With the Sequel Trilogy of Star Wars being underway for several years now, it has been common to bring back characters from the Original Trilogy. In The Force Awakens, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill reprised their roles as Han Solo, Leia, and Luke Skywalker respectively. Furthermore, Hamill would eventually get an expanded role in the sequel, The Last Jedi. It turns out there will be another classic character that will be present in the upcoming Episode IX in the form of Billy Dee Williams’ Lando Calrissian.

There have been rumors of Williams’ return to the series recently, with the most notable example regarding an appearance at a pop culture convention conflicting with a movie schedule of his. In addition, he has played the iconic and suave gambler in several video games and animated series since he last played him onscreen in Return of the Jedi. Therefore, his appearance in Episode IX has proven those rumors to be true.

As production will begin this summer, it will be a while before we see our first look at an aged Lando. It will also be interesting to see what the character will serve to the narrative given that his old friend, Han Solo, was killed off in The Force Awakens. Perhaps he will fill in the role of the charming rogue that Solo previously filled in other movies, though it will not be certain until an official statement from Lucasfilm is released.

What do you think about Williams reprising his role as Lando for Episode IX? Be sure to tweet your thoughts at @superbromovies and stay tuned for more Episode IX news. – Mark Tan

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Star Wars: Episode IX is scheduled for release on December 20, 2019.

Directed by J.J. Abrams, Star Wars: Episode IX stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, and John Boyega.