Phil Lord and Chris Miller Eye Star Wars Return
The directors express openness to helming a future project despite their high-profile exit from the franchise years ago.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Science Fiction
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Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller have stated they would be open to working on a future Star Wars film for Lucasfilm. The duo previously directed portions of Solo: A Star Wars Story before being removed from the production in 2017.
Why it matters
This openness signals a potential reconciliation between the filmmakers and the studio following creative conflicts during the production of their previous project. The pair reportedly clashed with Lucasfilm leadership over their improvisational approach to the film.
Solo: A Star Wars Story generated $393 million at the global box office. The production budget for the film doubled following the transition to a new director.
The players
Phil Lord
He is a filmmaker and producer known for his collaborative work on major animated and live-action features.
Chris Miller
He is a writer and director who frequently partners with Phil Lord on high-profile franchise projects.
Kathleen Kennedy
She serves as the president of Lucasfilm and has overseen the production of numerous entries in the Star Wars saga.
Ron Howard
He is an Academy Award-winning director who took over the production of Solo: A Star Wars Story in 2017.
The details
Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, reportedly sided with screenwriters Lawrence and Jonathan Kasdan during disputes over the tone of the production. Consequently, Ron Howard was brought in to complete the film after the original directors were dismissed.
Timeline
Phil Lord and Chris Miller were fired from the production of Solo: A Star Wars Story in 2017.
The directors discussed the circumstances of their departure during an interview in October 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This potential return marks a significant evolution in the relationship established by the 2017 production transition of Solo: A Star Wars Story. It highlights how major studios and creative teams manage professional friction when navigating high-stakes franchise development.
Fans of the franchise may see these directors return to lead future theatrical releases or Disney-backed projects. This development could influence the creative direction and tonal choices of upcoming films within the studio pipeline.
The takeaway
Creative partnerships in major franchises are rarely permanent, but industry relationships can evolve over time. Audiences should look for future announcements to see if this openness translates into a new film project.
Further reading
For more news on the evolving development of iconic franchises, see our Science Fiction section.
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