It is a development that will surely have Star Wars fans breaking out in a cold sweat.

For Ron Howard revealed Warwick Davis is to feature in the forthcoming Han Solo spin-off movie on Wednesday.

Given he only mentioned it in passing on social media, franchise fanatics will surely be eager to discover whether the 47-year-old will be reprising his role as one of the much-hated Ewok characters from 1983's Return Of The Jedi.

Big break: Ron Howard has revealed Warwick Davis will return to the Star Wars universe in the forthcoming Han Solo spin-off

Ron sprang into action when a fan begged to know on Twitter whether he would ever get to work on a sequel to the 80s cult fantasy classic Willow, which acted as a starring vehicle for Warwick.

The Happy Days legend said: 'Glad you are asking for one! I directed @WarwickADavis for the 1st time in 30 years today. It made me happy.'

Clearly delighted at the shout out, the pint-sized actor chimed in: ''Reminded me what a wonderful experience #Willow was, made so by your expert direction & friendship. After 30yrs, you've still got the magic!'

Happy Days indeed: Richie Cunningham let slip after being asked if he would film a Willow sequel

A tree-mendous experience: Warwick chimed in to say how much he enjoyed making Willow

Revenge of the Ewoks? Fans will be sweating over the prospect of Wicket W. Warrick making an unlikely return

But despite Willow being a starring turn, Warwick is perhaps better known for his appearance as pugnacious Ewok Wicket W. Warrick, who fearlessly led the way as the teddy bear-esque creatures somehow helped Han Solo and friends defeat the mighty Empire forces on the forest moon of Endor.

In the re-imagined Disney version of the Star Wars universe, some of the creatures then agreed to travel off-world to help Rebel veterans recuperate by acting as 'therapy Ewoks.'

Duties for these selfless care bears presumably include giving comfort cuddles to the shell-shocked veterans.

Ron took over the reins of the film after the original directors Christopher Miller and Phil Lord were unceremoniously booted from the high-profile job after falling out with producer Kathleen Kennedy, the incumbent president of Lucasfilm.

You'll do Ron, Ron: Howard stepped into the breach after the original directors were fired

The not-so-dynamic duo, the brains behind comedy films The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, are said to have been trying to inject more humour into proceedings.

In a move which is said to have infuriated writer and producer Lawrence Kasdan, who also penned The Empire Strikes Back, they were supposedly encouraging improvisation on the set.

Putting a positive spin on things, they said in a statement following their sacking: 'Unfortunately, our vision and process weren’t aligned with our partners on this project.

'We normally aren’t fans of the phrase "creative differences" but for once this cliché is true.

Star turn: Warwick played a wannabe wizard in 80s box office flop Willow

'We are really proud of the amazing and world-class work of our cast and crew.'

For their part, the crew are said to have cheered with joy when they learned Oscar-winner Ron was taking over.

He has a string of well-received hits on his resume, including his Oscar-winning work A Beautiful Mind.

However his most recent films - including The Dilemma, In The Heart Of The Sea and Inferno have been critically panned.

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Fired: Christopher Miller and Phil Lord were given the sack mid-way through production