Now that Alden Ehrenreich has officially been cast as Han Solo in the iconic “Star Wars” character’s standalone film, other key characters need to come onboard as well. Chief among these, according to TheWrap, is the young Lando Calrissian — Solo’s friend/traitor/friend again originally played by Billy Dee Williams in “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” Asked for comment, Ehrenreich reportedly responded with a mirthless chuckle (note: not really).
The world of “Star Wars” has only expanded since Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012; in addition to a new trilogy led by last year’s “The Force Awakens,” a host of spinoffs and character-specific films are in the works as well. “Rogue One” arrives first, while the untitled project focusing on Solo’s early years is perhaps the most eagerly anticipated.
No names have emerged as being on the shortlist for playing Lando, whose codename is currently “Chance” for casting purposes. Phil Lord and Chris Miller (“21 Jump Street,” “The Lego Movie”) are directing the film, which is scheduled for a 2018 release.
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