“Solo” was clearly written to lead to aspects of the UOT, according to the writers at least. https://variety.com/2018/film/news/solo-a-star-wars-story-han-shot-first-lawrence-jonathan-kasdan-1202812392/
I always liked that about Solo. The film has issues, but it will always have that big plus.
The quotes from the Variety article:
“It’s pretty clear, we think,” Lawrence Kasdan says. “And it was a large motivation for both of us.”
Kasdan’s son and co-writer Jonathan adds that there was no room left on the page for interpretation.
“So that the actors knew, and so everyone involved knew, it was explicitly written in the description: ‘There can be no question that Han shoots first.'”
That’s some serious re-tinkering. Fans will no doubt be delighted but what did Lucas think? He certainly didn’t make the initial alteration without giving it serious thought.
“I’m happy to report, not only did George see the movie and like it before, I walked into the premiere with him and he was in a fabulous mood and he really likes this movie,” Lawrence Kasdan says. “So I have to assume that was not some earth-shaking thing for him. Or he’s let it go.”
Adds Jonathan: “Or he feels at peace with it finally.”