Dryden Vos
In Solo: A Star Wars Story, Han Solo has to perform a job for Dryden Vos, a gangster who works for the crime syndicate Crimson Dawn. The name "Dryden" connects Dryden Vos to a key character in David Lean's 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia, a major influence on Star Wars.
In Lawrence of Arabia, Dryden (played by Claude Rains) is an elegant and cultured British gentleman with a secret dark side. Initially, Dryden presents himself as a kind of mentor and father figure to the fatherless T.E. Lawrence, getting him a position that will help him make a name for himself. Ultimately, though, Dryden is revealed to be a callous and unscrupulous manipulator, taking advantage of Lawrence's hubris and naïve hunger for glory to advance his own agenda.
Dryden Vos plays a similar role in Solo. He acts as a mentor of sorts to the orphaned Han, presenting a front of false concern for him and assigning him a mission that will help him make a name for himself. In reality, though, Dryden is simply using the "arrogant" and "hungry" Han to pursue his own profits.
Despite their seemingly elevated status, both characters are agents of higher powers. Dryden is only a representative carrying out the behind-the-scenes machinations of the Arab Bureau, while Dryden Vos is subordinate to Crimson Dawn's shadowy mastermind, Darth Maul.
Both Drydens have palatial offices that house their collections of ancient artifacts, indicating their acquisitive nature. Both characters are middle-aged men motivated solely by their desire for material goods, which they pursue by preying on the idealistic dreams of younger men.
EXPLORE FURTHER…
Characters: Dryden Vos / Han Solo
Films: Solo: A Star Wars Story
GO DEEPER INTO THE ARCHIVES…
Influences: Lawrence of Arabia
READ MORE ABOUT…
Follow The Jedi Archives on…
This is such a cool project!