It's currently a very exciting time to be a Star Wars fan. While the community is still reeling from Rian Johnson's subversive and wild main installment The Last Jedi, the franchise's second standalone film is just a week away. Solo: A Star Wars Story will further expand the galaxy far, far away, especially in regards to a trio of original characters. Younger version of Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Lando Calrissian will be introduced, and help flesh out the beloved icons. The latter is played by Donald Glover, and Solo writers were recently asked a bit more about Lando's history, in particular his sexuality. After some rumors surrounded the character in both the original franchise and Solo, co-writer Jonathan Kasdan confirmed that Lando is pansexual, meaning that he's attracted to all types of people-- and presumably aliens.
I would say yes. There's a fluidity to Donald and Billy Dee's [portrayal of Lando's] sexuality. I mean, I would have loved to have gotten a more explicitly LGBT character into this movie. I think it's time, certainly, for that, and I love the fluidity - sort of the spectrum of sexuality that Donald appeals to and that droids are a part of. He doesn't make any hard and fast rules. I think it's fun. I don't know where it will go.
And just like that, the Star Wars franchise may have retconned its for LGBT character into existence. This is a call that has been made since The Force Awakens first hit theaters, and having a fan favorite character like Lando be the first would be a major step forward. Of course, this hasn't been officially confirmed by the folks at Lucasfilm, so they could presumably clarify the canon if they wanted to.
Jonathan Kasdan's comments to Huffington Post are reportedly due to some of the interactions that Han and Lando have throughout the course of Solo. Early reviews indicated that Lando is a bit flirty, and that even his droid makes a comment about it. He's also been shown being equally charming with the likes of Princess Leia in Empire, so pansexual is a logical identity for the intergalactic playboy.
Calls for proper inclusion in the Star Wars franchise have been around since J.J. Abrams kickstarted the franchise with The Force Awakens. Some fans thought that Finn and Poe had a flirtatious relationship, a story that was only exacerbated by actor Oscar Isaac's interviews. Abrams himself has ensured that LGBT characters would eventually make it into the space opera, although no one expected the groundbreaker to be a member of the original cast of characters.
In the end, we'll just have to wait and see Donald Glover's performance as a young Lando Calrissian for ourselves. Solo: A Star Wars Story arrives in theaters on May 25th, 2018. In the meantime, check out our 2018 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
