Getty Images/Richard Bord(LOS ANGELES) — Ron Howard is as psyched as many fans are by the news he’s taken the reigns of the still-untitled Han Solo stand-alone film.
“I’m beyond grateful to add my voice to the Star Wars Universe after being a fan since 5/25/77,” tweeted the Oscar-winning director, who’s known George Lucas since he starred in the Star Wars creator’s 1973’s hit, American Graffiti.
“I hope to honor the great work already done & help deliver on the promise of a Han Solo film,” Howard continued, referencing the contributions of movie’s previous directors, The LEGO Movie‘s Phil Lord and Chris Miller. The pair exited the Han Solo earlier this week over creative differences with the executive production team.
I’m beyond grateful to add my voice to the Star Wars Universe after being a fan since 5/25/77.
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) June 22, 2017
I hope to honor the great work already done & help deliver on the promise of a Han Solo film.
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) June 22, 2017
Filming on the movie will get back on track July 10, according to Lucasfilm.
The Han Solo movie, which stars Alden Ehrenreich as a younger version of the scoundrel famously played by Harrison Ford in the Star Wars movies, is still slated for a May 25, 2018 release.
Atlanta star Donald Glover will play the young Lando Calrissian, and Woody Harrelson has been cast as unlikely mentor for the pilot, smuggler, and scruffy-looking Nerf herder to-be. Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke is also in the cast.
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