Everyone remembers where they were when the first trailer for Solo: A Star Wars Story dropped. It wasn't because of the titular smuggler, honestly. It was because of the cape. Specifically, that yellow-and-black ensemble draped over Donald Glover. At that point, the man was already a triple threat—dominating FX with Atlanta, breaking the internet as Childish Gambino with "This Is America," and then, suddenly, he was stepping into the shoes of Billy Dee Williams. It felt like the most perfect casting in the history of the franchise.
Then the movie happened.
It didn't bomb, but it didn't fly high either. It was the first "flop" in the Disney era of the galaxy far, far away. Because of that, the future of Childish Gambino in Star Wars became this weird, decade-long "will they, won't they" saga that has outlasted almost every other announced project.
The Lando Effect: More Than Just a Cameo
When Glover signed on, he wasn't just playing a character; he was adopting a legacy. He actually met with Billy Dee Williams for lunch before filming. The advice he got? "Just be charming." That’s it. And he was. In Solo, Glover’s Lando Calrissian is arguably the best part of a crowded film. He brought this pansexual, droid-loving, high-stakes gambler energy that felt fresh yet nostalgic.
But the fans wanted more. They wanted the Lando Chronicles.
For years, rumors swirled. Was it a show? Was it a movie? Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy kept mentioning it in interviews, but the credits never rolled. People started to wonder if the project was "Star Wars dead"—that special kind of development hell where scripts go to be forgotten.
Why the Delay Happened
Hollywood is messy. Glover is messier (in a creative way). Between 2018 and 2024, Donald Glover wasn't exactly sitting around waiting for a call from Disney. He was finishing Atlanta, launching a creative studio called Gilga, and touring as Childish Gambino.
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- The Writer Shuffle: Originally, Justin Simien (the mind behind Dear White People) was attached to develop a Lando series for Disney+. He spent years on it. Then, news broke that he was off the project.
- The Glover Takeover: In a rare move, Donald and his brother, Stephen Glover, officially took over the writing duties. This shifted the project from a streaming series to a full-blown theatrical film.
- Budgetary Caution: Solo cost a fortune and didn't make it back. Disney became terrified of the "anthology" brand for a while, pivoting hard toward The Mandalorian and Ahsoka.
Honestly, it’s kind of a miracle the project is still alive. Most things at Lucasfilm get announced at a Star Wars Celebration and then vanish like a Jedi after a lightsaber duel. But Glover has a specific kind of clout. He isn't just an actor for hire; he’s a creator who wants to make "Star Wars cool again." That’s a heavy lift.
The Evolution of the Lando Movie
The shift from a TV show to a movie is the most telling part of this journey. We've seen Disney+ struggle with "content bloat." Sometimes, a six-episode series feels like a two-hour movie stretched out with filler. By making the Childish Gambino Star Wars project a film, the Glovers are signaling that they have a singular, high-impact story to tell.
Stephen Glover mentioned in a podcast interview that the vibe had to be right. They didn't want to just make a "Star Wars movie." They wanted to make a "movie" that happened to be in Star Wars. There's a big difference there.
What the Story Might Actually Be
We know Lando is a gambler. We know he’s a narcissist with a heart of gold. We also know he loses the Millennium Falcon to Han. The movie will likely dive into the "Lando Files"—those audio diaries he was recording in Solo.
Think about the possibilities. A heist movie? A romantic thriller? A space opera about the fashion industry in the Outer Rim? With Glover’s sensibilities, it’s probably going to be weirder than we expect. He has a knack for subverting tropes. If you’ve seen the "Teddy Perkins" episode of Atlanta, you know the man isn't afraid to go dark and surreal. Applying that to the Star Wars universe is a gamble, but Lando loves a good bet.
The Childish Gambino Connection
It’s impossible to separate Donald Glover the actor from Childish Gambino the musician. His music career is defined by reinvention. He went from "nerd rap" to psychedelic funk with Awaken, My Love!. That same chameleonic ability is why he’s the only person who could play a young Billy Dee Williams without it feeling like a cheap Saturday Night Live impression.
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There is a rhythm to his performance. The way he moves in the cape, the way he leans against the sabacc table—it’s musical.
Fans often ask if he’ll contribute to the soundtrack. Probably not. Star Wars has a very specific sonic identity. But the influence of his aesthetic—that 1970s cosmic soul vibe—is all over his portrayal of Lando. It’s what makes the character feel like he belongs in a smoky basement club on Coruscant.
Is It Still Happening in 2026?
The short answer: Yes.
The long answer: It’s complicated.
As of the latest industry reports and confirmed movements within Lucasfilm, the Glover brothers are actively developing the script. Donald has gone on record saying that he only wants to do it if it’s "fun." He’s at a point in his career where he doesn't need the Disney paycheck. He’s doing it because he actually likes the character.
"I'm not interested in doing anything that's going to be a waste of my time or a cash grab. I'd rather spend time with my kids." — Donald Glover on his return to Star Wars.
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That’s actually a good sign for fans. It means if the movie comes out, it’s because the script is actually good, not because a corporate mandate required a "Lando product" by Q4.
The Hurdles Remaining
- Scheduling: Glover is one of the busiest people in entertainment. Finding a six-month window to film a massive sci-fi epic is a nightmare.
- The State of the Box Office: Disney is being much more careful with theatrical releases now. They need a "sure thing."
- Legacy: There is always the risk of over-explaining a character. Part of Lando’s charm is the mystery. Do we really need to see how he got his first cape? Maybe not.
How to Follow the Lando Development
If you're looking for real updates on Childish Gambino in Star Wars, stop looking at fan-made posters on Reddit. They aren't real.
Instead, watch the "Trades" (Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline). When the Glovers turned in their first draft, it hit the trades immediately. Also, keep an eye on Stephen Glover’s rare interviews. He tends to be more candid about the "vibe" of the project than the Disney PR machine.
For now, the best way to prep is to go back and watch Solo. Forget the baggage of the production troubles. Just watch Glover. Pay attention to the way he interacts with L3-37. There is a deep, weird, soulful performance there that deserves a bigger stage.
Actionable Steps for the Star Wars Fan
- Revisit Solo: A Star Wars Story: Watch it specifically for the Lando scenes. Notice the wardrobe and the "Calrissian Chronicles" dictaphone. That’s the groundwork for the future film.
- Listen to Stephen Glover’s Interviews: He often discusses the creative process behind his collaborations with Donald. It gives a hint at the tone of the Lando script—expect something closer to Atlanta in space than a standard "save the galaxy" plot.
- Track Production Hubs: Look for news regarding filming at Pinewood Studios in the UK. If Lando is moving forward, that’s where the sets will be built.
- Separate the Artist: Keep in mind that Childish Gambino is the stage name for his music; while the "Gambino" energy informs Lando, the project is officially a "Donald Glover" production.
The Lando movie represents a rare moment where a massive franchise is handing the keys to a true auteur. It might take another two years. It might take five. But as long as Glover is holding the cards, the odds are usually in his favor.