Kathleen Kennedy, the Lucasfilm president, has made it official; Ron Howard is now the director for
the unnamed Han Solo movie.
The official statement followed rumors that Howard would be stepping in. “We’re thrilled to announce that Ron Howard will step in to direct the untitled Han Solo film. We have a wonderful script, an incredible cast and crew, and the absolute commitment to make a great movie. Filming will resume the 10th of July," Kennedy said early Thursday afternoon.
This comes following Tuesday's firing of Chris Miller and Phil Lord. According to Entertainment Weekly writer, Anthony Breznican, this was either due to "creative differences" or because the directors had turned the film into more of a comedy than Kennedy had envisioned. “Lucasfilm and producer [Kathleen] Kennedy believed Lord and Miller were hired to add a comedic touch; Lord and Miller believed they were hired to make a comedy," Breznican said.
Howard has several ties to George Lucas, and it was rumored he was asked to direct
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Howard starred in Lucas'
American Graffiti and directed Lucas'
Willow. The director has also won an Oscar for his film,
A Beautiful Mind."
The unnamed movie is set to continue filming for three and a half weeks, with reshoots following for five weeks.
Fans can expect to see the movie in May of 2018.
