But first, let’s assume Jyn Erso did die on that Eadu beach, cradling her not-love-interest Cassian Andor. Audiences are first introduced to her character on the prison world of Wobani at an Imperial labor camp. Forging Imperial documents, possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, and aggravated assault on all on Jyn’s list of crimes as read out by the Alliance. Not exactly small peanuts, as far as rebellion goes. While a memorable line from the trailer — “This is a rebellion isn’t it? I rebel” — was removed and Jyn’s aggressive and undisciplined nature expunged from the final cut, hints to Jyn’s past remain. Why would she forge Imperial documents? Whom did she commit assault? And which of her myriad of crimes landed her on Wobani?
All of these questions could be answered as a subplot within the young Han Solo movie scheduled for release in 2018. The film stars Alden Ehrenreich as young Han, and the ages of both Solo and Erso line up. Jyn’s distaste for both the Empire and the Alliance would lend itself well to a life of smuggling with a scoundrel. And considering how much Lucasfilm hates a coincidence, it is 100% like the company to tie Erso eve more tightly to the original trilogy characters via a run-in with Han Solo. It could even be that scruffy-looking nerf herder’s fault Jyn found herself thrown into Imperial prison. After all, he’s known to drop cargo at the slightest sign of the Empire. Should Disney opt to utilize Felicity Jones’ contractual obligation, this is one of the most straight-forwarded approaches and leaves little room for fan ire.