Jul 19, 2016 09:24 AM EDT By Sarah T., UniversityHerald Reporter

An actor who will portray as a young Han Solo has been announced over the weekend. Alden Ehrenreich was announced to portray the role.

On weekends, during the "Star Wars" Celebration Europe, the "Beautiful Creature" actor Alden Ehrenreich has been cast as a young Han Solo. The forthcoming "Star Wars" will focus and follow the story of Han Solo, CNN reported.

Ehrenreich is a Los Angeles native and maybe some find him familiar as he portrayed the role of a cowboy Hobie Doyle in Hail, Caesar!," a 2016 film. "As soon as I got the part I was doing horseback riding, trick roping, gun twirling, guitar," he told The Guardian.

Meanwhile, "Star Wars: Episode VIII" is inspired by classic flicks, according to the director, Rian Johnson. During "Star Wars Celebration" conference in London, Johnson said that the crew were required to watch movies such as "Twelve O'Clock High" and "The Bridge On The River Kwai."

Both classic films feature leaders who guide their men. In "Twelve O'Clock High," The Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations Brigadier General Frank Savage (Gregory Peck) shows harsh behavior in order to address discipline problems.

Meanwhile, in "The Bridge On The River Kwai," Colonel Nicholson, portrayed by Alec Guinness, who becomes a prisoner, orders other British prisoners to build a bridge. Despite struggles, he tells inmates a motto,  "Be happy in your work." 

The orginal cast of "Star Wars" franchise, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher made a surprise appearance at "Star Wars Celebration, along John Boyega. Boyega was reported had serious injury while filming the fight with the actor Kylo Ren, Adam Driver in "The Force Awakens."

"Star Wars: Episode VIII" release date is set for December 2017, however, there is no exact date announced. Episode VIII cast includes, Daisy Ridley, Lupita Nyong'o, Boyega, Anthony Daniels, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis,Fisher and Hamill.

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