We have to admit, much like when we learned that Lucasfilm’s upcoming Han Solo prequel would feature his pal and co-pilot Chewbacca, we’re not surprised by this news. According to The Wrap, the Han Solo-centric Star Wars Story (a rumored trilogy that tells the story of the young, scruffy looking nerf herder’s origins) is currently casting for Lando Calrissian. We assumed that the original owner of the Millennium Falcon would make an appearance in the film, even just to show how Han swindled him out of the beloved ship.
Disney had no comment when Nerdist reached out for confirmation.
On the other side, Birth.Movies.Death is reporting an even more interesting detail: According to Devin Faraci, Community alum and star of the upcoming Atlanta series Donald Glover is the frontrunner to play young Lando. Faraci notes that there’s no official offer out yet, but it sounds like he’s the guy they want.
Much like Harrison Ford’s portrayal of Han Solo (swoon), Billy Dee Williams’ work as the smooth talking, debonaire double crosser is iconic. They already found a talented up and comer, Alden Ehrenreich, to portray Solo, and Glover would be an excellent pick to bring his own spin to the Cloud City charmer.
We first meet Lando Calrissian in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, but he’s made his way into other Star Wars canon recently as well. He’s appeared in several episodes of Disney’s animated series, Star Wars Rebels, and has his own comic arc, too. Honestly, we can’t imagine a young Han Solo movie WITHOUT Lando, so we’re excited to see how this all develops. (Maybe a Lando/Han heist movie like in the comics?? We’ll see.)
But what do you think of the news? Who would you like to see play Lando Calrissian? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t miss our breakdown on the rumored new Star Wars TV show from Nerdist News.
Image: Lucasfilm
