George Lucas reiterated to Ron Howard before 'Solo' that the Star Wars franchise is intended for a 12-year-old audience.
In the world of blockbuster films, unexpected changes can sometimes shake things up. Such was the case with the production of Solo: A Star Wars Story, where director Ron Howard stepped in to rescue the project from unforeseen challenges.
In 2018, Ron Howard was brought on board as a replacement director, taking over from Phil Lord and Christopher Miller who had been facing creative differences with Lucasfilm. The original directors had reportedly deviated from the script and their comedic style clashed with Lucasfilm's vision for the movie, leading to a "creative impasse"[1][5].
Upon reviewing the edited footage, Howard saw that the film had strayed significantly from the planned story. He was asked by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and co-writer Jon Kasdan to step in and help complete the movie[1][2][3].
George Lucas, the creator of the Star Wars universe, offered Howard some valuable advice: "Just don't forget — it's for 12-year-old boys." This guidance reminded Howard to keep the movie fun, adventurous, and accessible, ensuring it retained the heart of Star Wars despite the upheaval[2][3][4].
Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were reportedly gracious during the transition process[1]. As for Howard, he expressed interest in bringing more supernatural elements into his filmography, citing contemporary sci-fi fantasy films like Cocoon, Her, and The Shape of Water as potential projects[6].
The issues with Solo were serious enough for Lucasfilm to consider a director change. There was a disconnect in tone early on in the production, and the studio was not convinced that what Lord and Miller were doing was working effectively[1]. The studio, however, liked the script for Solo, suggesting a tension between creative vision and commercial expectations.
As we look forward, the future of film is bright. Upcoming releases include Marvel's next blockbuster, the latest instalment in the Star Wars saga, the return of Star Trek, the DC Universe's next adventure, and the continuing journey of Doctor Who. Each promises to deliver thrilling stories and unforgettable characters.
For more insights into the Solo: A Star Wars Story production, you can read the full interview with Ron Howard on Vulture[7].
[1] - The Hollywood Reporter, "Solo: A Star Wars Story Reshoots Underway with Ron Howard", May 23, 2018. [2] - The Guardian, "Ron Howard on Solo: A Star Wars Story and the importance of keeping it fun", May 18, 2018. [3] - Variety, "Ron Howard on Solo: A Star Wars Story: 'It's for 12-Year-Old Boys'", May 18, 2018. [4] - Empire, "Ron Howard on Solo: A Star Wars Story and keeping it fun for the fans", May 18, 2018. [5] - Vanity Fair, "The Making of Solo: A Star Wars Story", May 23, 2018. [6] - Collider, "Ron Howard Talks About Future Projects and the Making of Solo", May 23, 2018. [7] - Vulture, "Ron Howard on the Making of Solo: A Star Wars Story", May 23, 2018.
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