LOS ANGELES: Lucasfilm brought the biggest party in the galaxy to Hollywood on Thursday as rapt devotees gathered under the Millennium Falcon for the world premiere of the latest “Star Wars” spin-off.
“Solo: A Star Wars Story,” which gets its US release on May 25, tells the coming-of-age tale of smuggler Han Solo before he was the galaxy’s most adored scoundrel.
The glittering array of stars in Hollywood Boulevard included cast members Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton and Paul Bettany.
“One of my favorite movies growing up was ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.’ I think this movie has a little bit of the fun of that film,” said Ehrenreich, who plays Solo, on the red carpet.
Hollywood’s A-list — “Star Wars” alumni or otherwise — turned out for the second in the “anthology” series of spin-off films that started in 2016 with “Rogue One.”
Among them were Mark Hamill, Ewan McGregor, Sofia Vergara, Alexandra Daddario, Benjamin Bratt and Johnny Knoxville.
The Disney-owned Lucasfilm delighted fans in April with a sneak peak of one of the most hotly-anticipated scenes from the movie, the first meeting between the young Solo and Glover’s Lando Calrissian.
“A very slow week, but hopefully it will speed up as soon this movie comes out,” joked Glover, whose rap alter ego Childish Gambino has racked up a record-breaking 70 million YouTube views in just four days with his latest single “This is America.”
Glover said the best thing about playing Lando was the fans, who began recognizing him as the galaxy’s sexiest gambler the very day he was announced for the part, when he went for a pizza.
The trailers have also offered a glimpse of the pivotal moment in “Star Wars” lore when Han beats Lando in a card game to win the Millennium Falcon starship, a full-size version of which was constructed for the premiere.
“Everything about this movie is getting you ready for what you already know,” said Emilia Clarke — Daenerys Targaryen on HBO’s “Game of Thrones” — who plays Qi’ra, Solo’s friend since childhood.
“And I think that the way that we get there is satisfying.”
The movie, which comes just five months after “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” has endured a journey to screen that has been bumpier than the Falcon completing the Kessel Run.
Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard was brought in last year to replace sacked directing duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller.
The pair behind the acclaimed “The LEGO Movie” and “21 Jump Street,” were dropped after clashing with Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy and writer Lawrence Kasdan, according to reports.
“This is showmanship at its best and it’s what ‘Star Wars’ fans deserve, this kind of excitement. But I’m also really glad that we worked very hard to make this release date,” said Howard.
“It was a big challenge. The movie was not compromised one bit and I’m so glad because it really feels like a summer movie to me.”
Solo’s Wookiee companion Chewbacca is played by six-foot 10 inch (2.08-meter) Finnish basketballer Joonas Suotamo who took over from Peter Mayhew, starting with “The Force Awakens” (2015).
“I just approached it as another adventure happening at a different time in Chewbacca’s life,” Suotamo said.
“It was interesting to approach this time when Chewbacca doesn’t know Han, he doesn’t know all these people, he’s in a really bad spot and he’s looking for a way out.”
Experts are predicting an opening weekend domestic box office of around $137 million, some way short of the $155 million recouped by “Rogue One” and a figure dwarfed by Marvel twice already this year.
Hollywood glitters as ‘Star Wars’ stages ‘Solo’ premiere
Hollywood glitters as ‘Star Wars’ stages ‘Solo’ premiere
- “Solo: A Star Wars Story” tells the coming-of-age tale of smuggler Han Solo before he was the galaxy’s most adored scoundrel
- Oscar- filmmaker Ron Howard was brought in last year to replace directing duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller.
Yataghan boutique in Jeddah celebrates Saudi heritage
JEDDAH: Yataghan, the contemporary Saudi jewelry house founded in 2008 by designer and entrepreneur Sarah Abudawood, has announced an expansion with its Riyadh debut at Kingdom Centre, alongside the relocation of its headquarters and flagship store to a street-front location on Jeddah’s Thalia Street.
The brand, known for blending Arabian heritage with modern minimalism, unveiled two boutiques designed as immersive experiences rather than mere retail spaces.
Every detail of the new Jeddah location has been carefully curated; brass accents inspired by the Yataghan blade evoke precision and luxury, while striped, gray onyx symbolizes continuity and progress, according to the brand’s founder. Vast windows, softened by Yataghan’s signature hexagonal motif, a symbol of harmony, order, and strength, flood the boutiques with natural light, creating an inviting environment for visitors.
Inspired by the Yataghan sword, with its distinctive, single-edged blade, the brand’s collections fuse minimalist design with Arabic calligraphy and tribal motifs.
“The name Yataghan draws its meaning from the two swords on the Saudi flag — a symbol that has always fascinated me for what it represents: conviction, protection, truth, and above all, balance,” Abudawood told Arab News.
“The Yataghan sword, known for its graceful curve and exquisite craftsmanship, embodies purpose and precision. It is drawn to defend what matters and to guard what is sacred. It sets boundaries and restores equilibrium, reminding us that strength is not only about force, but about knowing when to advance and when to stand still.
“That balance is reflected in every piece we create. Because, like the sword, Yataghan is more than an ornament; it is a statement of purpose, and identity.”
Abudawood explained the cultural inspiration behind the brand, highlighting pieces connected to Saudi identity. “This branch carries designs that are deeply connected to Saudi identity and cultural memory. Some pieces are exclusive, inspired by symbols, rhythms, and forms rooted in our heritage, interpreted through a modern lens … Jeddah, in particular, has a unique spirit: fluid, expressive, open, and layered with history. That essence subtly informs the designs you’ll find here.”
The founder also spoke of the brand’s philosophy of minimalism and meaningful design.
“It comes from my belief that simplicity creates space for meaning. I have always been drawn to architecture and the principle that form must follow function. I design with intention; nothing is accidental. Every line has a purpose, every curve holds a story. Minimalism, for me, is not about removing emotion; it is about distilling it. I want each piece to feel timeless, personal, and quietly powerful.”
The label has been flaunted by high-profile clients — including Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and Lama Akeel — but Abudawood emphasized the brand’s focus on connection over visibility. “Whether someone is a public figure or not, what moves me is when they feel seen by the jewelry. Yataghan has always been about resonance, about creating pieces that speak to identity, strength, and personal stories,” she said.
Looking ahead, 2026 will mark new chapters for Yataghan, including local and international expansion, innovative collections, and a stronger focus on storytelling and community collaborations. “Growth has never been about reach alone; it’s about depth, integrity, and lasting impact,” Abudawood added.
“Ultimately, what drives me is purpose. I’m motivated by the desire to create work that matters, to offer women something that reflects who they are, not who they’re expected to be. Design, for me, is a form of dialogue, a way to translate emotion into form. As long as I’m creating with honesty, intention, and heart, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”
