Fortnite‘s roster of crossover characters already comprises lots of well-known figures from the Star Wars universe. Fans of the mega-popular battle royale can play as characters like Anakin Skywalker, Darth Vader, Ahsoka Tano, and many more by way of previous collaborations.
However, Epic is gearing up for the game’s biggest Star Wars update yet, which is slated to release on May 3. Huge as the update may be, the recent announcement of a certain character has incited lukewarm reactions from fans: Lando Calrissian.
Lando’s Journey Throughout The Star Wars Universe So Far
Lando first appeared in the 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back as an old friend of Han Solo. Despite initially appearing helpful, Lando ultimately betrays Han and Leia to Darth Vader in exchange for the safety of Cloud City, a floating metropolis he governs. However, Lando undergoes a redemption arc, aiding the rebellion in rescuing their captured comrades and ultimately becoming a valuable ally.
Lando is a charismatic schemer with a knack for talking himself out of tough situations, as well as a skilled gambler and pilot. He possesses a roguish charm that makes him both untrustworthy and undeniably likeable. Billy Dee Williams’ portrayal perfectly captured this duality, making Lando a fan-favorite despite his initial betrayal.
He isn’t a one-act wonder, either. He appears again in Return of the Jedi, leading an attack on the second Death Star. In recent years, Donald Glover took on a younger Lando in the prequel film Solo: A Star Wars Story, further fleshing out the character’s backstory and bringing his appeal to a younger generation.
Fortnite Players Seem To Not Care Much About The Character
You’d think that a character so likeable would be celebrated by Fortnite players, but the replies to a recent tweet from DiscussingFilm reporting the arrival of Lando in the upcoming update seem to suggest otherwise.
Who cares lmao
— percy (@p_rcy_) April 27, 2024
This is NOT Lando pic.twitter.com/uOouQkg2pj
— ❍ᒍᗩY🎖 (@Ojay_CFC) April 27, 2024
Who is he?
— CHECK (@check_112) April 27, 2024
My ass thought they were adding lando Norris😭
— Max Barrington (@MaxBarrington) April 27, 2024
Remember when Fortnite used to be a fun little standalone battle royale game? Good times
— Ivan Raphael Arosa (@arosa_ivan) April 27, 2024
It may be puzzling why Lando’s addition to Fortnite isn’t met with more enthusiasm, but there are several reasons for it, with the first being an oversaturation of Star Wars characters in the game. With previous collaborations featuring the majority of the franchise’s popular characters, adding Lando may not move the needle by much for most players.
Then comes the popularity of the character itself. While Lando does have a fanbase, he isn’t quite at the top of the Star Wars pyramid, and with other more renowned characters like Cal Kestis still missing from Fortnite, it’s understandable why there would be some opposition to Lando’s inclusion.
While a lot of players are unbothered with his arrival, those who are looking forward to it can expect a lot from this update. Datamined files point towards the return of lightsabers and the supposed introduction of the Wookiee Bowcaster as a Mythic weapon.
The May 4th Star Wars celebration is shaping up to be a major event for Fortnite players, regardless of whether they’re excited for Lando or not.
