If Disney+ really does plan on giving Donald Glover his own Star Wars series as the galaxy's most debonair smuggler, then it'd be a crime if they didn't bring back original actor Billy Dee Williams as well. Lando Calrissian was first introduced in The Empire Strikes Back as the Baron Administrator of Cloud City, a former criminal with a storied history and long-lasting friendship with Han Solo. Despite living up to his reputation as a scoundrel and double-crossing the film's heroes in his first appearance, Lando went on to redeem himself in Return of the Jedi and become one of the most iconic and beloved characters in the entire Star Wars franchise.
In 2018, Donald Glover got the opportunity to step into the character's shoes (and cape) in Solo: A Star Wars Story, the second Star Wars spin-off film released by Disney. The film told the early origins of Han Solo and several of his most iconic characteristics, most notably how he won the Millennium Falcon from Lando. Though the movie suffered at the box office, fans were still receptive to it, particularly the exploration of the galaxy's seedy criminal underbelly. Donald Glover's effortlessly smooth performance as Lando also drew much praise, with fans hoping for an opportunity to see more of his take on the character.
Now fans might be getting exactly what they hoped for, as recent rumors have speculated that Glover might be getting his own Disney+ show as Lando. If these rumors do turn out to be true, then hopefully Glover won't be the only version of Lando we see, as there's more than enough storytelling potential for Billy Dee Williams to return as well.
This wouldn't be the first time in recent memory that Williams has returned to the iconic role, as The Rise of Skywalker introduced audiences to an older version of the seasoned adventurer. Not only did the film have Lando save the galaxy in spectacular fashion, but the movie's novelization implied Lando would be accompanying the First Order defector Jannah on a quest to reunite her with her parents, as well as dozens of other former Stormtroopers who had been separated from their families. This is an incredibly personal quest for him, as Lando's own daughter was kidnapped by the First Order. When asked whether or not The Rise of Skywalker would be his last appearance as the character, Billy Dee Williams played coy, hesitating to outright confirm that he was done with the role.
Since the spin-off show is only rumored at this point, there are no details on what exactly the story would entail. It can be assumed that it will follow Lando in his youth, specifically after the events of Solo, traveling the galaxy and evading the Empire on his adventures. While that would be enticing in and of itself, there's also a perfect opportunity to jump back and forth between the two timelines, with an older Lando retelling his adventures to Jannah across the galaxy. The show could even tie Jannah and the older Lando directly into the narrative by having young Lando's adventures parallel their quest in the present day, revealing important information by recounting Lando's adventures in the past. Whatever the plotline of the show will be, it's important that Disney honors the legacy of the character and capitalizes on the two incredibly talented actors that have brought him to life.