Donald Glover to play young Lando Calrissian in Han Solo movie
Lucasfilm announced the casting decision on Friday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Glover just landed the role of Lando Calrissian in the upcoming Han Solo Star Wars film starring Alden Ehrenreich, Lucasfilm confirmed on Friday.
Over the past few months, Glover was considered the favorite for the role but directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller continued their search to instill confidence in the decision. O’Shea Jackson, Jason Mitchell, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen were among the actors tested for the role.
“We’re so lucky to have an artist as talented as Donald join us,” Lord and Miller said in a statement.
“These are big shoes to fill, and an even bigger cape, and this one fits him perfectly, which will save us money on alterations. Also, we’d like to publicly apologize to Donald for ruining Comic-Con for him forever.”
It's been a busy year for Glover, and initially, there was concern that shooting would interfere with his hit television show, Atlanta, given he’s the creator of the series and heads the writer's room. The FX network announced in September that it renewed the series for its second, 10-episode season.
Glover also recently wrapped up production for the Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures film Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Earlier this year, the 33-year-old actor addressed rumors connecting him to playing Calrissian, who was originally portrayed by Billy Dee Williams in Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.
“I mean, I grew up on [Star Wars]. My dad was a big fan. I had all the toys when I was little,” he told TIME in August. “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.”
Production is scheduled to begin in January and the still-untitled film hits theaters on May 25, 2018.