Lando Calrissian, the eternally smooth smuggler, made his first cinematic appearance in George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, portrayed by Billy Dee Williams. During this time, Lando was the administrator of Cloud City on Bespin and was primarily concerned with keeping the Empire out of his affairs. Unfortunately, this proved to be easier said than done. As Lando’s old friend Han Solo – along with Leia, Chewbacca, and C-3PO – were flying the now-damaged Millennium Falcon to Bespin, Boba Fett tracked the ship and followed them. Before the crew of the Millennium Falcon arrived, Darth Vader landed on Bespin and strongarmed Lando into betraying his friend.
When his conscience gets the better of him, and Vader goes back on his word, Lando sets Leia, C-3PO, and Chewbacca free. While he manages to help Leia, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2 escape Cloud City, Fett makes off with Solo. Following their escape, Lando assists Leia in rescuing Luke Skywalker, who just lost his right hand in a duel with Vader. Despite his earlier betrayal, Lando officially joins the Rebel Alliance and promises Leia that they will find Han.
The cocky, self-assured and charming scoundrel later appeared in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi in 1983. Keeping his promise, Lando goes undercover to help Luke rescue Han from Jabba the Hutt. A battle ensues, during which Solo saves Lando from falling into the Sarlacc pit; after which Lando helps Solo destroy Jabba’s barge. Thanks to his heroics on behalf of the Rebels, Lando is made a general in the Rebel Alliance and takes the pilot chair in his old ship, the Millennium Falcon. Lando leads the attack on the newly constructed second Death Star and destroys the gigantic Imperial battle station.
Outside of the original Star Wars trilogy, Lando has made countless appearances in novels, comic books, video games, and the animated television series, Star Wars: Rebels. Now, arriving in theaters on May 25, 2018, the new film Solo: A Star Wars Story will feature Donald Glover (Atlanta) as a young Lando. Set prior to the events of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, this standalone film explores the adventures of a young Solo and Chewbacca, including meeting Lando. Ever since seeing the teaser for Solo, fans have expressed their interest in a standalone Lando film.
While no such film has been announced, yet, did you know that Lando is getting an all-new five-issue miniseries? Written by Rodney Barnes (Falcon), Lando: Double or Nothing will tie-in with the theatrical release of Solo. According to Lucasfilm’s Michael Siglain, “It’s focused on Lando set during an incident right before the film, with backstory about Lando and L3. Coming out of the film, we think everyone is going to want to read more about Lando.”
Lando: Double or Nothing #1 will hit shelves on May 30.
