Whether you think the film's predecessor offered a bold, promising new direction for the franchise, or a heretical take on a beloved franchise, check out seven reasons to ante up for Howard's upcoming film.

2. It's Basically "Han and Chewie Begins"

Of the little known about Solo, there's even less for Chewbacca. Though, to be fair, the language barrier is an understandable problem for most.

But screenwriters Jonathan and Lawrence Kasdan show us exactly when, where, and how Han met the moody Wookiee, leading to one of the great partnerships in movie history. (Maybe more importantly, we also learn how Han manages to actually understand most of what Chewie says, a key detail that connects them differently than with other characters.)

Fresh off of the release of his provocative new music video for "This Is America," Donald Glover continues his domination of music, television and the movies, oozing with the same devilish charm that Billy Dee Williams brought to the character back in "Empire Strikes Back."

Even without conventional expressions, she showcases a personality that the film desperately needs, especially once Han and his crew finds themselves in the kind of dire circumstances that might otherwise turn this raucous adventure into a dirge.

6. "The Asteroid Field"

John Powell composed the score for "Solo," crafting a new collection of themes that give emotional dimension to Han Solo's early adventures. But Powell quotes one of the most famous -- and personal favorite -- pieces of music in the history of the franchise, "The Asteroid Field," during a key set piece in the film.

As Han and his crew flee from the clutches of the Empire and try to escape mounting dangers surrounding them, the blaring horns of that wonderful moment from "Empire Strikes Back" connects past and present in a way that amplifies the dramatic energy of the moment and foreshadows the dangers Han is yet to face.

Even if you're a little skeptical about how "necessary" this film is in the bigger picture of the franchise, they've found a way with "Solo" to appeal to whatever genre you might separately love most by combining those seemingly disparate elements with stuff straight from the canon. In doing so, they hope to create something fun, fast-paced and spectacular.

"Solo" hits theaters May 25.