Billy Dee Williams Will Return As Lando Calrissian In Star Wars Episode IX

They say everything in life is cyclical. If this latest rumor pans out, then the Star Wars universe is about to come full circle. According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Billy Dee Willams is all set to return as Lando Calrissian in Star Wars Episode IX. Lando hasn’t appeared in a Star Wars film since Return of the Jedi, but was featured heavily in the recent Han Solo origin movie. This will be the first time Billy Dee will reprise the role save for a few voiceovers in video games and cartoons. 

Of course, the return of Lando is big news as it almost certainly indicates a new direction for the next entry into the Star Wars franchise. It may not be a favorable direction though, as almost all of the original cast has been picked off in the first two films in the new trilogy. Lando could be the exception to the rule, as Chewy will for sure need a new running mate after the events of The Last Jedi.

One also has to think that if Billy Dee does indeed return as the caped crusader (yeah, I went there), there could be renewed interest in a solo film for Lando as well. Donald Glover recently lit up the screen with his portrayal of the man who ran Cloud City. It would be awesome to see even more of Lando’s back story, especially if Episode IX ends up being the conclusion to his story arc.

Star Wars Episode IX is slated to release Dec. 20, 2019. Adam Driver, Daisy Riddley, and John Boyega are all expected to reprise their roles as Kylo, Rey, and Finn. Episode IX is expected to be the last film appearance for the late Carrie Fisher’s Princess Leia, so this one will most likely be the heaviest of the three films so far.