Only Murders in the Building Season 4: Is Ron Howard Connected to Sazz's Murder? Director's Episode 9 Appearance Explained

Ron Howard in Only Murders in the Building season 4
Credit: Hulu

Ron Howard in Only Murders in the Building season 4
Credit: Hulu

Oscar-winning director Ron Howard made a surprise guest appearance in the recently aired episode 9 of Only Murders in the Building season 4.

While the series has recruited real-life figures to play themselves for either guest or recurring roles, it was still surprising to see Howard get involved in the season's main mystery.

What is Ron Howard's Connection to Only Murders in the Building Season 4's Mystery?

Ron Howard in Only Murders in the Building season 4
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Credit: Hulu

At the beginning of episode 9 of Only Murders in the Building season 4, the trio learned that Sazz's former protege was fired from a movie called Project Ronkonkoma directed by Ron Howard.

Knowing that Howard is involved in the project, the trio attempted to talk to him by joining as background actors on the set of his new movie. However, Oliver and Charles were let go after disrupting the shoot.

Meanwhile, Mabel went to the hospital after she learned that Glen Stubbins woke up from a coma. However, before she arrived, Glen was killed.

Oliver and Charles eventually track down Howard in a restaurant. The director recognized Oliver as his old acquaintance.

Howard shared with Oliver and Charles that Sazz's protege is named Rex Bailey. When he showed a photo of the former stuntman, Oliver and Charles recognized him as Marshall, the writer of the Only Murders in the Building movie.

What Does Ron Howard's Appearance Mean for the Investigation of Sazz's Murder?

While Howard has no direct connection to the murder of Sazz, he becomes the key for the trio to find out the potential main suspect.

Now that it's been established that Marshall has some grudges against Sazz (and Glen to some extent), it puts him as the suspect that the trio will interrogate in the finale.

It is exciting to see how it all plays out in the season finale, and whether Marshall is indeed the main culprit behind Sazz's murder. There is also a possibility that there will be a last-minute twist that reveals the real suspect.

As we've seen in the first three seasons, the series gets very twisted in their finales and there are a lot of ways that the upcoming season 4 finale could go to even if Marshall is established as the current top suspect.

What do you think of Howard's appearance? Let us know in the comments!

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