Lando Calrissian has a lot of catching up to do in Star Wars: Episode IX, given that he was entirely absent from the first two installments in the Sequel Trilogy, but while Billy Dee Williams may be late to the party – and also unfortunately missed the chance to reunite with his old friends Han and Luke – rumor has it that his role in J.J. Abrams’ upcoming trilogy-closer will bring us more than just a quick nostalgia buzz.
In fact, a few reports have said that he’ll be instrumental to the plot, and while we still have no idea how he may factor into things, we at least have an idea now of how he’ll look when we see him next. And that’s because some concept art from Episode IX has leaked online today and among many other things, it gives us a blurry but still welcome glimpse at an older Lando. And honestly, he doesn’t look all that different than we’d expect him to.
Given the fan favorite’s dashing appearance in the Original Trilogy, as well as Donald Glover’s take on Lando in Solo: A Star Wars Story, it was always expected that he’d have his trusty cape once again. After all, aside from that odd moment near the end of The Empire Strikes Back where he appears to be wearing Han Solo’s clothes, we never see him without some fabric draped over his back, and it’s not like Abrams would break from nostalgic tradition for Episode IX.
Still, it’s nice to catch a glimpse of him back in his familiar outfit and with any luck, Lucasfilm has a juicy role cooked up for Lando in the movie. After all, we don’t imagine they’d reveal his return so far in advance if all they had planned was a Yoda-style cameo. One popular rumor actually says that franchise newcomer Naomi Ackie will play his daughter, and while that remains unconfirmed for now, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see Abrams provide us with a passing of the torch situation like that.
In any case, hopefully we’ll get some firm answers soon, but in the meantime, tell us, how do you think Star Wars: Episode IX will handle the return of Lando Calrissian? Let us know in the comments section below.
