Fans have been wondering since The Force Awakens when Lando Calrissian would show up in the current trilogy. Although Donald Glover delivered on young Lando in Solo, we're still waiting to catch up with the original Lando. As we get nearer to the production start for the finale of the sequel trilogy, Star Wars: Episode IX, evidence began to mount that the fan favorite character from the original trilogy could be making his long-awaited return, with Billy Dee Williams reprising the role. Star Wars fans became convinced that Billy Dee Williams' Lando Calrissian would be showing up in Episode IX after the actor cancelled his scheduled appearance at a convention due to a "film schedule conflict."
Billly Dee Williams was set to appear at the Saskatchewan Entertainment Expo, which takes place on September 15th and 16th, but had to cancel his appearance at the Expo because of a film schedule conflict according to the event's Facebook page. Now there are a couple of reasons to think that this conflict is Episode IX. For one thing, Billy Dee Williams doesn't have any other feature-film roles lined up at the moment. And with J.J. Abrams' Episode IX beginning production soon and likely taking several months, it would tie up Billy Dee Williams around that September timeframe if he has a part in it.
This alone might not be enough to convince people that Billy Dee Williams and Lando Calrissian will be in Episode IX, but when coupled with the other rumors and evidence out there, it is looking more and more likely that we'll be seeing the swaggering smuggler again soon. At a recent convention appearance, Billy Dee Williams revealed that he had a personal trainer and a new diet and exercise regimen, something one might do if they wanted to cut a striking figure while donning a cape in space. Then, two weeks ago, more rumors came out that a source had confirmed that Lando will indeed be appearing in the next saga film. This is certainly not a confirmation, but the clues are beginning to pile up.
If Lando is going to be in Episode IX, there is no guarantee that we will even know before the film, as Yoda was kept secret prior to The Last Jedi. Yet it would make perfect sense for him to appear. Hopefully he'll have a meaty role, since he can't get away from Pinewood Studios for a quick 2-day con appearance. Luke and Han were killed off and Carrie Fisher passed away in real life, so Lando is one of the few living heroes connected to the original trilogy. If Episode IX begins with Leia's funeral as we've speculated, audiences would expect to see Lando there. Rian Johnson considered using him in The Last Jedi, but it's starting to look like J.J. Abrams may be really bringing him back.
Star Wars: Episode IX hits theaters on December 20, 2019.
