After years in development hell, the Star Wars film focused on beloved character Lando Calrissian is finally moving forward with Donald Glover returning to the role. But why did the in-demand actor and musician, who could easily walk away, decide to come back to the Star Wars universe? He reveals his reasons in a new interview.
Glover first played a young Lando in 2018’s Solo: A Star Wars Story. But plans for a spinoff movie just focused on Lando have been in talks since 2020. Last year, it was announced that the project was revived as a film co-written by Glover and his brother Stephen.
Did Donald Glover Ever Consider Saying No?
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter alongside his Mr. and Mrs. Smith co-star Maya Erskine, Donald Glover, admitted he almost passed on returning as Lando due to feeling frustrated with the film industry.
“Maya and I talk about nos a lot, it’s the only power you have in this industry. But I said yes because I like the characters and my kids love Star Wars,” Glover explained.
So it seems his family’s love of Star Wars combined with his enjoyment of playing Lando led the Atlanta star to sign on.
“And at this point, I just know when something’s going to be good, because you’re really fighting the industry when you [put your imprint on a franchise of that magnitude]…And it’s not like…I was going to say, and it’s not like I hate the industry, but now I’m like, ‘Do I hate the industry?'”, he added.
He did acknowledge that industry politics still makes him question his choice.
What Else Draws Donald Glover to Playing Lando?
Beyond personal reasons, the upcoming Lando film likely appeals to Glover creatively. As he said, there’s room to put his own “imprint” on the famous Star Wars scoundrel.
“He was like, ‘I don’t know. Be charming.’ And he wasn’t looking at me. That was my favorite part. I think a waitress or something went by,” Glover said about advice given to him from original Lando actor Billy Dee Williams.
So Glover feels he can bring his own charm and flair to his take on the character. With the film exploring Lando’s early years, long before the events of the original trilogy, there is a blank canvas for Glover to work with in shaping the role.
And while some film franchises can feel constraining creatively, Glover seems confident he’ll have the freedom needed to craft something unique with his brother Stephen. That likely played a big part in convincing the inventive multi-hyphenate to sign on.
The untitled Lando film does not yet have a release date. But with Glover now locked in and development moving forward, fans could be returning to a galaxy far, far away alongside Donald Glover’s charismatic Lando sooner rather than later.
So rather than just rely on Lando’s established rakish charm, expect Glover to use the film as an opportunity to fully reinvent and redefine the character as only he can. His unique personal stamp will be all over it.
