By Creative Media Times
Ron Howard by David Shankbone
It’s been somewhat of a tumultuous week for Star Wars fans. Just a few days ago, the shocking news surfaced that Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were removed of their directing duties due to “creative differences.” But today is a fresh start. According to Hollywood Reporter, Lucasfilm and Disney has found a director replacement for it’s untitled Han Solo movie: Ron Howard.
“I’m beyond grateful to add my voice to the Star Wars Universe after being a fan since 5/25/77,” Howard tweeted. “I hope to honor the great work already done & help deliver on the promise of a Han Solo film.”
Lucasfilm also posted their announcement on Starwars.com:
“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.”
Those familiar with Howard’s part work should know he’s a good fit. Besides being an Academy Award winning filmmaker (for 2001’s A Beautiful Mind), his work on 1995’s space adventure, Apollo 13, was both a critical and commercial success. He’s also previously directed a George Lucas production and story, the 1988 fantasy film Willow.
The untitled Han Solo film is still scheduled for release in May 2018.
