Paul Bettany joins cast of Han Solo standalone film

Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Director Ron Howard says Paul Bettany has joined the ensemble of his upcoming Han Solo standalone movie.

This marks the third time Howard is working with the British actor after A Beautiful Mind and The Da Vinci Code.

"The Outer Rim just got a little bit wilder #PaulBettany #ForceFriday," Howard captioned a photo he tweeted of him and a costumed Bettany on the set of the as-yet-unnamed Han Solo movie, which is part of the Star Wars franchise and set for release May 25.

Howard offered no details about Bettany's character.

Actor and filmmaker Seth Rogen commented on the photo on Twitter, writing, "If he's just visiting he dresses funny."

"He was fantastic in A Beautiful Mind," remarked journalist Alex Hill in his own Twitter post.

"It's my third opportunity to work with Paul. He's a blast & so talented," Howard replied to Hill.

Lucasfilm said in June co-directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller had left the Star Wars spinoff, four months into production, due to creative differences.

The movie is an origin story for the iconic smuggler Harrison Ford played in four blockbusters. Alden Ehrenreich will play the younger version of the character. The new picture will co-star Donald Glover, Joonas Suotamo, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, Thandie Newton and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.