US director Ron Howard to helm new ‘Star Wars’ film

Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard will take over as director of the ‘Star Wars’ Han Solo feature film.

The Han Solo spinoff will see Howard take over as director after studio head fired the movie’s original directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller on Tuesday.

“I'm beyond grateful to add my voice to the Star Wars Universe after being a fan since 5/25/77,” Howard noted, adding, “I hope to honor the great work already done & help deliver on the promise of a Han Solo film.

The two directors were released after clashes between the directors and producer and Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy and co-writer/executive producer Lawrence Kasdan.

The directing duo had recommended inserting more humor and improvisation from the actors into the film, which did not go over easy with Kasdan.

Howard will begin work immediately, with the picture having some several weeks left of shooting. Five additional weeks of pre-scheduled reshoots are planned for later this year, as is customary with films with big budgets.

The exact amount of time and money that it will take to actually complete the filming production will vary depending on how much rewriting and reshooting Howard deems is necessary after reviewing the script and shot footage.

Directors Lord and Miller had previously overseen the financially successful films ‘The LEGO Movie’ and ‘21 Jump Street’.

Lord and Miller have the right to appeal any decision, but ultimately, the Directors Guild of America will make the final call.

Howard previously worked with Lucasfilm on 1988’s ‘Willow’. His other film credits include hits such as ‘Parenthood’, ‘Backdraft’, ‘The Da Vinci Code’, ‘Apollo 13’ and  ‘A Beautiful Mind’, the latter of which won four top Academy Awards, including best director and best picture.

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