After directing multiple episodes of The Mandalorian, Bryce Dallas Howard wants to direct a Star Wars movie. In the time since Disney bought Lucasfilm, the focus of the Star Wars franchise has seemingly shifted from the big screen to Disney+. The response to The Mandalorian resulted in the expansion of this story and multiple other Star Wars shows being announced. While Lucasfilm is now putting a lot of attention on the small screen and finding success, the outlook is a bit more mixed on the movie front. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker's response and COVID appeared to pump the breaks on a few films set in the galaxy far, far away.
Lucasfilm currently has a handful of Star Wars movies in development. Patty Jenkins is meant to be the first female director to helm a Star Wars movie with Rogue Squadron, but there are also reports of the movie hitting some creative speedbumps. Kevin Feige's Star Wars movie is still in the writing phase, and there are no details on what director Taika Waititi plans to bring to his entry in the franchise or when that will happen. Meanwhile, Rian Johnson's Star Wars trilogy remains in an unknown state. Other movies are reportedly in consideration too, such as Star Wars 10, and many fans have looked towards The Mandalorian to see directors who could helm various future films.
Howard made her directorial debut in The Mandalorian season 1, episode 4, and has remained a key figure in Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni's ongoing story. It is for that reason that some fans have expressed a desire to see Bryce Dallas Howard direct a Star Wars movie. She is now doing press for her latest acting gig, as she returns for Jurassic World Dominion, and the topic of directing a Star Wars film was brought to Howard's attention during an interview io9. The outlet asked her what character or story could convince her to direct a Star Wars movie and she said, "Oh, my goodness. I think it would take someone asking me," implying that she's open to anything if the request comes.
Howard has currently directed three episodes of Star Wars TV shows. Following her involvement in the first season, she returned to direct The Mandalorian season 2, episode 3. Howard was able to introduce Bo-Katan Kryze in live-action during this episode. She then delivered arguably the best episode of The Book of Boba Fett season 1 with episode 5, which was essentially another episode of The Mandalorian. Thanks to a clear understanding of the magic of the franchise, the calls for Bryce Dallas Howard to direct a Star Wars movie have only grown louder.
Only time will tell if Howard does direct a Star Wars film, but this type of announcement would be a big win for Lucasfilm. She's proven to be a steady hand at the helm through The Mandalorian world and her episodes have been big hits. Bryce Dallas Howard could even follow in her father's footsteps, as Ron Howard directed Solo: A Star Wars Story. Since she is interested in tackling a Star Wars movie, perhaps Lucasfilm has already given her the option and will make an announcement at Star Wars Celebration later this month.
Source: io9
