Ron Howard will take over directing duties for the untitled Han Solo movie, Lucasfilm announced Thursday.

  • Ron Howard to direct Han Solo movie
  • Directors Phil Lord, Chris Miller were fired
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The decision comes days after directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller (“21 Jump Street,” and “The Lego Movie”) were let go from the project because of creative differences. The two had already spent 4 1/2 months at the helm.

Howard will meet with the cast and crew — which includes Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo, Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, Woody Harrelson and Emilia Clarke — before filming resumes.

“At Lucasfilm, we believe the highest goal of each film is to delight, carrying forward the spirit of the saga that George Lucas began forty years ago,” said Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy in a statement. “With that in mind, we’re thrilled to announce that Ron Howard will step in to direct the untitled Han Solo film. We have a wonderful script, an incredible cast and crew, and the absolute commitment to make a great movie. Filming will resume the 10th of July.”

Howard is known for several critically acclaimed movies, including “Apollo 13” and “A Beautiful Mind.” He previously worked with George Lucas and Lucasfilm in Lucas’ 1973 breakout film “American Graffiti” and 1988’s “Willow.”

The untitled Han Solo movie is set to be released May 25, 2018.