Star WarsCelebration is currently underway in Orlando, Florida, which means we are going to be flooded withStar Warsnews for the next few days. But sadly, not all of that news is going to be good news. For example, it was confirmed today byBilly Dee Williamsthat the beloved Lando Calrissian will not be appearing inStar Wars: The Last Jedi.
The unfortunate news was revealed duringStar Wars Celebrationat a panel highlightingBilly Dee Williams. During the course of the panel, which was titled Smooth Talkin' WithBilly Dee Williams, the subject of whether or not he will be appearing inStar Wars: The Last Jedicame up. While the panel wasn’t live streamed, many fans, likeLuke Davis, took to Twitter in order to break the news to the rest of the world
“According to Billy Dee Williams, Lando will NOT be inStar Wars Episode 8: The Last Jedi”
Even though specific plot details forStar Wars 8have not yet been released, it would have seemingly made sense to haveLando Calrissianappear in the movie. Especially if that rumored Han Solo funeral scene does actually wind up happening. It isn’t likely that this is something that was said to throw fans off the scent. This is coming right from the mouth ofBilly Dee Williams, a man who really embraces his character and has reprised the role several times, most recently onStar Wars Rebels.
Fortunately, even if Lando Calrissian doesn’t show up in the newStar Warstrilogy, it won’t be the last we see of his character.Donald Gloverhas been cast to play a younger version of Lando in the upcomingHan Solo spin-off. Initially, it seemed likeBilly Dee Williamswasn’t overly thrilled about the idea. But after meetingDonald Glover, he seems to be warming to the idea of someone else playing his famous character.
“He’s a very delightful young man, I must say. We had a very nice lunch and we talked for a very long time and it was very easy. He had questions about [Lando]. I guess he was doing what normal actors do, they just want to find out what direction they want to take so they gather their information. So, we just sat and talked, and I didn’t want to impose on anything he wanted to do, he’s got his own ideas, I would imagine. I know he has his own ideas. He’s a very talented young man. In fact, I was listening to some of his music [Childish Gambino, Glover’s musical alter-ego] and it’s pretty good stuff.”
Even though we knowBilly Dee Williamswon’t be appearing as Lando in the movie, there is still plenty to look forward to. Especially since the first trailer is going to drop tomorrow during theStar Wars: The Last Jedipanel atStar WarsCelebration, which will be live streamed for those who can’t make it to the event. The cast forStar Wars Episode VIIIincludesDaisy Ridley,John Boyega,Adam Driver,Domhnall Gleeson,Oscar Isaac,Carrie Fisher,Benicio Del Toro,Laura Dern,Gwendoline Christie,Andy Serkis,Lupita Nyong’OandMark Hamill.Star Wars: The Last Jediis written and directed byRian Johnsonand is set for release on December 15.
