Lando Calrissian is one of those heroes in the Star Wars universe that never seems to get his proper due. He always comes through at the most critical moments, integral to the success of the mission, and then gets relegated back to the bench while the first team all-stars hold the spotlight. However, rumors swirl that Disney+ may do a series starring our favorite golden-caped crusader. And that presents an amazing opportunity to double down on this complex character that may finally get his due.
Star Wars is populated with one of the most diverse and mesmerizing arrays of characters ever assembled for entertainment. So, it really says something when it’s a smooth talking gambler-scoundrel-smuggler-administrator-general-retiree that holds such a special legacy with fans. Even after 40 years. And it’s a simple reason why: complexity.
It was the Cheshire-grinned Billy Dee Williams who first brought to life the scoundrel-turn-savior George Lucas created. A character conceived, not to address the lack of diversity in the Star Wars universe as was the rumor at the time, but rather Lando was meant to be a mirror to Han Solo. Created in symmetry, but only diverging where Lando remains much longer on the murky path in life, before his eventual redemption, too.
It was 40 years ago audiences were immediately enthralled by this dashing mysterious figure upon our arrival in Cloud City in The Empire Strikes Back. Fans were gripped by his steely stare-turned-exuberant-embrace of Han Solo. In a flash we were peppered with a range of emotion, implied history, deviousness, and friendship. How could we not feel enthralled? Which is the magic of Lando, seemingly always holding more cards than he’s showing.
Among those in the cinematic Star Wars Universe, Lando has one of the most diverse, yet barely explored narratives. Williams has expressed his disappointment in the past at not being able to go deeper with the character. He also fully recognizes the Skywalker story is what’s central, not Lando’s. However, the chance to explore the many aspects of Lando’s complexity, moral ambiguity, and especially his flaws, is tantalizing. Particularly for a hero fans aren’t ready to send in retirement.
Star Wars is all about the generational aspects of its story telling. How lineage and legacy play significant roles in shaping who the characters become. It may be argued that Lando offers a more diverse array of storytelling opportunities in that regard than Han Solo. Which is why continuing his big screen adventures on the small one makes sense.
Much like the expanded universe we’re seeing through The Mandalorian series, television gives a chance for storytellers to slow down, give breathing space and the luxury of room to move around with characters. Lando, more than others, would greatly benefit from having this extra elbowroom. Especially given where The Rise of Skywalker left Lando, ready to embark on a deeply personal journey of his own. But his story-arch has much more to offer than that, which is where the multi-talented Donald Glover comes into the picture.
Solo: A Star Wars Story left a fantastic launch pad for a chance to really go deep into the middle years of Lando Calrissian. Along with where we left Lando in Episode IX, the duality of these two generational portrayals of the same character really lends itself to the kind of creative storytelling television can support. Disney could easily utilize the complimentary talents and familiarity of the character inhabited by both Billy Dee Williams and Donald Glover.
Star Wars has always suffered the knock of not having enough depth to its characters on film. Which makes the chance to open wide the life of this iconic character a gift. Lando Calrissian offers an immediate and rich palette of story telling possibilities. It would be shame if Disney decides to pass up one timeline for another, rather than blend them both together and tie story lines between them. It would be a fantastic deal that Lando himself would surely love; giving fans the opportunity at getting two suave Calrissians for the price of one.