In Support of Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy…
Lucasfilm cites “creative differences” for their dismissal of Han Solo director’s Lord and Miller
“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. A new director will be announced soon,” Kathleen Kennedy: president of Lucasfilm.
What a crazy time to be a Star Wars fan!
Lucasfilm have officially parted ways with the directors of the Star Wars: Han Solo Anthology movie!
The studio has released a statement in the last few hours confirming the removal of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (The Lego Movie) from their directorial duties because of “creative differences” regarding the direction the movie was taking. This is an unprecedented step from Lucasfilm, especially with filming only three weeks away from wrapping and the project entering post production.
The removal of the talented duo at such a late stage will undoubtedly cast a shadow over the project and the task ahead of the new interim director is going to be a challenge of monumental proportions. However, with the right person in charge and a script written by Star Wars mastermind Lawrence Kasdan (Empire Strikes Back, The Force Awakens & Raiders of the Lost Ark) the project can easily be resurrected and bought back in line with the best of the Star Wars saga.
Creative differences are liberal and cliché expressions, but Lucasfilm have produced two highly successful Star Wars movies since George Lucas sold the rights to Disney, and at the forefront of these successes is his handpicked custodian of the Star Wars legacy Kathleen Kennedy. Her pedigree speaks for itself having produced cinematic juggernauts like Jurassic Park, the Back to the Future trilogy and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, a fact that has been championed by the godfather of the saga himself.
Backlash:
In light of this breaking news, the inevitable disharmony amongst the devoted Star Wars fan fraternity has increased exponentially with many attacking Kennedy for her decision to relieve the directors of their mandate. The abuse has materialised from sections of the fan base that have taken offence to her apparent “ruining” of the franchise. And yet, the root of their discord appears to have no basis of fact beyond opinion, which varies from fan to fan.
The dismissal of these talented directors is without a doubt a surprise, but is a decision that would not have been taken lightly. The character of Han Solo, is one of the most cherished in all of fandom. Harrison Ford’s iconic portrayal was embraced on an unprecedented level and became ingrained upon our very culture. Bringing a younger incarnation of the character to the screen comes with a certain amount of risk and as curator of the Star Wars legacy, Kathleen Kennedy has been tasked with protecting its posterity.
With Rogue One: A Star Wars Story coming up short of the expectations set by the fans, Kathleen Kennedy stepped up to the plate and requisitioned a host of reshoots which would ultimately go on to be the most heralded of scenes. Without her swift intervention, the iconic sequence of Darth Vader slaughtering a garrison of Rebel Fleet Troopers aboard the Tantive IV would not have come to pass and one of the most revered finales in Star Wars history would never have seen the light of day.
All thanks to Kathleen Kennedy.
Her intervention transformed Rogue One from a great film to an amazing film, one that excited both critics and fans around the world and reverted us to the legacy of the original trilogy in stunning fashion.
Her decision to relieve Lord and Miller of their duties was a calculated risk, but it was taken with the intention of ensuring the greatest Star Wars anthology tribute to a much beloved character. Lawrence Kasdan has crafted the persona of Han Solo for well over thirty years and there is no one better suited to ensure his posterity.
The decision taken by Kennedy may be regarded as drastic, but considering Rogue One’s stunning success, we can rest easy that she is not afraid to go to the ends of the earth to ensure our expectations are met. Like her mentor before her, her faith in Lawrence Kasdan remains unshaken and she remains devoted to bringing us the very best movie possible.
Rumours are now surfacing that both Ron Howard and original trilogy stalwart Joe Johnson have been approached to take the reins, but the most likely of appointments would be Kasdan himself. Not only a revered screen writer, Kasdan has several directorial credits on his resume and being so close to the project would make him a shoe in to correct the issues raised with Lord and Miller’s material.
Until a concrete appointment is announced, the project has been placed on hiatus allowing the studio some much needed time to review the material already on film. Whomever claims the mantle of director, they will have the benefit of Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy’s full support to ensure we all rejoice with delight come next May.
Instead of us fighting amongst ourselves and eroding the core of the saga we know and love, we should band together and support the project wholeheartedly. After all, in the end of the day we all want a great movie to add to the expanding collection of the Star Wars saga we so passionately cherish. With all the discontent filtering through the internet like a plague, it is easy to forget that we are on the same side…and we are all craving the greatest of all movies to build upon the hallmark performance of the great Harrison Ford.
Kathleen Kennedy, was handpicked for the role of custodian of the Force for a reason and she has proven without a shadow of a doubt that she has the stones to make the decisions that really count.
In Kathleen Kennedy, and Lucasfilm we trust.
We are one with the Force…and the Force is with us…it surrounds us, penetrates us and binds the galaxy together.
Until next time…punch it Chewie!
