Billy Dee Williams Returning as Lando Calrissian in Star Wars: Episode IX

Billy Dee Williams is set to reprise his role as Lando Calrissian in Star Wars: Episode IX. THR reports that Williams is set to return to the franchise as the iconic gambler, joining a case that includes Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, and Keri Russell.

Williams is perhaps best known for his role as Lando, who first appeared in The Empire Strikes Back in 1980. Since then he has become a fan favorite, returning for Return of the Jedi and getting his own limited-run comic series and appearing in Star Wars Rebels as well as video games like Star Wars Battlefront II, Star Wars: Force Arena and Star Wars: Galactic Defense. A younger Lando was played by Donald Glover in Solo: A Star Wars story.

J.J. Abrams directing the film, which will begin filming this summer. It releases on December 20th, 2019.