Lucasfilm dropped an almighty bomb on the Star Wars universe last night with the news that co-directors of the untitled Han Solo project, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller will no longer be working on the film only three months after filming began at London’s Pinewood Studio’s.

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The announcement was made via the official Star War’s website with President of Lucasfilm, Kathleen Kennedy stating creative differences were the reasoning for Lord and Miller parting ways.

alden-Ehrenreich-han-solo
Alden Ehrenreich will play Han Solo

“Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are talented filmmakers who have assembled an incredible cast and crew, but it’s become clear that we had different creative visions on this film, and we’ve decided to part ways. A new director will be announced soon,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm.

Our Reactions to the News

“Unfortunately, our vision and process weren’t aligned with our partners on this project. We normally aren’t fans of the phrase ‘creative differences’ but for once this cliché is true. We are really proud of the amazing and world-class work of our cast and crew,” stated Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.

With the release of the film still scheduled to be released in May 2018, the race to find a replacement director couldn’t be more urgent for those at Lucasfilm. Already rumours are flying on who could take the hot seat with the A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13 director, Ron Howard looking to be the forerunner although Han Solo screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan could possibly step in.

Ron Howard Han Solo

Although the veteran Howard’s schedule looks to be busy for the foreseeable after agreeing to direct a feature documentary on Luciano Pavarotti and developing a number of  features that include an adaptation of the publishing phenomenon of Hillbilly Elegy, he might just be able to spare a few months to keep the picture on course for that 2018 release.

Alden Ehrenreich will take the lead as a young Han Solo in the film which was originally played by Harrison Ford, the picture also sports a cast of Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Joonas Suotamo.

Do you think Ron Howard is a good choice to take over? If not who’s your number one option? Let us know in the comments section below.