Los Angeles, Aug 15 (IANS): Director Rian Johnson has confirmed that Han Solo will have a major role in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" despite being killed off in the 2015 "Star Wars: The Force Awakens".

The iconic character, played by veteran actor Harrison Ford, was murdered by his own son Ben Solo/Kylo Ren (essayed by Adam Driver) in "...The Force Awakens", but the director thinks it was important to still retain his "figurative ghost", reports ew.com.

"A figurative ghost of Han had to be present throughout this entire film,' Johnson said.

"Kylo has definitely been knocked off base. The defeat that he had at the end of 'The Force Awakens', but even bigger than that, his huge defining act which, spoiler alert, is the murder of his father... that's the more interesting thing to dive into.

"How has he dealt with that in his head? Where is he at in terms of that act and what does that mean for him?," he added.

Johnson also confirmed that Han Solo's long-time companion Chewbacca has a new mission in the film.

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" will release in December with John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Gwendoline Christie, Dohmnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Andy Serkis and the late Carrie Fisher reprising their roles.