Year: 2018
Runtime: 135 min
Language: English
A scoundrel and smuggler, young Han Solo sets out on a daring journey across the galaxy. He meets his future co-pilot, Chewbacca, and encounters the charismatic Lando Calrissian, forming alliances that will test his courage and resourcefulness. Facing dangerous adversaries and high-stakes situations, Han’s adventures reveal the origins of the legendary hero and his place in a galaxy far, far away.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Solo: A Star Wars Story yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Still thinking about how Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018) ended? Here’s a full breakdown of the ending, key final moments, major twists, and the deeper meaning behind the film’s conclusion.
The ending of Solo: A Star Wars Story ties together many threads with surprises and emotional moments. Han manages to outsmart Dryden Vos by playing into his distrust and tricking him into leaving the vaults unprotected, allowing Han and his allies to seize the coaxium. In the chaos that follows, Beckett, revealed to have been betraying Han all along, tries to escape with the fuel but is confronted by Han. Rather than fighting him directly, Han uses his cunning, shooting first—an action that echoes the infamous “Han Shot First” debate among fans—and proves that he’s learned to think several steps ahead. After Beckett is mortally wounded, Han’s decision to hold him and show some compassion highlights the complexity of his character, balancing his criminal instincts with his conscience.
Meanwhile, Qi’ra’s betrayal shifts the focus to Darth Maul, who appears revealed as the true mastermind behind many of the events in the film. Qi’ra contacts him, and her allegiance to Crimson Dawn is confirmed when his hood is removed, showing him alive and well, having survived his apparent death in The Phantom Menace. This reveals that Maul is now leading the criminal organization that has been influencing the galactic underworld, laying the groundwork for future conflicts.
In the final moments, Han wins the Millennium Falcon in a game of Sabacc with Lando Calrissian, though it’s revealed Lando cheated, making Han’s victory all the sweeter. Han and Chewie then travel to Tatooine, hinting at their upcoming encounters with Jabba the Hutt, setting the stage for their future adventures. Despite everything, Han remains true to himself, with his core desires—to find belonging and a place in the galaxy—unchanged. However, through betrayal, loss, and new alliances, he’s gained a deeper understanding of the galaxy’s harsh realities, transforming slightly but fundamentally remaining the same charismatic, flawed smuggler who will later become a legend. The film concludes with the iconic image of Han’s gold dice hanging in his cockpit, a symbol of his journey towards his destiny and the person he’s destined to become.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:57
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