Last night we got theshocking newsthat directorsPhil LordandChristopher Millerhad been fired from theStar WarsHan Solo spinoffwith only three weeks left to go on filming. In a press release, both Lucasfilm and Lord & Miller agreed that they parted ways over “creative differences”, but what did those differences entail?
According toVariety, the split came because Lord and Miller’s improvisational style clashed with how producerKathleen Kennedyliked a tightly controlled set. “It was a culture clash from day one,” the source said. “She didn’t even like the way they folded their socks.” I’m not exactly sure why Kennedy would be overseeing sock-folding, but point taken.
Variety continues:
The source said that while Lord and Miller were supposedly hired for their vision and distinctive brand of filmmaking when it came to the “Star Wars” production, Kennedy did not approve of their shooting style and process of interacting with actors and crew. “They weren’t given the leeway to do what they had to do,” the source said.
Additionally, Lord and Miller also clashed with co-writer and executive producerLawrence Kasdan, whichTHRreports as well. A source tells THR that Lord and Miller’s view of Han Solo clashed with what Kasdan wanted: “People need to understand that Han Solo is not a comedic personality. He’s sarcastic and selfish,” said that source. Kennedy, who had worked with Kasdan for decades, backed her longtime colleague over the directors.
Last night, Mike Sampson, former editor-in-chief of ScreenCrush,tweeted outwhat he had heard. According to Sampson, Kennedy felt that the movie wasn’tStar Wars-y enough, so she wanted to bring in a director to do reshoots like she did onRogue One. WhereasRogue OnehelmerGareth Edwardswas willing to allowTony Gilroyto handle reshoots, Lord and Miller refused letting another director come in to retool their movie. While apparently “everyone” loved what Lord and Miller were trying to do, it didn’t fit with a risk-averse studio’s vision, and because Lord and Miller stuck to their guns, they were let go.
The major question that remains is how this all came to be so late in the process? Especially afterRogue Onewhere Edwards clearly wanted to make a war film and they discovered that’s not what they wanted, one would think they would ensure they were on the same page with future directors to avoid making the same mistake. Also, it’s not Lord and Miller are neophytes, and their working style would be fairly well known by this point, so why did Kennedy expect them to change? Additionally, when Lord and Miller pitched their view on Han Solo, wouldn’t have Kasdan known at the outset that’s not the direction they wanted to take the character?
I’m sure someone will write a great book on this in about twenty years, but until then, it’s just a total bummer that Lord and Miller have been let go and that yet anotherStar Warsproject has run into trouble.
The untitled Han Solo movie is still set for release on August 04, 2025.
