Donald Glover to play young Lando Calrissian in Han Solo movie

Lucasfilm announced the casting decision on Friday

Justin Carissimo
New York
Friday 21 October 2016 18:01 EDT
Donald Glover attends the Vanity and FX Annual Primetime Emmy Nominations Party at Craft Restaurant on September 17, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California.
Donald Glover attends the Vanity and FX Annual Primetime Emmy Nominations Party at Craft Restaurant on September 17, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Alberto E Rodriguez/Getty)

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Donald Glover just landed the role of Lando Calrissian in the upcoming Han Solo Star Wars film starring Alden Ehrenreich, Lucasfilm confirmed on Friday.

Over the past few months, Glover was considered the favorite for the role but directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller continued their search to instill confidence in the decision. O’Shea Jackson, Jason Mitchell, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen were among the actors tested for the role.

“We’re so lucky to have an artist as talented as Donald join us,” Lord and Miller said in a statement.

“These are big shoes to fill, and an even bigger cape, and this one fits him perfectly, which will save us money on alterations. Also, we’d like to publicly apologize to Donald for ruining Comic-Con for him forever.”

It's been a busy year for Glover, and initially, there was concern that shooting would interfere with his hit television show, Atlanta, given he’s the creator of the series and heads the writer's room. The FX network announced in September that it renewed the series for its second, 10-episode season.

Glover also recently wrapped up production for the Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures film Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Earlier this year, the 33-year-old actor addressed rumors connecting him to playing Calrissian, who was originally portrayed by Billy Dee Williams in Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.

“I mean, I grew up on [Star Wars]. My dad was a big fan. I had all the toys when I was little,” he told TIME in August. “I had a Darth Vader with the lightsaber he has. It was cool. It’s a dynasty. It’s like the bible. I love that franchise.”

Production is scheduled to begin in January and the still-untitled film hits theaters on May 25, 2018.

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