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Jason Reitman's Empire Strikes Back Live Read Stars Ellen Page as Han Solo and Jessica Alba as Leia

Jason Reitman's Empire Strikes Back Live Read Stars Ellen Page as Han Solo and Jessica Alba as Leia

Jason Reitman's Empire Strikes Back Live Read Stars Ellen Page as Han Solo and Jessica Alba as Leia

Um, are planes to Los Angeles all sold out for tonight...?

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Jason Reitman's monthly live reads are usually star-studded beyond belief, but he just announced, according to Entertainment Weekly, what may be the best casting news we've ever heard in our lives, Ever. Hands down. In fact, the only downside to his announcement that Ellen Page will be playing Han Solo in his Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back live read is that it's a one-night-only event and we'll  never get to see it, but simply knowing that it's happening is improving our much-less-awesome Thursday nights already. And on top of all that good news, Jessica Alba will be playing Princess Leia, badass revolutionary and Han's love interest. J.K. Simmons will star as Darth Vader and Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul will be reading for Luke "Yeah, Bitch!" Skywalker.  Yeah, the fact these readings don't get recorded is just soul-crushing right about now.

When discussing the casting of Ellen Page as Han, Jason Reitman (who directed her in Juno) further became our new favorite dude with these soundbites, "In casting Han, the most important thing is: Who has the most interesting, ironic approach to life? And when I think of that, I think of Ellen Page. She’s a small human being who has the energy to fill Madison Square Garden." And as far as the two leads being the same sex for the first time ever? Says Jason, “Chemistry is chemistry, whether it be between a man and a woman, two women, or two men. I have no doubt that Ellen Page could have chemistry with anybody.”

We love you, Jason Reitman. And if you are in downtown Los Angeles tonight, the live read will take place at the Ace Hotel Theater and standing room may be available for a few lucky people we might hate forever. Click the link for details!

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Preston Max Allen