Billy Dee Williams Returning as Lando Calrissian for ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’

At long last, fans of Lando Calrissian will finally have their fill once Star Wars: Episode IX premieres next year. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Billy Dee Williams—who gave life to the conniving gambler/smuggler in Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back—is set to make his return to the saga in the new trilogy’s final entry.

Rumors about Williams’ return to a galaxy far, far away started circulating as early as the end of 2017, and it was made even more apparent when the actor canceled his appearance in a sci-fi and pop culture convention, citing conflict with a movie production schedule. And with Star Wars: Episode IX‘s production commencing later this summer, THR confirms that Williams will indeed reprise his role as Lando Calrissian.

Lando made his Star Wars debut in 1980’s Empire Strikes Back, in which he was the Baron Administrator of the Cloud City of Bespin. He initially made a deal with Darth Vader to help bring Luke Skywalker to him, causing him to “betray” his friend Han Solo and surrender them over to the Sith Lord. Regretting his actions, Lando helped Luke free the carbonite-encased Han from Jabba the Hutt’s lair, and later became a general for the Rebel Alliance.

From then on, Lando became a hit character, even having his own comic book storylines and novels expanding his heritage (now known as “Star Wars Legends” or “Extended Universe”). In this year’s Solo: A Star Wars Story, Donald Glover played the young Lando, garnering impressive fan acclaim for his accurate portrayal.

Directed by J.J. Abrams, Star Wars: Episode IX hits theaters December 20, 2019.