‘Star Wars’ Han Solo Spinoff’s Cast Grows: Donald Glover Used Billy Dee Williams To Develop Lando Portrayal
ByA number of stars have been confirmed for the "Star Wars" spinoff movie -- with the working title "Star Wars: Red Cup" -- highlighting a younger Han Solo. More big names have recently circulated the film's cast roster.
Alden Ehrenreich, Donald Glover, Emilia Clarke and Woody Harrelson are all confirmed to play roles in the film. Ehrenreich is portraying Han Solo, Glover is Lando Calrissian, while Clarke and Harrelson's roles are still being kept under wraps.
Clarke is the movie's female lead, according to SlashFilm. Harrelson is expected to star as Han Solo's mentor.
"Westworld" star Thandie Newton and "Fleabag" actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge recently entered the fray, Variety reported. Both actresses are in negotiations for the spinoff flick directed by Chris Miller and Phil Lord. Waller-Bridge will reportedly portray a CG character, probably an alien or droid.
Lando Calrissian was portrayed by Billy Dee Williams in 1980's "Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back" and 1983's "Episode VI: Return of the Jedi." Williams told The Hollywood Reporter that he and Glover recently met up for lunch so the latter can ask questions about the character and "find out what direction" he should take for the role.
Added Williams, Glover made an effort to get to know him and "probably figure out a way to use me in developing his character." Williams also addressed his previous comments about there being no one else apt to portray Lando.
He clarified that he identifies with the character so much and it has been a huge part of his life. However, he also knows that someone else will have to portray the role eventually, though that doesn't mean that he's saying goodbye to the character. In fact, he wouldn't say no if someone asked him to don his Lando persona once again.
Glover, meanwhile, told Deadline that portraying Lando is "a big deal." He admitted that playing such an iconic role is "hard" and it makes him want to "live up to the expectation."
The "Star Wars" Han Solo spinoff will bow in theaters on May 25, 2018. The film takes place before the events of 1977's "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope" -- a time when Han Solo still hasn't met Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi and was still a smuggler. There are speculations that the spinoff movie will reveal how Han won the Millennium Falcon from Lando in a game of sabacc.
What do you think of the "Star Wars" Han Solo spinoff movie so far? Do you like the film's casting? Share your thoughts below!