To categorize this news as anything but a bombshell would be an understatement. Lucasfilm announced it has abruptly pink slipped the co-directors of the untitled Han Solo spinoff, Phil Lord and Chris Miller, while the film is still in production.
Via StarWars.com, it was announced the film starring Alden Ehrenreich as the young Solo would move forward with a directorial change.
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy chalked it up to clashing over those pesky “creative differences:”
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.
Since its the official Star Wars website, Lord and Miller graciously agreed in the parting of ways:
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.
Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter there are several weeks remaining on principal photography in London, with additional shooting in August previously scheduled.
Additionally THR reports the co-directors clashed with Lawrence Kasdan, who wrote the script with his son Jake, over the tone and portrayal of the iconic Star Wars smuggler. Lord and Miller are also known to have a comedic improvisational style that didn’t mesh with Kasdan’s stricter adherence to shooting what’s on the page. At the end of the day Lucasfilm sided with longtime collaborator Kasdan who also penned The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
Names such as Ron Howard and Joe Johnson in addtion to Mr. Kasdan are being actively circulated around the internet as possible candiates to finish the film.
The film is still scheduled for a May 2018 release.
SOURCE: StarWars.com, The Hollywood Reporter
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