Solo: A Star Wars Story co-writer Jonathan Kasdan confirms Anthony Ingruber auditioned for the role of Han Solo during the casting process. When Lucasfilm first announced the spinoff in 2015, Ingruber proved to be a popular pick for Han amongst fans due to his Harrison Ford impression that went viral on YouTube. The actor even portrayed a younger version of Ford's character in the 2015 film The Age of Adaline, so there was precedent. However, the part went to Alden Ehrenreich, who coincidentally was the first one (of a reported 2,500) to try out.

Ehrenreich's performance as a more idealistic and optimistic Han has drawn praise in many circles, though there are still some that do not buy him as the iconic smuggler. For all his talent, Ehrenreich neither looks nor sounds very much like Ford. Ingruber does bear some resemblance to the Star Wars legend, which is why there was a campaign for him to be cast in Solo. And while things didn't work out for Ingruber, he still got an opportunity to audition.

Related: The Biggest Lies Han Told In The Original Trilogy

Kasdan took to Twitter to respond to a user's comment that Lucasfilm does not listen to the fans (citing the studio ignoring the demand for Ingruber), revealing that Ingruber did test for Han for original Solo directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller, but obviously came up short:

The most important aspect of casting young Han was finding somebody who could embody the spirit of the character, not necessarily do a spot-on Ford impersonation (which would run the risk of slipping into parody). This may have given Ehrenreich the edge over his competition. For all the doubts people had - especially when reports about acting coaches came out - the youngster managed to evoke the classic Solo characteristics and put his own stamp on the role. His well-rounded turn made even the curmudgeonly Ford positively giddy about Solo, which is a ringing endorsement that should sway the naysayers. Ford rarely raves about anything (including his own projects), but he went out of his way to share his thoughts on Ehrenreich to Ron Howard.

This revelation probably won't sit well with Solo dissenters who are still disgruntled about Ingruber, but the fact remains Lucasfilm did not take the responsibility of Solo casting lightly. More than anyone, they understood the magnitude of what they were doing by asking someone to follow Ford's footsteps and pulled out all the stops to get the person they felt was the best choice. Ehrenreich may not be Harrison Ford 2.0, but he is Han, sliding comfortably into the part as he brought new life to an icon of pop culture. It remains to be seen if Ehrenreich will be back for sequels, but he hit the mark with Solo, which was his greatest test.

MORE: Alden Ehrenreich Was The Best Thing In Solo

Source: Jon Kasdan