Han Solo 'Star Wars' Spinoff Lands a New Director

Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy announced on Thursday that Ron Howard would replace previous directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller ("21 Jump Street"), who parted ways with the studio earlier this week over "creative differences," with just about three weeks left of shooting.

"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," Kennedy said 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."

Despite a recent string of flops including "Da Vinci Code" sequel "Inferno" and "In the Heart of the Sea," Howard remains one of the most recognizable filmmakers in Hollywood. The former "Happy Days" star won an Oscar for directing Russell Crowe drama "A Beautiful Mind" and famously directed beloved classics including "Splash," "Cocoon" and "Apollo 13."

Although the “Star Wars” spinoff was about three-quarters finished when Lord and Miller were fired, the film still has several weeks of shooting and an additional five weeks of re-shoots before Howard will take a look to see if the film needs more time and money.

It is unclear if Howard will get the sole directors credit or if he will have to share with Lord and Miller.

The untitled Han Solo film is set to release May 25, 2018.