By Travis Johnson
Alden Ehrenreich is going to be Han Solo in the 2018 Phil Lord/Chris Miller movie, and that’s fantastic. But there’s also a whole universe – or at least a galaxy – to fill in around that nigh-perfect bit of casting, and the rumour mill is starting to spin regarding who might fill the shoes and, yes, the capes of the supporting cast.
Birth.Movies.Death. is reporting that the current front runner for the role of Lando Calrissian is none other than Donald Glover, Community star, smooth mover in Magic Mike XXL, soon to be seen in Spider-Man: Homecoming (but not as Spider-Man, to the consternation of a significant slice of fandom).
Lando, originally played by Billy Dee Williams, is a significant figure in the Solo backstory, being the previous owner of the Millennium Falcon (Solo won it from him in a game of cards, as alluded to in The Empire Strikes Back). A gambler and con man, Calrissian’s adventures prior to Empire were recorded in a series of three novels by L. Neil Smith, none of which are currently canon (they’re all under the Star Wars Legends banner now that new movies are being made) but might give some vague clues as to the direction of the character. Or they might be completely ignored – it’s a crap shoot.
As for Glover, he’s an inspired choice. His geek credentials are solid (not that it really matters in the slightest, but at least when he claims to be a fan he won’t be lying) but, more importantly, he’s a hugely talented and charismatic performer, with incredible range. Of course, he may not take the role (doubtful) or he may be passed over for another actor (even more doubtful – it’s hard not see anyone else there now that the idea is out). This is exciting stuff.
