Han Solo: A Lord & Miller Director's Cut Is Possible -- Here's How

CBR

By Anthony Couto

Published Jun 25, 2017

A Director's Guild rule states that a film could receive a director's cut, if the original helmer(s) completed 90% of the principal photography.

With the departure of Phil Lord and Chris Miller from the Han Solo Star Wars anthology film, it's now certain that the directors' true vision for the film will not see the light of day -- in theaters, at least. According to a loophole in the Directors Guild agreement, a Director's Cut could be possible for the Han Solo film, reports TheWrap.

A Director's Cut would indeed be possible for the film if Lord and Miller's near-four month shoot comprised of 90% of the final movie. The Guild agreement states, "A director who is replaced after directing ninety percent (90 percent) but less than one hundred percent (100 percent) of the scheduled principal photography of any motion picture shall be the Director of the film entitled to all the post-production creative rights set forth."

It continues, "No one shall be allowed to interfere with the director of the film during the period of the Director’s Cut. There shall be no ‘cutting behind’ the Director as that term is commonly understood in the motion picture industry."

However, it's unlikely Lord and Miller's work on the film will comprise of 90% of the film overall -- with Oscar-winner Ron Howard signed on to finish the film, and complete five weeks of reshoots (in addition to the reported three-and-a-half weeks of shooting left), there's a good chance Howard's work on the final cut will consist of more than 10%. And even if there is a Director's Cut, the studio, Disney, is under no obligation to release it in theaters.

Regarding Lord and Miller’s departure from the project, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy had said, “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.” The director has now been confirmed to be Howard.

“Unfortunately, our vision and process weren’t aligned with our partners on this project. We normally aren’t fans of the phrase ‘creative differences’ but for once this cliché is true. We are really proud of the amazing and world-class work of our cast and crew,” explained former directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.

Based off a script by Lawrence and Jon Kasdan, the Han Solo film stars Alden Ehrenreich as Han Solo, Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian, Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca, Emilia Clarke, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Michael K. Williams and Woody Harrelson. The as-yet-untitled Star Wars anthology film is scheduled to hit theaters on May 25, 2018.