After months of speculation, Disney and Lucas Film have announced that Community and The Martian actor Donald Glover will portray Lando Calrissian in the up coming Star Wars spin off film focusing on the adventures of everybody’s favourite loveable rogue, Han Solo.
The iconic role was originated by Billy Dee Williams, who appeared as the character in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, and is a much beloved fan favourite.
Beside being the choice of the the creative forces behind the Han Solo Spin Off Movie, which will hit cinemas in May 2018, Glover was also a popular choice with the fans, many of whom campaigned for the role to be given to Glover since it was announced that Lando would be making an appearance.
Alden Ehrenreich will star as Han Solo, a long time friend and associate of Calrissian, whose friendship was only teased at in original films, but will be presumably explored more deeply in the Spin Off. Lawrence Kasdan, who co-wrote two of the films in the original series and the first film of the new, is writing the script for the movie, alongside his son.
Directing duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller, known primarily for The Lego Movie, said in a statement that Glover was the perfect man for the job.
“We’re so lucky to have an artist as talented as Donald join us. These are big shoes to fill, and an even bigger cape, and this one fits him perfectly, which will save us money on alterations.”
Hello, what have we here? Donald Glover is Lando Calrissian in the untitled 2018 Han Solo Star Wars Story. https://t.co/ChueOBd0fv pic.twitter.com/54JOBM1P9K
— Star Wars (@starwars) October 21, 2016
The casting decision was well received, drawing praise from John Boyega, who played Finn in last years Star Wars: The Force Awakens, a role he will reprise in next years as-yet-untitled sequel,who took to Twitter to share his excitement.
Glover as lando! I'm PUMPED
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) October 21, 2016
Glover, who is also known as a rap star and musician under the stage name Childish Gambino, will next be seen on Cinema Screens next year in Spiderman: Homecoming, a mystery role that fans of the series are hoping will see him portray Miles Morales, a character from the comics.
Are you excited to see Donald Glover join the Star Wars universe?