One of the most exciting elements of the upcoming Star Wars: Episode IX is the return of Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian, who last appeared in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in 1983. Fans have another 15 months of waiting before we get to learn more about Lando’s role in the sequel. Lando Calrissian is officially returning to the Star Wars universe as Episode IX continues filming in London and actor Billy Dee Williams is busy getting in shape to reprise the iconic role.
Williams tweeted a video of himself exercising with a personal trainer to get back into fighting form as the longtime associate of Han Solo and original owner of the Millennium Falcon.
I can’t think of a better to start my day. Feeling fit, healthy and better than ever. Taking care of body and mind go hand-in-hand.😎@Gunnar pic.twitter.com/4YGkzwknqu
— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw) September 3, 2018
After months of speculation, the actor was confirmed to reprise his role as Lando in July weeks ahead of the announcement of the rest of the cast for the upcoming Star Wars sequel. It is unclear how large a part the one-time Rebel Alliance general and head administrator for Cloud City will play in the new film or if he’ll engage in any fisticuffs as his training video suggests.
In the meantime, it’s reassuring to know that another classic character will be returning to join the newer cast of characters in that galaxy far, far away.
Directed and co-written by JJ Abrams, Star Wars: Episode IX stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, Keri Russell, Matt Smith, Anthony Daniels, Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams, and Carrie Fisher, with Naomi Ackie and Richard E. Grant. It is scheduled to open on December 20, 2019.
