Despite having just released a first look at the yet-untitled young Han Solo “Star Wars” spinoff cast, a surprise announcement have sent shockwaves through the galaxy.
News are now pouring in that “The Lego Movie” helmers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have been “fired” from directing the Han Solo film.
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy released a statement a couple of hours ago saying, “Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are talented filmmakers who have assembled an incredible cast and crew, but it’s become clear that we had different creative visions on this film, and we’ve decided to part ways. A new director will be announced soon.”
It was revealed back in July 2015 that Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (“The Lego Movie”, “21 Jump Street”, “22 Jump Street”) have signed on to direct the Star Wars standalone. Upon the official announcement, the directors confirmed that their vision and process weren’t aligned with their 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,” they said.
The Han Solo film – set before the events of “Star Wars: A New Hope” – will explore the adventures of a young Han Solo and Chewbacca, which will include “their early encounters with that other card-playing rogue from a galaxy far, far away, Lando Calrissian”. The film features Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo, while Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, and Donald Glover also star.
As for who’s going to take on the directorial role, according to Kathleen Kennedy, a new director would be announced soon. She did not go into further details about why the change was taking place or when the new director would be announced, but rumours are already brewing that Oscar-winning director Ron Howard (“A Beautiful Mind”, “Apollo 13”, “The Da Vinci Code”) and co-writer Lawrence Kasdan are both being considered to take over the film.
The release date of 25th May 2018 remains unchanged.
UPDATE (23rd June 2017):
The rumours are true.
According to the Star Wars website, “Apollo 13” director Ron Howard has been named director of the untitled Han Solo film. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy released a statement confirming the news, saying, “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. 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,” she added.
The untitled Han Solo film is still on track for its 25th May 2018 release.
Sources: THR, Slate, io9, Star Wars / Featured image: Disney.
