'Solo' Fans Shouldn't Expect a Sequel: It's Not a 'Lucasfilm Priority', Says Ron Howard

The 'Solo: A Star Wars Story' fanbase, powerful as it is, is about to receive some potentially disappointing news from director Ron Howard. While the introduction of the younger version of Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) and Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) was intended to launch a new series of "Star Wars" films from Lucasfilm, it ended in failure at the box- office (about $392 million against its reported budget of $300 million) and received lackluster reviews from critics. The film also suffered from various behind-the-scenes snafus when Phil Lord and Chris Miller were kicked out of the project in 2017 before Ron Howard finished the job.

In a , Ron Howard said that all rumors of a possible "Solo" sequel are completely fan-driven and not in serious talks at Lucasfilm.

"The only discussion I know about a sequel to 'Solo' is from the fans at this point," Howard said. "I don't think it's a Lucasfilm priority, as I understand it."

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Cries for a sequel also followed with the film's revelation that 'Phantom Menace' villain Darth Maul is alive after all.

The 'Thirteen Lives' and 'Hillbilly Elegy' director continued, "But there are some great characters thrown in, and the people at Lucasfilm love the fans and really listen, so I would never say never - but I don't. I'm not aware of any concrete plans at this time to extend the story or deal with this particular set of characters."

Earlier this year, "Star Wars" producer Kathleen Kennedy viewed the film's failure as a learning lesson for Lucasfilm and the franchise.

"There should be times along the way where you learn things," producer Kennedy said at the time. "Now it seems so clear that we can't do this." The main takeaway? "Star Wars" shouldn't just recast legacy and fan-favorite characters like Han and Lando.

"It made a lot of money, but it just didn't live up to expectations," Howard said on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast in 2019. There was a blast. Normally it takes three years, I worked eight months and had experience. I feel very good about how it happened. I loved the way he performed for the audience, which I witnessed. All this, I am able to feel good.”

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