Donald Glover’s return as Lando Calrissian: Bringing fun back to the Star Wars universe
A new chapter for Lando
Donald Glover is set to reprise his role as the charismatic Lando Calrissian in an upcoming Star Wars movie. This project, developed in collaboration with his brother Stephen Glover, aims to inject a much-needed dose of fun into the franchise.
“I just want it to be fun,” Glover shared in a recent video interview. “As a Star Wars fan myself, I think it’s important that there needs to be fun being had.”
The need for joy in serious times
Glover’s vision for the new Lando project is rooted in his belief that entertainment should provide an escape from the often grim realities of the world.
“It’s very hard to have fun right now,” he continued. “It’s tough because there are very serious things happening and those are the only things that connect us, weirdly. So I get why things are serious, but part of the human experience, I believe, is we have a responsibility to have enjoyment. And I just feel like we’re lacking in that department.”
Lando’s unique appeal
While Glover acknowledges the gravitas of the Star Wars saga, he believes that Lando’s character offers a refreshing contrast.
“I obviously love the Star Wars franchise, but it can be super serious. Sometimes it’s way too serious. Everything that has to do with the Skywalkers is like so serious. [With] Lando, I think the best part about him is he’s a scoundrel. And I feel like people can relate to that, and he’s probably like ‘man, this war is whack. I need money,’ which I feel everyone can relate to. I want to bring fun to Star Wars. I just want it to be fun.”
From TV series to movie
Glover first portrayed a young Lando in the 2018 film Solo, which, despite its box office performance, left fans eager for more of his take on the character. Initially, the Glover brothers were set to write a new Lando television series for Disney+. However, it was later confirmed that the project had evolved into a full-fledged movie.
The charm of Lando
In a 2023 interview, Glover hinted at ongoing discussions with Lucasfilm about another Lando-centric project.
“We’re talking about it. That’s as much as I can say without [Lucasfilm president] Kathleen Kennedy hunting me down.”
Glover’s enthusiasm for the character is palpable.
“Lando is charm incarnate. He’s kind of a maverick, which I don’t think there’s a lot of anymore. It’s hard to be the smooth talker nowadays. Where’s the line? That’s also where the danger is. How close can you get without tripping over it? I would love to play Lando again. It’s a fun time, being him. It just has to be the right way to do it. Time is precious.”
A fresh take on a beloved universe
Glover’s approach to the new Lando movie promises to bring a fresh perspective to the Star Wars universe. By focusing on the fun and adventurous spirit of Lando, Glover aims to create a film that resonates with both long-time fans and new audiences.
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of Lando Calrissian, you can watch Donald Glover’s full recent interview with The Wall Street Journal here.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project, and get ready to experience the Star Wars universe like never before.