Han Solo Star Wars Spinoff Cuts Michael K. Williams’ Role

Bad news for fans of The Wire: Michael K. Williams will no longer be in the forthcoming Han Solo Star Wars movie. While his role was never detailed by Lucasfilm, fans were excited to see what the Emmy-nominated actor would bring to the Star Wars spinoff. Williams is another casualty of the falling-out between Lucasfilm and previous directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller.

The directing duo was fired by Lucasfilm after creative disputes, eventually being replaced by filmmaker Ron Howard. But it turns out that Howard’s plans with his new vision were incompatible with Williams’s schedule. As Williams is working on spy movie The Red Sea Diving Resort on location in South Africa, he will be unable to return to Pinewood Studios in London, where reshoots will take place.

It’s a disappointment for all that the logistics were unable to work out, but Williams remains proud of his work. Speaking to Deadline, Williams described his character as “a half-human, half-animal” and “a kick-ass character.” Fans of the actor can only hope that his positive working relationship with Lucasfilm will result in a different Star Wars role in the future.

Despite production troubles and shake-ups, the still-untitled Han Solo spinoff is due for release on May 25, 2018.