Billy Dee Williams Is Bringing His Suave Ass Back To ‘Star Wars Episode IX’

Hell yeah, my dudes. It’s finally happening. The suave-as-shit Billy Dee Williams is officially set to reprise his debonaire role as Lando Calrissian in the upcoming Star Wars Episode IX.

It’s been rumoured for a while that Williams will be returning to his most iconic role for the conclusion of the “new” trilogy, but word emerging today has put any speculation to bed. It’s happening, it’s really happening.

Williams set the rumour-mill on fire recently after cancelling a planned appearance at an upcoming sci-fi and pop culture convention, citing conflicting schedules with a movie shoot as the reason for his sudden departure. That quite obviously wrinkled some brows, given the ninth instalment in the storied Star Wars film franchise is preparing to flick the cameras on at any moment.

But now, thanks to The Hollywood Reporter, we seemingly have confirmation. Lando comin’ back, y’all.

Williams originally filled the role in the iconic The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, picking the role back up again in 1983 for Return of the Jedi.

Since then, Donald Glover has taken on duties as Young Lando in this year’s middling standalone flick Solo: A Star Wars Story.

It’s worth noting that Williams has played the role of Lando in a number of Star Wars properties since Jedi, including a series of Lego Star Wars animated TV movies, and a raft of Star Wars-related video games. This, however, would be his first major in-person appearance as Lando since 1983.

The as-yet officially untitled Episode IX is being directed by JJ Abrams and will reunite the new trilogy’s core cast of Daisy RidleyJohn BoyegaAdam Driver, and Oscar Isaac, while welcoming in new faces such as Keri Russell.

It’s due for release on December 20th, 2019.

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