Earlier this week, theStar WarsHan Solo spinofffired directorsPhil LordandChristopher Millerover creative differencesbetween them and producersKathleen KennedyandLawrence Kasdan. Wepreviously reportedthat among the frontrunners to replace the duo was Oscar-winning directorRon Howard, and according toTHR, he now has the gig.
Per THR, “Howard is considered to be a safe choice to complete the task, someone who will more than ably finish the movie while being a calming presence on set,” and on paper, his hiring makes sense. He’s an accomplished veteran who won’t rock the boat, and he’ll get the job done. According to THR, Howard will meet with the actors “to soothe a rattled set and will pore over a rough edit to see what the project has and still needs.”
Three and a half more weeks of shooting are still needed, and five weeks of shooting are built into the schedule, but the question becomes if that will still hold if Howard decides that the movie needs to be retooled. Additionally, it will be interesting to see if Howard keeps Lord and Miller’s above the line talent in place like cinematographerBradford Young(Arrival), or if he’ll bring in his own people. There’s also the question of trying to get more time out of actors who have other projects.Donald Gloveris slated to start on a new season ofAtlantaand assuming Daenerys Targaryen survives this season ofGame of Thrones,Emilia Clarkewill be needed back for the final season of the HBO series.
The selection of Howard to direct is underwhelming but understandable. He doesn’t make particularly good movies (for everyRushyou get anInferno,The Dilemma, and anIn the Heart of the Sea), but he’s competent enough, and that’s apparently all Lucasfilm is looking for at this point. It makes me wonder if in their future endeavors they’ll be looking more for journeyman directors who can fill out the blueprint of a standardStar Warsmovies rather than filmmakers who have a specific vision on what they want to do with the series.
Lucasfilmsent out a press releaseon the hiring of Howard, and saying that filming will resume on July 10th:
Lucasfilm is pleased to announce that Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard has been named director of the untitled 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 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 the10th of July.”
Howard has made some of the biggest hits and most critically-acclaimed movies of the modern era. Among his many films are Lucasfilm’sWillow,Apollo 13,A Beautiful Mind(winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director),The Da Vinci Code,Frost/Nixon, andRush. He also narrated and produced the beloved comedy seriesArrested Development, starred in George Lucas’American Graffiti, and remains a TV icon for his roles inThe Andy Griffith ShowandHappy Days.
The untitled Han Solo film is slated for a August 09, 2025, release.
What do you think about Howard coming on board to direct? Is there someone else you wish had gotten the job? Sound off in the comments section.
