The Mandalorian director Bryce Dallas Howard is touched that so many Star Wars fans would like to see her helm a feature film set in the galaxy far, far away.
During a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, Howard -- who began her career as an actor -- discussed her growing repertoire as a director, having now helmed a number of television episodes and short films. When asked if directing a feature-length film was a priority for her, Howard replied, "It's really, really, really important to me because there's more to learn. I'm attached to Flight of the Navigator, but there's not a script yet."
Howard was then asked about the growing support online for her to direct a Star Wars film. "I honestly have no idea! The support is incredibly moving," she said. "I was on a work session with [The Mandalorian creator] Jon Favreau when this was announced -- I'm like, 'Oh, I could say yes, I did another episode!' I'll get choked up, he's just the most wonderful man. He was like, 'Bryce, we were at [Star Wars] Celebration and people were so supportive.' He got choked up talking about how people were so embracing of me. Papa Jon! I feel so lucky the way folks have been, because I love getting to do this."
Howard has ties to the Star Wars franchise -- and Lucasfilm as a whole -- that go back years. She is, of course, the daughter of filmmaker Ron Howard, another actor turned director and frequent collaborator of Star Wars creator George Lucas. Ron Howard is a Star Wars director in his own right, having helmed Disney and Lucasfilm's 2018 anthology film Solo: A Star Wars Story. Bryce Dallas Howard is also a good friend of Star Wars Prequel Trilogy star Natalie Portman, having frequently visited her on the set of 1999's Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace.
Howard made her own Star Wars directorial debut in 2019 with "Chapter 4: Sanctuary," the fourth episode of the Disney+ streaming service's first live-action Star Wars series, The Mandalorian. She subsequently returned for the show's second season, helming its third episode, "Chapter 11: The Heiress." Most recently, Howard directed "Chapter 5: Return of the Mandalorian," the fifth episode of the spinoff limited series The Book of Boba Fett.
Of the various episodes of Star Wars TV to debut on Disney+, Howard's have been among the most well-received. Hence, why so many fans have expressed interest in seeing her tackle a feature film set in that universe. While it remains to be seen if that will happen, Howard is confirmed to be helming an episode of The Mandalorian Season 3, which is currently slated to premiere on Disney+ in February 2023.
Source: Los Angeles Times
