While fans eagerly await the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in just 16 days, the rest of the Star Wars universe is starting to take shape. The first spinoff Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (December 16, 2016) and Star Wars: Episode VIII (May 26, 2017) are both currently in production. Today we have word from Heat Vision Blog that casting is already under way for Disney and LucasFilm's next adventure, the Star Wars Anthology: Han Solo Movie, which is set for release on May 25, 2018. More than 2,500 actors have reportedly tested for the iconic role of a younger Han Solo, including Dave Franco and The Walking Dead star Chandler Riggs.

The production is casting a wide net for the role, asking talent agencies to submit clients ranged from 18 years old to 32 years old, although there are a handful of actors outside of that age range who have read for the part. Chandler Riggs, who plays Carl Grimes on The Walking Dead, is just 16 years old, while Mr. Robot star Rami Malek, 34, has also auditioned. Sources claim that the "sweet spot" for this role is actors in their mid-20s. Unlike J.J. Abrams' approach on Star Wars: The Force Awakens, where he sought out primarily-unknown actors, several notable young actors have been trying out for this role.

Other notable stars who have auditioned include Aaron Taylor-Johnson (25), Miles Teller (28), Nick Robinson (20), Leo Howard (18), Tony Oller (24), Landon Liboiron (23), and English actors Ed Westwick (28), Tom Felton (28), Joshua Sasse (27), Logan Lerman (23), Ansel Elgort (21), Jack Reynor (23), Colton Haynes (27) and Max Thieriot (27). At this point, there are no front runners for the role, but since shooting won't begin until January 2017, there is plenty of time for the filmmakers to find the right actor to play Han Solo. While it isn't known exactly how young Han will be in this adventure, Harrison Ford was 35 years old when he shot Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope.

Casting director Jeanne McCarthy is tasked with whittling down the candidates before directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller can zero in on their top choices. The casting director is searching for an actor who resembles a young Harrison Ford, who can be "funny and charming" while also handling the action scenes. The Star Wars Anthology: Han Solo Movie doesn't have an official title yet, but the project is working under the secret code name "Red Cup," in reference to the party cups manufactured by Solo Cup Corp.

Phil Lord and Chris Miller will direct from a script by Star Wars: The Force Awakens co-writer Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jon Kasdan. Lawrence Kasdan, who also co-wrote Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, revealed last month that this Han Solo project will be his last Star Wars movie. Who do you think should play Han Solo?