Ron Howard takes over as director of untitled Han Solo movie

June 22 (UPI) -- Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard is taking over the helm of the untitled Han Solo movie, Lucasfilm announced Thursday.

The news came just two days after the company said co-directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller had left the Star Wars spinoff, months into production, due to creative differences.

Despite the switch in directors, the movie is still scheduled for release May 25.

"At Lucasfilm, we believe the highest goal of each film is to delight, carrying forward the spirit of the saga that George Lucas began 40 years ago," Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, said in a statement. "With that in mind, we're thrilled to announce that Ron Howard will step in to direct the untitled Han Solo film. We have a wonderful script, an incredible cast and crew, and the absolute commitment to make a great movie. Filming will resume the 10th of July."

The movie is an origin story for the iconic smuggler Harrison Ford played in four Star Wars blockbusters. Alden Ehrenreich will play the younger version of the character. The new picture will co-star Donald Glover, Joonas Suotamo, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, Thandie Newton and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Howard, 63, is a former child star who went on to direct beloved movies such as Willow, Splash, Parenthood, Apollo 13, The Paper, A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man, The Da Vinci Code, Frost/Nixon and Rush. He also narrated and produced the comedy series Arrested Development.