Over the last few months, it feels like we’ve covered just about every angle of the Phil Lord and Chris Miller firing from “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” We’ve heard from Lord and Miller, Ron Howard (who replaced the duo as incoming director), and even the actors. However, as reports start to surface about what truly went on behind-the-scenes, the person at the center of the drama seems to be ‘Solo’ co-writer (and “Star Wars” legend) Lawrence Kasdan.
In an interview with IndieWire, Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jonathan, who both wrote the script for the upcoming ‘Solo,’ spoke about their feelings regarding the change in director after much of the film was already shot.
READ MORE: ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ Reactions: Concerns Quelled, An Absolute Blast Into Hyperspace
“Well, it was excruciating,” Jonathan Kasdan said. “It was painful for everyone involved, and it was really the last thing I think anyone wanted. There was no one involved in this movie who was hoping that this would go down this way. And, given the reality of the situation and what did happen, I think we ended up with someone we barely even deserved. He was so wonderful.”
However, once Lucasfilm decided to make the move, it was understood that the cast and crew would have to work with a new director very soon and that there would be only minimal time off. “At the moment when that happened, there was a lot of pressure on the movie to keep moving forward, to not shut down,” Jonathan Kasdan said.
It’s interesting that Jonathan is the person speaking up about this. As loyal ‘Solo’ drama fans might know, his father Lawrence was at the center of the decision and controversy surrounding Lord and Miller. According to multiple reports, the elder Kasdan wasn’t happy with what he was witnessing on the set, with the directing duo going off-script a lot and moving slower than what normally happens on a “Star Wars” set.
Regarding the situation, Lawrence is only quoted (with their emphasis, not mine) as saying, “We were thrilled to get [Ron Howard].”
Jonathan Kasdan was more talkative about the transition to Howard, saying, “When Ron showed up and was willing to do it, it was really a godsend, because there was no one more up to that task, I think, on the planet. Just in terms of filmmaking, and in terms of personality, to step into what was a really difficult situation and to do it with such grace, and joy, and enthusiasm. By day three, he had put everyone to ease, and the thing was moving like a freight train.”
Clearly, if we are ever to learn the truth behind the drama behind-the-scenes, it’ll be saved for another day.