The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Billy Dee Williams — the actor who originated the role of Lando Calrissian in the original Star Wars trilogy — is expected to return to the character for J.J. Abrams’ franchise-concluding film, Star Wars: Episode IX. According to the report, Williams’ involvement would mark his first live-action appearance in the series since Return of the Jedi (1983), reintroducing a beloved figure from the classic era of the saga.
Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian in Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Rumors surrounding Williams’ potential return intensified after the actor canceled several convention appearances, citing “conflicts with a movie schedule.” That change in public availability prompted speculation among fans and outlets that Williams might be attached to a new Star Wars project. The latest reporting ties those scheduling conflicts to Abrams’ Episode IX, which is slated to begin principal photography in late summer in advance of a widely publicized December 20, 2019 release date.
If confirmed, Williams’ appearance in Episode IX would be significant for multiple reasons. In-universe, Lando Calrissian is one of the few characters who bridges the original trilogy and subsequent storytelling, offering a direct connection to the era of Han Solo, Leia Organa and Luke Skywalker. For the franchise at large, bringing back an original cast member like Williams would be a clear nod to long-time fans and a way to honor the legacy of the saga as it moves toward a major chapter’s conclusion.
Williams originally portrayed Lando in The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and returned in Return of the Jedi (1983). The character was later revisited in a younger form by Donald Glover in the 2018 film Solo: A Star Wars Story. Glover’s performance as a young Lando received praise from many reviewers and viewers, even as Solo faced mixed critical responses and struggled to meet box office expectations worldwide. Any appearance of Williams alongside references to or echoes of Glover’s take would represent a continuity of performance across decades — a rarity in blockbuster filmmaking.
At this stage the report is being described as a casting update rather than an official studio announcement, and details about the role, screen time or how Lando might factor into Episode IX’s story remain unconfirmed. Lucasfilm and the film’s studio have historically been measured about revealing major character returns until contracts are finalized and promotional plans are in place. Until such confirmation is issued by the studio, accounts of Williams’ participation should be treated as reported but not yet officially announced.
What Williams’ Return Could Mean for Episode IX
Bringing back an original-era character would help anchor Episode IX’s narrative in the franchise’s broader history. Lando is a character with deep ties to several principal figures in Star Wars lore, and his reappearance could provide emotional resonance as the trilogy reaches its conclusion. For older fans, Williams’ return would be a nostalgic moment; for newer viewers, it would underscore the multi-generational storytelling that has defined the franchise.
From a production perspective, integrating a legacy character requires careful scripting to balance fan service with the plot’s needs. Episode IX is expected to wrap up threads from the most recent trilogy while honoring the saga’s long arc. If Williams participates, creators will likely weigh how best to use his character in ways that support the film’s themes and the larger Star Wars universe without relying solely on nostalgia.
In the coming weeks and months, more concrete information may emerge as filming begins and promotional timelines accelerate. For now, the report that Billy Dee Williams is poised to return as Lando Calrissian remains a high-profile development that has energized discussion among fans and observers of the franchise. Whether confirmed by Lucasfilm or further detailed by the production, the possibility of Williams stepping back into the role adds another layer of anticipation to what is already one of the most closely watched entries in the Star Wars saga.