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In 1999, Ron Howard turned down one of cinema’s biggest franchises. 19 years later, he returned in the worst possible way
Ron Howard took over directing *Solo: A Star Wars Story* in 2018 after Phil Lord and Christopher Miller left during filming over creative differences. The film, about the early adventures of Han Solo and Chewbacca, became the franchise’s first box-office flop, despite a generally favourable critical reception.
The article says Howard had turned down George Lucas’s invitation to direct one of the *Star Wars* prequel films in 1999, when Lucas was seeking other directors to helm them. Lucas ultimately directed the prequels released in 1999, 2002 and 2005, then made no further films as director. Howard joined *Solo* about three-quarters of the way through production, so the article frames his return to the franchise as an unwelcome rescue job rather than a planned project.
In short
- Howard declined a *Star Wars* directing opportunity in 1999.
- He took over *Solo* during filming in 2018.
- *Solo* became the franchise’s first box-office flop.
Explained simply
Star Wars is a science-fiction film series created by George Lucas, whose original trilogy became a major popular success. Lucas later directed three prequel films, released between 1999 and 2005, which told an earlier part of the story.
Ron Howard is a film director who was invited by Lucas to direct one of those prequels but declined. Years later, Howard joined Solo: A Star Wars Story, a film about the younger Han Solo and his companion Chewbacca, after its original directors left during production.
Solo received a generally favourable response from critics but failed to make enough at the box office to be considered a success. Its performance mattered to the franchise because it was the first Star Wars film to flop commercially.