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The Two Iconic Actors Who Played Lando Calrissian: A Full Profile And The Latest Movie Update

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The question of "who played Lando Calrissian" has a definitive, two-part answer, spanning over four decades of the Star Wars saga. This smooth-talking smuggler, gambler, and former owner of the Millennium Falcon is one of the franchise's most beloved characters, and his legacy is carried by two legendary actors. As of today, December 22, 2025, the character remains a central figure in future Star Wars plans, with a major project update that affects one of his portrayers.

Lando Calrissian's journey from a self-serving administrator of Cloud City to a General in the Rebel Alliance is a story of redemption, loyalty, and style. The character’s significance is amplified by the sheer charisma of the two men who have brought him to life on the big screen: the original icon and the younger, critically acclaimed successor.

Complete Biography Profile of Lando Calrissian’s Actors

The role of Lando Calrissian has been played by two distinct actors, each representing a different era in the character's life and the overall Star Wars timeline. Their careers extend far beyond the galaxy far, far away, encompassing music, television, and other iconic film roles.

Billy Dee Williams: The Original Icon and General Calrissian

  • Full Name: William December Williams Jr.
  • Born: April 6, 1937, in New York City, New York, U.S.
  • Star Wars Roles: Lando Calrissian (Original Trilogy: The Empire Strikes Back, 1980; Return of the Jedi, 1983; Sequel Trilogy: The Rise of Skywalker, 2019).
  • Other Notable Works: Williams is celebrated for his role as Gale Sayers in the 1971 TV movie Brian's Song and for starring alongside Diana Ross in the films Lady Sings the Blues (1972) and Mahogany (1975). He also appeared in Tim Burton's Batman (1989) as Harvey Dent.
  • Recent Updates: Williams is set to release his tell-all memoir, which was announced for 2024.

Donald Glover: The Young Smuggler and Modern Renaissance Man

  • Full Name: Donald McKinley Glover Jr.
  • Born: September 25, 1983, at Edwards Air Force Base, California, U.S.
  • Star Wars Role: Lando Calrissian (Young Lando in Solo: A Star Wars Story, 2018).
  • Other Notable Works: Glover is a multi-talented artist known by his musical stage name, Childish Gambino. His credits include creating and starring in the critically acclaimed series Atlanta, writing for the comedy series 30 Rock, and his recent work on the 2024 Emmy-nominated show Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
  • Recent Updates: Glover is heavily involved in the development of a major Star Wars project focused on Lando (see below).

The Star Wars Timeline of Lando Calrissian’s Appearances

Lando Calrissian is unique in that his character arc spans the entire cinematic Star Wars timeline, tying together the original saga with the modern films. Understanding his appearances helps clarify the handoff between the two actors.

The Era of Billy Dee Williams: From Scoundrel to General

Billy Dee Williams was the first Black actor to have a major role in the Star Wars franchise, making his debut in 1980. His portrayal established Lando as a charismatic, morally ambiguous, and impeccably dressed figure.

In The Empire Strikes Back, Lando is introduced as the Baron Administrator of Cloud City and an old friend—and rival—of Han Solo. His initial betrayal of Han to Darth Vader is a pivotal moment, but Lando quickly redeems himself by helping the Rebel heroes escape.

He returned in Return of the Jedi as a General in the Rebel Alliance, flying the Millennium Falcon into the second Death Star during the Battle of Endor. Williams’ final appearance came in 2019's The Rise of Skywalker, where he reprised his role as General Calrissian, joining the final battle against the First Order. This return cemented his status as a legendary figure within the franchise.

The Era of Donald Glover: The Origin Story

The character's backstory was explored in the 2018 standalone film, Solo: A Star Wars Story. This film required a younger actor to portray Lando during his days as a budding smuggler and gambler, before he became the Baron Administrator of Cloud City. Donald Glover was cast in the role, and his performance was widely praised for perfectly capturing the charm, swagger, and smooth-talking demeanor that Williams had originated.

Glover's Lando is a stylish, self-assured scoundrel who loses the Millennium Falcon to Han Solo in a game of sabacc. His chemistry with the cast and his nuanced portrayal of the character's early moral ambiguity made him an instant fan favorite and set the stage for future appearances.

The Latest Update: The Lando Project is Evolving

The future of Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars universe is one of the most exciting and current topics for fans. The much-anticipated project centered on the character has undergone a significant transformation, providing a fresh direction for Donald Glover's involvement. This news is the most current development in the character's cinematic journey.

From Disney+ Series to Feature Film

The project, initially announced as a Disney+ limited series titled Lando, has reportedly been converted into a feature film. This shift indicates a major commitment to the character’s story on the big screen.

The most important update is the increased creative control given to Donald Glover. He is now set to not only star in the film but also to co-write the script alongside his brother, Stephen Glover. This level of creative input from an actor of Glover's caliber, who is also a celebrated writer and showrunner (known for Atlanta), has generated immense excitement among the fan base.

The new Lando movie is expected to continue exploring the adventures of the younger Lando, bridging the gap between his appearance in Solo: A Star Wars Story and his eventual rise to power in Cloud City. This development ensures that Donald Glover’s portrayal will be a cornerstone of the modern Star Wars narrative for years to come.

The Enduring Legacy of the Smooth-Talking Smuggler

The dual portrayal of Lando Calrissian by Billy Dee Williams and Donald Glover is a rare and successful instance of recasting in a major franchise. It provides a seamless character study across a vast timeline, allowing fans to appreciate both the seasoned General and the youthful, ambitious smuggler.

Williams’ Lando is the embodiment of classic cool, a figure who can negotiate with the Empire and still maintain his honor. Glover’s Lando is the stylish, entrepreneurial rogue who is just starting to figure out his place in the galaxy. The combined efforts of these two actors have made Lando Calrissian a multi-generational icon, ensuring that the legacy of the Millennium Falcon's second-best pilot will continue to inspire new stories and films in the ever-expanding Star Wars universe. The shift of the Lando project to a feature film with Donald Glover as a writer-star is a clear sign that Lucasfilm is investing heavily in this character's future.

who played lando calrissian
who played lando calrissian

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