Phil Lord and Christopher Miller have removed as directors of the upcoming Han Solo film a few days ago. Ron Howard was selected to take their spot not much longer after. He recently spoke up about his chance to direct the Han Solo film starring Alden Ehrenreich in a recent appearance at the Cannes Lions. It was an “opportunity that came my way,” he would go on to say. If only I could get an opportunity like that to just “come my way!”
Ron Howard continued to talk about his new position in remembrance of times past. He and George Lucas had worked on a film, American Graffiti, together in the past–1972 to be exact–where Lucas told Howard of his desire to make “a science fiction movie, but a really fun one like Flash Gordon with the effects of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001.” Star Wars: A New Hope would hit theaters five years later. Howard’s experience with Lucas and his first experience watching the film back in 1977 solidified the passion he shared for the franchise. Now, 30 years later, Howard has been given the opportunity of a lifetime!
I'm beyond grateful to add my voice to the Star Wars Universe after being a fan since 5/25/77.
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) June 22, 2017
“So many people involved with the Star Wars franchise are friends, so it’s gratifying to be able to lend my voice to the universe–coming in when it’s already been in production and there is a great amount of work done,” Howard also went on to say. Of course, not all the work is done, and Ron Howard will have to continue where Lord and Miller left off. Coming in to direct a production that’s already begun filming can’t be an easy task. It’s like coming to work later when there’s a meeting you were supposed to be there for; there’ll be important information you missed and not a lot of time to get caught up completely. This scenario could end up being a bad thing for the Han Solo film, but I believe that Howard, although late for the meeting, will take the steps needed to ensure the film’s success.
I hope to honor the great work already done & help deliver on the promise of a Han Solo film.
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) June 22, 2017
