Ron Howard might be the new official director of Solo: A Star Wars Story but back in the 90's the award-winning director of A Beautiful Mind and Willow was actually given the opportunity to direct Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
Speaking in an interview with Total Film (h/t Metro UK) to help promote Solo, Howard opened up about his role in The Phantom Menace. According to the director, Lucasfilm came to him with the chance of directing the first Star Wars prequel movie. However, Howard decided to turn down the studio, and not because he didn't like the film's script.
"I want to clarify that a little. It was a casual conversation in the car park. It was not like I read a script and weighed it carefully. It was a knee-jerk reaction because I immediately felt like George should do it," the filmmaker explained.
Like all Star Wars fans, Howard has a lot of respect for Lucas and his work, even going as far as defending Phantom Menace and the performance of the film's young Anakin Skywalker, Jake Lloyd. However, once Disney bought Lucasfilm and brought in new directors to build the franchise, Howard thought that directing a Star Wars film had become "a more reasonable consideration."
Let's hope that it's worth the wait for Howard.
Solo: A Star Wars Story premieres next week, May 25.
Read: Lucasfilm Reportedly Has Plot And Director Pinned Down For Obi-Wan Kenobi Movie
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!
Fandoms