Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

Star Wars 9: Lando actor Billy Dee Williams returning to franchise

The actor last played the character on film in 1983's Return of the Jedi

Jacob Stolworthy
Tuesday 10 July 2018 08:03 BST
Comments
Solo: A Star Wars Story Clip - Han Meets Lando

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.

Star Wars 9 fever is officially underway with the circulation of several casting rumours intensifying in recent weeks.

Following on from the news that The Americans star Keri Russell will be joining the fold, it's now been confirmed that Billy Dee Williams - the original actor behind Han Solo's compadre Lando Calrissian - will be rejoining the franchise.

Sources confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Episode IX will mark Williams' first appearance in the film series as the character since Return of the Jedi in 1983. He made his debut in 1980 sequel The Empire Strikes Back with Donald Glover playing a younger incarnation of the gambler in spin-off prequel Solo which was released earlier this summer.

Williams, 81, has remained affiliated with the Star Wars franchise throughout his career having voiced the character in several video games, animated TV shows and audiobooks. Away from Lucasfilm, he's starred opposite Sylvester Stallone in thriller Nighthawks (1981), played Harvey Dent in Tim Burton's Batman in 1989 and cameoed in the third season of TV series Lost.

The as-of-yet untitled Episode IX will reunite director JJ Abrams with Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac.

It'll be released 20 December 2019 with production set to commence later this summer.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in