Donald Glover has been cast in the Han Solo ‘Star Wars’ movie.
The 33-year-old actor will play Lando Calrissian in the upcoming untitled spin-off, featuring Alden Ehrenreich as the hero, Han Solo, the role made famous by Harrison Ford in the original movies.
Lucasfilm said in a statement: "This new film depicts Lando in his formative years as a scoundrel on the rise in the galaxy’s underworld."
Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller added: "We’re so lucky to have an artist as talented as Donald join us. These are big shoes to fill, and an even bigger cape, and this one fits him perfectly, which will save us money on alterations."
The new film is scheduled for release in 2018, a year after ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII’."
A message on StarWars.com stated: "Glover will join Alden Ehrenreich – previously cast as Han Solo – in bringing two iconic ‘Star Wars ‘characters back to the big screen, but at a time in their lives previously unexplored. This new film depicts Lando in his formative years as a scoundrel on the rise in the galaxy’s underworld — years before the events involving Han, Leia, and Darth Vader in ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and his rise to Rebel hero in ‘Return of the Jedi’.
"Glover is best known for creating and starring in the critically acclaimed FX series ‘Atlanta’ (which had the highest premiere numbers for any basic cable comedy show since 2013), as well as for starring in four seasons of the show ‘Community’, and for his Grammy-nominated album ‘Because the Internet’, performed under the name Childish Gambino. In addition, Glover appeared in the Academy Award-nominated ‘The Martian’, and will be seen in the upcoming ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’.
Donald Glover cast in Han Solo movie
