Lord & Miller’s Star Wars Exit
The journey of creative collaborations is rarely a straight line, and sometimes, the most memorable exits are the ones that redefine a relationship. Almost a decade after their departure from Solo: A Star Wars Story, filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller have publicly stated that they have found peace with the creative differences that led to their exit from the Lucasfilm franchise.
These acclaimed directors, known for their distinctive and improvisational styles—most famously showcased in hits like The LEGO Movie and the science-fiction adventure Project Hail Mary—were initially brought in to helm the Star Wars project. However, as production progressed, tensions arose over differing approaches to storytelling, a common friction point when merging established franchise lore with fresh, independent creative visions.
Ultimately, the reins were passed to Ron Howard, and the Lord & Miller team moved on, yet their parting words reveal a deep respect for the team they left behind. When reflecting on the experience, they emphasized that their decision was not born of malice, but of a commitment to their specific vision.
“No, because, you know, that’s our crew. That’s our cast. Those are the people we cast. What we said to the crew was, ‘If you want to do something to support us, make a great movie with Ron.’ I always look forward. I never look back.”
This sentiment highlights a focus on the process and the people involved rather than the outcome. Their philosophy extended to the original Star Wars saga itself. They view those foundational films not just as successful franchises, but as spiritual, independent works that prioritize humor and spirit.
They maintain a reverence for the original trilogy, seeing them as independent artistic statements rather than rigid corporate mandates. This perspective underscores a belief that great filmmaking is about capturing a feeling, not simply adhering to a formula.
Despite their creative separation from the Lucasfilm universe, the bond remains amicable. In fact, Kathleen Kennedy reached out to Lord and Miller earlier this year to congratulate them on the success of their collaboration on Project Hail Mary, demonstrating a willingness to acknowledge their contributions outside of the franchise context.
Looking ahead, the question of returning to the Star Wars world remains open, with the filmmakers keeping an open door for future possibilities. When asked about future projects, they offered an enthusiastic and open response: “Never say never.”
Currently, Lord and Miller are actively engaged in new creative endeavors, most notably working on the upcoming cinematic installment, Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse, which is set to hit cinemas next year. It’s a testament to their enduring creative energy that they continue to shape new stories, proving that even when a chapter closes, the creative narrative is far from over.
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