We sense a disturbance in the force… as if a million voices suddenly cried out, “Nooooo, what???” According to The Hollywood Reporter, directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller have left the Han Solo solo movie. In a statement, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy confirmed the news, saying that “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.” Lord and Miller added, “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.”
Now, Star Wars‘ Han Solo spin-off movie is not just currently in the middle of filming, it’s supposedly one film of a brand new trilogy, so this news comes as quite a shock. As far as we knew, everything was (is?) in full swing. According to set pictures and promotional photos, Hail Caesar‘s Alden Ehrenreich looked pitch perfect as the iconic smuggler, Donald Glover was revealed as a truly inspired choice to play his partner-in-crime, Lando Calrissian, with Game of Thrones‘ Emilia Clarke and Woody Harrelson appearing alongside Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag) and Thandie Newton (Westworld). And while these things certainly do happen… well…
Having witty, talented up-and-comers like Lord and Miller, who helmed The LEGO Movie and the 21 Jump Street reboot, attached to film certainly assuaged some fans’ concerns about the prequel. Han Solo is such a beloved character that is so attached to the actor who portrayed him, the effortlessly cool Harrison Ford, it’s hard to picture anyone else in that role.We’ve been wracking our brains and we can’t think of another film this far into shooting that’s lost its directors, especially not one this huge.
We still have high hopes for the film, but we’re definitely on pins and needles waiting to hear which director will replace Lord and Miller.
The Han Solo spin-off is currently scheduled to release on May 25, 2018. Let us know what you think of this shake-up in the comments below!
Image: Lucasfilm
