The rumour mill has been in overdrive for the last 24 hours following the unceremonious sacking of the Han Solo directors. Phil Lord and Chris Miller’s time in the directing chair came to an abrupt end this week following rumours of tensions on set.
Various media reports have sighted the duo clashing with Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy as part of the problem. Lord and Miller are also rumoured to be on bad terms with long time Star Wars scribe Lawrence Kasdan. Kasdan co-wrote Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi and has had a hand in the franchise development ever since.
The duo spoke briefly to the press via statement: “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.”
At the time of firing Kennedy also had her own words on the situation: “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,”
Han Solo is currently on a filming hiatus. That hiatus is due to come to an end in early July when the final weeks of principal photography will take place. There are also 5 weeks of reshoots worked in to the schedule for later in the summer which are likely to come in handy.
Several media outlets pointed to Ron Howard are the frontrunner to replace Lord and Miller. Today Kathleen Kennedy has been back in the media to confirm the news: “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,” Kennedy said. “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.”
What do you think of this news? Are you still excited to see Han Solo?
