【Peter Baumgartner】

Ron Howard is Peter Baumgartnerready to talk.

The newly installed director of the Han Solo spinoff has spoken up to express how "grateful" he is to join Star Warsafter being a fan of franchise for "forever."

Howard was announced as the new director of the movie just yesterday, after original directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller split over "creative differences." Their departure came as a shock, since the film was already several months into shooting with just weeks to go.

Speaking at the Cannes Lions advertising and media conference, Howard offered a little reminder that he's been a Star Warsfan for at least as long as you have.

"I've been a fan forever," he said (via Variety). "It’s gratifying to be asked to lend my voice to the [Star Wars] universe." And Howard's not kidding when he says "forever." He recalled George Lucas telling him about his plans for what would become Star Warsall the way back in 1972, when the two were working together on American Graffiti.

When Star Warsfinally did come out, Howard says, he was there on opening day. "I was so moved by the movie," he said. "I was transported by the movie… We literally left almost speechless."

Howard added more comment later on Twitter:

I'm beyond grateful to add my voice to the Star Wars Universe after being a fan since 5/25/77.

— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) June 22, 2017

I hope to honor the great work already done & help deliver on the promise of a Han Solo film.

— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) June 22, 2017

As strong of a pick as Howard is for this specific gig, he's got his work cut out for him. Filming on the Han Solo movie was reportedly about three-fourths finished when Lord and Miller were pushed out, and Lucasfilm is still aiming to get the entire thing done in time for the previously announced May 25, 2018 release date.

Howard is wasting no time getting started. Production was put on pause over Lord and Miller's departure, but will now resume July 10.

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