Last night, we learned that directorsPhil LordandChristopher Millerhad been firedfrom theStar WarsHan Solospinoffdue to creative differences. With a May 2018 release date still on the books, Lucasfilm is expected to move quickly to find their replacement, but who’s going to take the gig?
According toTHR,Ron Howard(Inferno) andJoe Johnston(Captain America: The First Avenger) have both emerged as names to possibly take control of the project. Neither one is currently filming anything, although Howard is attached to adapt the bestselling memoirHillbilly Elegyand Johnston is on board to direct theChronicles of Narniasequel/rebootThe Silver Chair. Both directors are veterans of the industry, and would likely play ball with producerKathleen Kennedyin making sure the studio’s vision reached the screen in a timely and efficient manner.
Other sources suggest that co-writer and executive producerLawrence Kasdancould come in to direct since he already knows what needs to be fixed, but as THR points out, “That move could be complicated by DGA rules preventing someone already working on a film taking over for a director that is being replaced except for a short-term emergency.”
What’s clear is that whomever takes over for Lord and Miller will not only have their work cut out for them—they have to finish shooting and then also oversee reshoots in addition to post-production—but also someone who’s willing to work inside the system and make the movie that the studio wants. There aren’t going to be any creative firebrands coming down the line to take overHan Solo. That’s not to say the movie will be bad, but rather they’re looking for a competent journeyman who will carry the project across the finish line with minimal drama.
The untitled Han Solo film opens August 24, 2025, and starsAlden Ehrenreichas the intergalactic rogue alongsideDonald Gloveras Lando Calrissian andJoonas Suotamoas Chewbacca.Woody Harrelson,Emilia Clarke,Thandie Newton, andFleabagcreator/starPhoebe Waller-Bridgealso star.
