Ron Howard Explains Why He Turned Down The Chance To Direct The Phantom Menace

Beginning his career as an actor on television shows such as The Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days, Ron Howard would later move on to the director’s chair. With classics such as Willow and Apollo 13  under his belt, Howard was actually offered to direct Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, but ended up saying no to the project.

So why would someone turn the opportunity to direct what was at the time, the revival of a franchise as big as Star Wars? Howard recently spoke with TotalFilm while promoting the upcoming Solo: A Star Wars Story and explained what happened.

“I want to clarify that a little. It was a casual conversation in a car park. It was not like I read a script and weighed it carefully. It was a knee-jerk reaction because I immediately felt like George should do it.”

RELATED: Solo: A Star Wars Story – Ron Howard On A Potential Sequel

It doesn’t sound as if Howard was ever deep into the project, or ever seriously considered it. His instinct was correct in my opinion. Given that this would be the first Star Wars film in 16 years, it was probably for the best that the film have Lucas’ name on it as a director (for better or worse). Although, the thought of a Ron Howard directed TPM is interesting and one does have to wonder what it would have looked like.

As we all know now, Howard did end up directing a Star Wars film in Solo: A Star Wars Story, which hits theaters next Friday.

Would you have liked to see a Ron Howard directed Phantom Menace? Let us know in the comments down below!

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Source: TotalFilm (via ScreenRant)

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