A rumour broke last month that Woody Harrelson was close to signing on to the upcoming Star Wars prequel about Han Solo’s early years, and today the news was officially confirmed. An update on the official Star Wars website announced that the actor, known for many roles including Haymitch Abernathy in The Hunger Games, had joined the project.

Details about the movie are being kept under wrap, although rumours have suggested that Harrelson will be playing a mentor to the young Han Solo. Harrelson can be seen next in this summer’s War for the Planet of the Apes, which hits theaters on the 14th July.

The currently untitled Han Solo movie stars Alden Ehrenreich in the lead role, with Golden Globe winner Donald Glover playing Lando Calrissian (portrayed in the original trilogy by Billy Dee Williams). The film will be directed by Jump Street directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who had this to say about the news:

We couldn’t be more excited to work with an artist with as much depth and range as Woody. His ability to find both humor and pathos, often in the same role, is truly unique. He is also very good at ping-pong.

Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke has also signed on for an unspecified role in the film, which is scheduled for release next year.