Billy Dee Williams played the original role of Lando Calrissian in the « Star Wars » franchise and believes he « created that character. »
Billy Dee Williams has been impressed by Donald Glover’s acting talent, but stands behind the notion that « there’s only one Lando Calrissian. »
Williams, who played Lando Calrissian in the 1980s movie « The Empire Strikes Back, » spoke to Radio Times about Glover’s portrayal of the role in the « Star Wars » franchise.
« I had a nice little lunch with him. He’s a delightful young man. Extremely talented, » he said. « But I don’t see him… I mean, when it comes to Lando Calrissian there’s only one Lando Calrissian. I created that character. »
Williams told the outlet the advice he gave Glover ahead of the role. « I told him to be charming – two words! That’s all I needed to tell him. That’s all I could think of, » Williams explained.
Glover took on the role as young Lando in the 2018 « Star Wars » prequel film, « Solo: A Star Wars Story. » According to Variety, a Disney+ series was announced in 2020 for a limited series focused on the character.
The outlet reported that in July 2023, it was announced that brothers Donald and Stephen Glover took control of the « Lando » limited series as writers and the project is now being turned into a movie.
Billy Dee explained that Glover is taking the role in a new direction.
« He’s part of a whole new generation. He’ll create whatever he needs to create, to bring appeal to the character, » he said of Donald.
