"Had to say goodbye to my friend @Paul_Bettany today. Another terrific performance from a world class talent," Howard captioned a picture of the two men.

It seems fitting that Howard announced the end of Bettany's work on the picture, since it was he who broke the news on Twitter in early September that Bettany was in the film at all.

The Han Solo project marks the third time the duo has worked together, after A Beautiful Mind and The Da Vinci Code.

Howard has been something of a social media Jedi with his careful posts from the set, giving fans just enough to tease without spoiling.

The Oscar-winning director previously announced the additions of castmembers Warwick Davis and his brother, Clint, via Twitter.

In July, Howard told The Hollywood Reporter he enjoyed the little teases, but was very careful to never give too much away.

Howard took over the picture when its former directors, Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, were fired after clashing with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan.

As sources detailed to THR then, the directors felt like they were being given "zero creative freedom," while the Star Wars brass was displeased by the duo's improvisational style that saw takes deviate from Kasdan's script. The still-untitled Han Solo movie opens May 25, 2018.

Had to say goodbye to my friend @Paul_Bettany today. Another terrific performance from a world class talent. pic.twitter.com/6jkNKQNQZZ — Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) September 16, 2017

Bettany took to Twitter on Saturday evening to thank Howard, writing, "@RealRonHoward you're too kind. I had the best time watching you make it all look easy. Love ya."