A rumor that a beloved Star Wars character would be returning for Star Wars: Episode IX has now been confirmed.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Billy Dee Williams will be returning to a galaxy far, far away to reprise his role as Lando Calrissian, which will mark the actor’s first appearance in the franchise since 1983’s Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Williams reportedly cancelled a scheduled attendance at an upcoming sci-fi and pop culture convention due to scheduling conflicts with filming on Star Wars: Episode IX, which is set to begin at the end of this month.
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Rumors suggesting Williams would be returning as Lando for Episode IX began circulating over the last couple months, kickstarted by the 81-year old actor revealing his new workout regiment and diet at MegaCon Orlando. Williams has also provided his voice to the role in various cartoon series and video games in recent years.
Star Wars: Episode IX is set to hit heaters on Dec. 20, 2019. Directed by J.J. Abrams, the film will star Daisy Ridley as Rey, John Boyega as Finn, Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian and Keri Russell in a currently unnamed role.