Han Solo Movie: Ron Howard announced as new director

Ron Howard is announced as the new director of the Star Wars spinoff. He steps in to take over directing duties for the Han Solo movie, following the departure of Christopher Miller and Phil Lord earlier this week.

Howard’s appointment was made official by the Star Wars Twitter page:

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard will assume directorial duties on the untitled Han Solo film. https://t.co/Ki04TAoKEe pic.twitter.com/7LvRyTUt6t

— Star Wars (@starwars) June 22, 2017

Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller, best known for helming 21 Jump Street, left the film having spent over four-and-a-half months in production. They departed the movie because of “creative differences”.

Han Solo – Smuggler. Scoundrel. Hero. A new Star Wars Story begins. https://t.co/6mjWKQcwwk pic.twitter.com/dWJwccpY33

— Star Wars (@starwars) February 21, 2017

Howard is a safe choice to step in, with great experience and an Oscar to his name, having directed the likes of A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13. And he also has history with George Lucas, having directed Willow in 1988 from Lucas’ script.

Howard will reportedly meet Alden Ehrenreich and fellow cast members this week. The movie remains untitled with a release date set for May 2018.