Billy Dee Williams To Return As Lando Calrissian In Star Wars: Episode IX
by Erik Amaya
He definitely belongs among the cast.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Billy Dee Williams will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian in the upcoming Star Wars: Episode IX. Williams played the roguish entrepreneur and gadabout in 1980’s The Empire Strikes Back and 1983’s Return of the Jedi. He also lent his voice to the character in an episode of Star Wars Rebels during its second season and number of Star Wars video games.
The character most recently appeared in Solo: A Star Wars Story, where he was played by Donald Glover. To some, Glover’s take on Lando was the best part of the film.
Williams’s return marks the final addition of Original Trilogy heroes to be featured in the Disney-produced sequel trilogy. Unless, of course, actor Denis Lawson — who reportedly turned down a small role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens — also returns as Wedge Antilles. Should that not occur, Williams will be the lone OT character to be featured alongside new stars Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Oscar Isaac in the upcoming film. Hopefully, Lando will still be up to his old tricks and hustling some sort of business on the edge of the conflict.
Star Wars: Episode IX opens on December 20th, 2019.