Ron Howard, New Director For ‘Star Wars’ Han Solo Film

After Phil Lord & Christopher Miller (21 Jump Street, The LEGO Movie) were dropped from the upcoming yet-to-be-titled Han Solo film, news began to circulate about directors that could fill the chair. One of the candidates was none other than Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard. Already six months into production, the heads at Lucasfilm had to work fast in finding a replacement.

It has been confirmed that Howard will take the reigns of the project and that production will resume July 10.

Citing creative differences with Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy and Lawrence Kasdan, Lord & Miller exited the Star Wars spinoff/standalone. Something similar occurred with the development of Rogue One where writer-director Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton) came in to both polish the script and do re-shoots on the Gareth Edwards-directed feature. No screen credit was given to Gilroy.

“At Lucasfilm, we believe the highest goal of each film is to delight, carrying forward the spirit of the saga that George Lucas began forty years ago,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. “With that in mind, 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.”

Having transitioned from TV star (“The Andy Griffith Show,” “Happy Days”) to successful filmmaker (his hits include Splash, Parenthood, Apollo 13, and A Beautiful Mind among others), Ron Howard is a pro’s pro and having worked with longtime producer-collaborator Brian Grazer, I’m sure he’ll have an easy transition with Kathleen Kennedy who has shepherded most of Steven Spielberg’s filmography.

The Han Solo film is slated to be released on May 25, 2018.