Star Wars has made significant contributions to film and television entertainment over the decades, but lately, the franchise has seemed lacking in the areas where it thrives. At least, that’s what Donald Grover, who will play Lando in the upcoming film Star Wars: Lando, believes. He aims to change that by bringing back the joyful adventures of space combat to counteract the saga’s somber tone.
While there have been a few entertaining installments in the Star Wars saga recently, such as The Mandalorian, Andor, and Ahsoka, which have been very impressive in comparison to the disappointing trilogy, the majority of the story is still centered on the Skywalker Saga, with Sith Lord elements included. As Grover implied, compared to The Clone Wars and the first two trilogies, it does seem a bit more serious.
In a conversation with the Wall Street Journal, Donald Glover explained what he wants to accomplish with Star Wars: Lando and how the franchise’s tone has shifted towards a more serious one. In his words:
“I just want it to be fun. As a Star Wars fan myself, I think it’s important that there just needs to be more fun being had, it’s very hard to have fun right now. It’s tough, because there are very serious things happening and those are the only things that connect us, weirdly, so I get why things are serious. But part of the human experience, I believe, is we have a responsibility to have enjoyment. And I just feel like we’re lacking in that department.”
He continued, “Star Wars, I love it, but sometimes it be super serious, sometimes it be way too serious. Everything that has to do with the Skywalkers is so serious. Lando, I think the best part about him, is he’s a scoundrel and I feel like people can relate to that. He’s probably like, ‘Man, this war is wack, I need money,’ which I feel everyone can relate to, so I just want it to be fun.”
Lando Calrissian has been such a delightful character every time he has appeared on the screen, whether it was in The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, when he was introduced as the administrator of Cloud City on the planet Bespin, or the younger version in Solo: A Star Wars Story, played by Donald Glover. Thus, Glover’s portrayal of Lando in the upcoming film will be critical in making the saga more ‘fun.’
Donald Glover Is Personally Involved in the Making of Lando
Since his debut as young Lando in Star Wars, Glover has received widespread acclaim for his performance in the film, which provided a compelling origin story for Han Solo’s smuggler friend. Even though Solo: A Star Wars Story teased potential films in the making, Lucasfilm only promised a miniseries titled Star Wars: Lando in 2020.
However, not many updates on the project have been shared over the years, and the most recent one reveals that Glover and his brother Stephen will be working as scriptwriters for a feature film rather than a miniseries. While it is too soon to say anything about the Lando film, it should be an exciting one to see, especially given Glover’s intention to make it a fun adventure movie.
There is currently no release date for
Star Wars: Lando
.