Ron Howard will direct the 'Star Wars' Han Solo spinoff

Ron Howard is going to go see a Star War.

He has been set as the new director of the Star Wars Han Solo spinoff, just days after original directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller departed over "creative differences."

Lord and Miller's exit was especially shocking since the production was well underway – filming had begun in January, and there were just weeks left to go on the shoot. It's almost unheard of for a movie to replace its director that far into the process.

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy commented on Howard's hiring in a statement:

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. 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.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Howard will first meet with the cast (including Alden Ehrenreich and Donald Glover) to smooth things over, and then review the material Lord and Miller have left behind to see what still needs to be done or redone.

As of now, the goal is still to get the film in theaters by the planned May 25, 2018 release date.