Was Ewan McGregor doing an Alec Guinness impression? Was River Phoenix doing a Harrison Ford impression?
Nope and nope which is why they were great and why I’d be hesitant to cast someone with the credential of “does a great Harrison Ford impression.”
And “youtube impressionist” ignores the fact Gruber played a younger version of Harrison Ford’s character in The Age Of Adeline, a feature film. The guy has a resume, so let’s call him an actor. Not saying he was the perfect choice, but the powers that be ought to have given him an audition.
Sure, but who’s to say they didn’t?
If Alden doesn’t come across as Han Solo in the trailers, Lucasfilm will have a big problem on their hands.
Sure again but my point is that just because he doesn’t look and sound exactly like HF doesn’t mean he can’t still be Han Solo.