It’s about time!Billy Dee Williamsis poised to break out the capes as Lando Calrissian once again. The actor, who originated the role of the suave intergalactic gambler inThe Empire Strikes BackandReturn of the Jedi, will return to the role forJ.J. Abrams’Star Wars: Episode IX.
PerThe Hollywood Reporter, rumors began to spread that Williams would join the production when the actor bowed out of an upcoming convention citing a filming conflict. Per THR’s sources, Williams will indeed be returning to the Star Wars universe for the first time since 1983’sReturn of the Jedi.
Of course, it hasn’t been nearly as long since we’ve seen Lando on screen, and consideringDonald Glover’s turn as the iconic sci-fi character was one of the few talking points to come out ofSolo— Lucasfilm’s first big box office swing and miss — it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the character is coming back to the trilogy films. What’s more, the Star Wars saga finds itself short on the original generation after the events ofThe Force AwakensandThe Last JediandCarrie Fisher’s untimely death.
Williams is the second new cast member announced forEpisode IX, following the news that Abrams favoriteKeri Russellsigned on for a mysterious(but reportedly action-heavy) role.Star Wars: Episode IXopens August 01, 2025 and also starsDaisy Ridley,Adam Driver,Oscar Isaac, andJohn Boyega.
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