Ron Howard Announced as Han Solo Director Two Days After Lord and Miller Firing

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That was fast! The untitled Han Solo movie already has its new director.

Just two days after it was announced Phil Lord and Chris Miller were fired from the Star Wars standalone project, Lucasfilm announced Thursday morning Oscar-winning director Ron Howard is officially stepping in to direct.

"I'm beyond grateful to add my voice to the Star Wars Universe after being a fan since 5/25/77," Howard tweeted on Thursday, adding, "I hope to honor the great work already done & help deliver on the promise of a Han Solo film."

“At Lucasfilm, we believe the highest goal of each film is to delight, carrying forward the spirit of the saga that George Lucas began 40 years ago,” Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy said in a statement, “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.”


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On Tuesday, fans were shocked to learn of Lord and Miller’s seemingly sudden firing. Both parties released a statement citing “creative differences.”

“Unfortunately, our vision and process weren’t aligned with our partners on this project. We normally aren’t fans of the phrase ‘creative differences’ but for once this cliché is true. We are really proud of the amazing and world-class work of our cast and crew,” stated Phil Lord and Chris Miller.

The standalone Han Solo movie stars Alden Ehrenreich (Han Solo), Donald Glover (Lando Calrissian), Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Emilia Clarke and Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca).

Creative differences aside, the movie remains scheduled for its May 2018 release date.