Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: Han Solo – Hunt for the Falcon #3

Nearly a decade after The Force Awakens first released in theaters, Star Wars has revealed an exciting new twist, reframing the film’s first act. This is thanks to Marvel’s new Hunt for the Falcon series, filling in the gaps of Han Solo and Chewbacca’s adventures before Episode VII.

In the new and canonical Hunt for the Falcon #3, Han and Chewie have been tracking down the iconic Millennium Falcon stolen by Gannis Ducain, followed by the Irving Boys, and finally Unkar Plutt. Now, this new Star Wars issue reveals just how close the duo was to getting their ship back before The Force Awakens…with a very surprising reveal.

Han Solo & Chewbacca Were On Jakku (Before The Force Awakens!)

By the end of Hunt for the Falcon #3, it’s revealed that Han and Chewbacca actually stepped foot on the desert world of Jakku, coming face-to-face with Plutt himself in a tense, high-stakes confrontation. Up until now with this new issue, it was assumed Han had no clue the Falcon was sitting in Plutt’s scrapyard.

Instead, it’s now confirmed that Han and Chewie did find the planet and the junk dealer who gained possession of the ship from the Irving Boys, but for some reason failed to reclaim it. As seen in The Force Awakens itself, Rey and Finn are the ones who later steal the Falcon from Plutt before encountering Han and Chewie off-world.

While there’s still two more issues of Hunt for The Falcon to go, this new moment has very much recontextualized Han’s reunion with his beloved ship.

Being on the same planet as his beloved ship, Han and Chewie must have been painfully close to reclaiming it long before destiny saw the ship being taken and piloted by Rey. Likewise, this issue also creates the opportunity for something even more exciting.

Will We See A Pre-Force Awkens Rey In Future Star Wars Issues?

STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS CHARACTER POSTER OF REY SKYWALKER

Seeing as how Han and Chewie’s chase has brought them to Jakku, it has to be asked if Rey herself might appear in the remaining issues of Hunt for the Falcon. Canonically, Rey would already be scavenging on Jakku for Unkar Plutt during this period, meaning she’s likely nearby while Han and Chewie are on the desert world.

While a full meeting would of course contradict the canon of The Force Awakens, a background cameo or near-encounter could still work. Even a subtle glimpse of Rey on her speeder in the distance would be a fun nod to longtime fans (without breaking the established continuity), tying her destiny with Han Solo’s and her place in the greater Star Wars galaxy even further.

Star Wars: Han Solo – Hunt for the Falcon #3 is on sale now from Marvel Comics.