While Star Wars fans are clearly shocked by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller’s departure from the Han Solo project, Ron Howard stepping up to direct the movie in their place has helped calm some of those that are nervous. Howard recently took to Twitter to explain that he was excited to be taking over the project and that he’s a huge fan of the source material.
Ron Howard was a part of the Han Solo conversation shortly after it broke that Lord & Miller wouldn’t be directing, as it was quickly rumored that he would be the front-runner to direct the project. Earlier today, it was confirmed that he’d be taking over. Howard issued the following statements on Twitter:
I’m beyond grateful to add my voice to the Star Wars Universe after being a fan since 5/25/77.
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) June 22, 2017
I hope to honor the great work already done & help deliver on the promise of a Han Solo film.
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) June 22, 2017
Howard has previously worked with Lucasfilm before on a number of occasions – he served as one of the lead actors in American Graffiti, he directed their 1988 fantasy film Willow, and served as a creative consultant to George Lucas early on in the development of The Phantom Menace (a film that Lucas wanted him to direct at one point). He’s also the first Oscar-winning director to handle production of a Star Wars movie, provided that you don’t counting the honorary Academy Award that George Lucas received in 1991 for his work on the Original Trilogy, THX 1138, American Graffiti, Indiana Jones. It’s a shame it couldn’t be under better circumstances, but still – Howard has a kind of talent that the Star Wars franchise could really benefit from.
The untitled Star Wars Han Solo spin-off is still scheduled for a May 25, 2018 release date. Its cast includes Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Joonas Suotamo, Michael K. Williams, and Ian Kenny.
Source: Ron Howard
