There are a ton of exciting things to think about when it comes to Star Wars: Episode IX, but one of them is the return of Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian in live-action!
That’s awesome, and many have wondered about what his role will be. Well, in a recent report from Making Star Wars’s Jason Ward, he shared some light details regarding Calrissian’s look and role in the upcoming film.
If you don’t want to read spoilers, don’t go any further!
Here’s what MSW says regarding Calrissian:
From what we’ve heard about Star Wars: Episode IX over the last few months, Lando Calrissian doesn’t have a really large role in the story. Supposedly he acts as a Maz Kanata type of character that points the way on the heroes path to obtain the MacGuffin. From what sources have said it sounds like Billy Dee Williams wears a yellow shirt not unlike the one from Solo: A Star Wars Storythat Donald Glover wore. However, Lando has a fancy blue cape and a gentleman’s cain.
Now, if talk of that MacGuffin confuses you, that’s ok! That was actually reported in a different article by Making Star Wars this week, in which they say that the heroes and villains are in a race to find some MacGuffin, which is “supposedly going to be delightful but somewhat controversial.” They further add that Poe, Finn, and Rey all wind up on a familiar desert planet (Tatooine) reunited in this search, and that Adam Driver was also on location filming too.
So that gives you some context about what this film likely will be about, as the Resistance and the First Order race to find something. Of course, I’m sure we’d all love to know what that something is, but apparently Lando Calrissian plays a key role in helping the good guys pursue this MacGuffin.
I actually think that makes a lot of sense and could work really well. I’m sure that some fans will be disappointed to hear that Calrissian’s role isn’t that big, but we must keep in mind that Episode IX is undertaking a pretty massive task in wrapping up not just the sequel trilogy but also the entire Skywalker saga. So this story rightfully should focus on Ben Solo and Rey, the two main characters of the sequel trilogy, while giving as much screentime as possible to the Skywalkers (Luke and Leia). Introducing Calrissian back into the picture can work and I’m certain it will, but that doesn’t mean he’ll have to have a big role with a lot of screentime. Having him as an ally to Leia (and therefore to the Resistance) who provides some key information to the Resistance on their search seems like a perfect role for him. Plus, of course, he’ll have his customary cape!
Seeing Billy Dee Williams back on screen again as the legendary Lando, no matter for how long, is going to be amazing. And it just so happens to sound like it’ll be a great fit for him story-wise, too.
Star Wars Thoughts 