Alden Ehrenreich's performance in "Solo: A Star Story" was rumored to have Lucasfilm so distraught with that they decided to hire an on-set acting coach for the actor. Let that sit with you for a second. This is unheard of, to show such little faith in your lead actor on a big production. After having seen 'Solo," am I surprised help was needed to hone Ehrenreich in the right direction? Not really.
I wrote in my review of the film: "Alden Ehrenreich is not bad, but he's still miscast. The 28 year old actor just can't capture the spirit of Harrison Ford's original performance. It's as simple as that. We just don't care.”
He was a standout in the Coen Brothers' "Hail, Caesar," where he played a bad actor — ironic? Ever since then, Ehrenreich hasn't impressed me the least bit. First in "Rules Don't Apply," I found his performance was undercooked and not involving at all and then at last year's Sundance Film Festival he starred in the Iraq-War movie "The Yellow Birds," which was considered by many, including myself, as one of the worst films in competiton.
Ehrenreich's performance in 'Solo’ is underwhelming; it had no charisma with a weak, stiff, over-cooked delivery.
According to a report from Vulture:
“Lucasfilm wanted something very specific: copying someone else. Alden’s not a bad actor — just not good enough…You could see his acting became more relaxed. He became more Harrison-like,” the source says. “The coach helped!”
Ehrenreich's contract stipulates that he has to make three Han Solo movies.
So, did the coach help? Were you satisfied with Ehrenreich's portrayal of Solo? Chime in on the comments section below.