In a shock move that has sent Star Wars fans into meltdown hyperdrive, LucasFilm have announced the unprecedented departure of directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller from the Han Solo spin-off due for release in 2018.
In a statement issued via the official Star Wars website earlier today, Kathleen Kennedy (President of LucasFilm) cited the old chestnut excuse of ‘creative differences’ as the reason behind Lord and Miller’s shock departure.
“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.”
Directors Lord and Miller reiterated the cliché excuse, while taking a moment to praise the efforts of the cast and crew.
“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.”
Fans of the prodigious franchise were quick to tweet their despair.
Film Twitter trying to figure out why Lord and Miller left the Han Solo movie. #HanSolo pic.twitter.com/ryIckfGaYS
— Denizcan James (@MrFilmkritik) June 21, 2017
When directors decide to leave my movie. #Han #Solo pic.twitter.com/pqBCSjrgIR
— Bad Father Han Solo (@BadFatherHan) June 21, 2017
The words heard across the galaxy when the directors quit the Han Solo movie mid filming.#Ihaveabadfeelingaboutthis#StarWars #HanSolo pic.twitter.com/n5h3HltPY6
— Rey (@IAmRey__) June 21, 2017
Production began earlier this year and according to a source, was only three weeks away from a wrap. When bestowed with the honour of such a revered directorship, Lord and Miller promised to retain the tongue-in-cheek sensibility typical of the Star Wars brand in the new spin-off, so where did it all go wrong?
The two directors had previously worked together on The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, so it is entirely likely that while the scripts were comedically strong, the acting and live action scenes were a let down… at least, according to a source that spoke with the Weekly Planet.
The Weekly Planet acknowledges that this source may be bogus, but it is interesting to note that the 2016 release of the other Star Wars spin-off Rogue One was also shrouded in speculation that a new director was brought in to oversee reshoots and script rewrites in post-production.
An anonymous source told Variety that the two directors continuously clashed with Kennedy and perennial Star Wars creative Lawrence Kasdan from the beginning.
“Kathy, her team and Larry Kasdan have been doing it their way for a very long time. They know how the cheese is made and that’s how they want it made… It became a very polarising set.”
Variety also reports that insiders have suggested that while Kennedy is open to employing young indie directors, she is ultimately reluctant to relinquish creative control. Personally, we find her lack of faith disturbing.
When Lord and Miller were announced as the directors for the forthcoming film, Kennedy was excited for the two to “bring their wit, style, energy and heart to tell Han’s story”. Similarly, Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jon (who co-wrote the screenplay) gushed:
“They’re two of the smartest, funniest and most original filmmakers around, and the ideal choice to tell the story of Han Solo, one of the coolest characters in the galaxy.”
Why do these large businesses continually hire auteur directors, only to renege on their creative vision? If a franchise as colossal as LucasFilm was so fastidious about the creative direction of their brand, you would think they would employ rigorous criteria for a director that closely mirrors their own vision?
It’s obviously an understandable economic decision to cut ties before releasing an unsatisfactory film. But where does one draw the line between the creative licence of the director and the control of the franchise? Despite the young Han Solo storyline essentially being a spin-off from the master narrative, hiring an auteur to breathe new life into the origin story of a main character could spell a creative risk. The Star Wars fanbase has historically despised major changes to the universe. Meesa can think of a few divisive characters, episodes even… can yousa?
It’s rumoured that Ron Howard is in talks to replace Lord and Miller, however no deal has been made. Kathy Kennedy noted in the LucasFilm release that the new director will be announced shortly.
Despite this major hiccup, Disney affirms the production remains on target for its scheduled release in May, 2018.
