Star Wars unveils cast for new Han Solo spin-off

Star Wars fans have had their first glimpse of the new Han Solo, with the franchise releasing a full cast photo as it was announced that production is under way.

Showing rising star Alden Ehrenreich helming the iconic Millennium Falcon as the younger version of Harrison Ford's famous character, the photo's caption reads: "Smuggler. Scoundrel. Hero. A new Star Wars Story begins."

The announcement was made on the official Star Wars Twitter account, with Walt Disney Studios also confirming that shooting on the new film had begun.

Surrounding Ehrenreich, who landed his first big role in Francis Ford Coppola's Tetro and also appeared in the Coen Brothers' Hail, Caesar!, are Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke and Donald Glover.

Glover, who has been praised this year for his new FX show Atlanta, plays Lando Calrissian.

He takes over the role from actor Billy Dee Williams, who played the charming former smuggler vowing to take down the Empire.

As for Clarke and Harrelson, their roles are being kept a secret.

Absent from the picture is Westworld's Thandie Newton, who has been confirmed for the movie in an as yet undisclosed role.

The film is directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who feature in the photo.

The directing duo, who helmed The Lego Movie, said in a statement: "We can't think of anything funny to say, because we just feel really moved, and really lucky".

The as yet untitled Han Solo "origins story" is being filmed at London's Pinewood Studios and will be released by Disney in 2018.