Personally I see no problem with cutting the shot altogether. However, since I know you want a couple of seconds to fill the gap, I have a couple of thoughts to create effects:

1) If there is an internal shot of just Chewy in his seat looking out the window, perhaps you might be able to replace the external matting with something of your own, making it look like the Falcon is taking off from an internal POV. With the skills you have at your disposal, this seems like something you could easily achieve.

2) Jaitea makes Millennium Falcon models for fun. Perhaps he could film a short green screen shot that you could again add matting to.

As for your opening, I still can't help but prefer the previous for the reasons I've cited before, but this is extremely cool, and I love the work you've done and would be plenty happy if this is what stays in the final release.