming Star Wars anthology film, and had made the final shortlist. On April 16, 2016, Deadline.com reported that he was the frontrunner for the role following a series of secret screen tests. On May 5, 2016, Ehrenreich was cast as Han Solo, with the film following Solo's early life before the events of the original 1977 Star Wars. Despite winning the role, Lucasfilm later hired an acting coach for Ehrenreich, as they were unhappy with his performance prior to this decision.