Donald Glover lands Lando Calrissian role in Han Solo spin-off

Actor Donald Glover has officially been cast as a young Lando Calrissian in the planned Han Solo Star Wars spin-off movie.
Billy Dee Williams took on the part in 1980’s Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, and Episode VI – Return of the Jedi in 1983, but now Community star Glover will take on the character in the upcoming Han Solo: A Star Wars Story.
He will appear alongside Hail Caesar!’s Alden Ehrenreich, who was confirmed as the titular hero in July (16), succeeding Harrison Ford, who famously originated the role in George Lucas’ sci-fi franchise.
A statement released by directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller reads: “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,” they joke, before adding, “Also, we’d like to publicly apologize to Donald for ruining Comic-Con for him forever.”
Glover, who also raps under the name Childish Gambino, has yet to comment on the announcement, but he previously admitted landing the job would be a dream come true.
In August (16), he said of the casting rumours, “I mean, I grew up on it (Star Wars). My dad was a big fan. I had all the toys when I was little. I had a Darth Vader with the lightsaber he has. It was cool. It’s a dynasty. It’s like the Bible. I love that franchise.”
Disney’s standalone Han Solo movie will explore the life of the hero before he first made his appearance in 1977’s Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.
The film is being developed for a scheduled 2018 release, and production is expected to begin in January (17).