The last couple of days have been rather manic for the Han Solo spinoff film.

Following the shock news on Tuesday that directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller had been axed from the Star Wars-themed project, it has now been confirmed that their replacement has been found.

Oscar-winning director Ron Howard will now take over the reins from the unfortunate pair who left the project following clashes with LucasFilm president Kathleen Kennedy.

On Howard’s appointment, Kennedy said:

“At Lucasfilm, we believe the highest goal of each film is to delight, carrying forward the spirit of the saga that George Lucas began forty years ago.

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.”

Having played Richie Cunningham in the popular 70s sitcom Happy Days, Howard has gone on to become one of Hollywood’s biggest directors with his films including Willow (1988), Apollo 13 (1995), A Beautiful Mind (2001), Cinderella Man (2005), Rush (2013) and The Da Vinci Code trilogy (2006-16).

He was previously tipped to direct Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999) but was overlooked in favour of original franchise creator George Lucas.

The spinoff will focus on heroic smuggler Han Solo (as previously portrayed by Harrison Ford) prior to his involvement with the Rebel Alliance.

Alden Ehrenreich is playing the young Han alongside a versatile support cast which includes Donald Glover (as a young Lando Calrissian), Emilia Clarke, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Woody Harrelson.

Filming is due to resume on 10 July with the release date scheduled for May 2018.