Honestly, trying to pin down a "typical" list of movies with Donald Glover is a fool's errand. One minute he’s a nerdy astrophysicist saving Matt Damon, and the next he’s a space-faring scoundrel with a cape collection that costs more than your house. He doesn't just "do" movies; he inhabits these weird, specific corners of cinema that shouldn't work on paper but somehow become iconic because of his sheer orbit.
You've probably seen him as the guy who made Lando Calrissian cool again, or maybe you only know his voice as the king of the Pride Lands. But if you look closer at his filmography, there’s a strange pattern of intentionality. He’s not chasing every blockbuster. He’s chasing roles that feel like they belong in a dream or a high-stakes heist.
The Star Wars Gamble: How He Stole Solo
When Disney announced Solo: A Star Wars Story, the internet was, predictably, a mess of skepticism. Nobody wanted a young Han Solo. But then they cast Donald Glover as Lando. Suddenly, the vibe shifted.
He didn't just imitate Billy Dee Williams; he channeled the essence of a man who breathes charisma. It's the little things—the way he handles the Sabacc cards, that slight tilt of the head, and the chemistry he had with a droid. Most people agree he was the best part of that movie. It’s why fans have been obsessing over the status of the standalone Lando project for years.
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As of early 2026, the word from Lucasfilm—specifically via recent updates from the new leadership transition—is that the Lando movie is "somewhat alive" and in active development. Kathleen Kennedy even mentioned a script had been turned in. It’s been a long road from a Disney+ series to a theatrical film, but Glover’s version of the character is too good to leave on the shelf.
The Prowler and the Spider-Verse Connection
Let’s talk about the Spider-Man of it all. For a long time, there was this massive fan campaign to get Glover cast as Peter Parker. He even wore Spider-Man pajamas in an episode of Community as a wink to the fans. He didn't get the part of Peter, but what happened next was actually cooler.
He basically inspired the creation of Miles Morales. Comic writer Brian Michael Bendis saw him in those pajamas and realized a Black Spider-Man was exactly what the world needed. Eventually, Glover made his way into the MCU as Aaron Davis in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
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It was a small role, just a "shady guy" in a parking garage. But he mentions his nephew. We all knew who he was talking about. Then, in 2023, he popped up in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse as a live-action version of The Prowler, stuck in a cage. It was a 20-second cameo that broke the internet. Now, with Spider-Man: Brand New Day (the fourth Tom Holland Spidey film) slated for a July 2026 release, rumors are flying about whether we’ll finally see him go full villain. He says he's "too old" to be Spidey now, but he’s the perfect age to be the mentor-turned-antagonist Miles needs.
From Cult Hits to Blockbuster Voices
If you haven't seen Mystery Team, stop what you're doing. It’s a 2009 indie comedy about "kid detectives" who are actually grown men. It’s crude, it’s bizarre, and it shows the raw comedic roots of the Derrick Comedy era. It’s a far cry from the polished CGI of The Lion King (2019), where he voiced Simba.
Critics were mixed on the "live-action" remake, but the box office didn't care. It was a juggernaut. Glover’s Simba was vulnerable and melodic, which makes sense given his musical pedigree. He’s returning for Mufasa: The Lion King, reprising the role in a story that focuses on the origins of the kingdom.
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Key Performances You Might Have Missed
- The Martian (2015): He plays Rich Purnell. He’s on screen for maybe ten minutes, but his "slingshot" theory is the pivot point of the whole movie. He plays it with this frantic, sleep-deprived energy that feels incredibly real.
- Magic Mike XXL (2015): Yeah, he’s in this. He plays Andre, a singer/stripper who serenades a woman with a soulful cover of "Marry You." It’s charming, weirdly sweet, and fits his "multi-hyphenate" brand perfectly.
- Guava Island (2019): This is more of a short film/musical event, but it’s essential Glover. He produced it, starred in it alongside Rihanna, and used it to explore themes of labor and art. It’s visually stunning and feels like a fever dream.
What's Actually Coming Next?
We’re in a weird transition period for his film career. After the massive success of the Mr. & Mrs. Smith series (which he co-created and starred in), he seems more interested in building his own worlds than just being an "actor for hire."
There is the mysterious Bando Stone & The New World project, which is tied to his final album as Childish Gambino. It’s an ambitious cinematic tie-in that feels like it belongs in the same experimental camp as Guava Island. He’s also been linked to a Hypno-Hustler movie in the Sony Spider-Man Universe—a deep-cut villain that only someone with Glover’s specific sense of humor would want to play.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to dive into the world of movies with Donald Glover, don't just stick to the Disney stuff. The real "Glover Magic" is in the stuff he has a hand in creating.
- Watch the Indies First: Start with Mystery Team to see where the comedy started, then hit The Martian to see him hold his own against Ridley Scott’s direction.
- Track the Lando News: If you're a Star Wars fan, keep an eye on the trades regarding the Filoni/Brennan leadership era at Lucasfilm. They seem more committed to theatrical releases, which bodes well for the Lando movie.
- Don't Ignore the TV Work: You can't understand his movie choices without seeing Atlanta. It’s the bridge between his early comedy and his current "high-art" phase.
- Prepare for 2026: Between the potential Spidey appearance and the Mufasa prequel, 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for his commercial footprint.
Donald Glover is one of the few actors who can walk between the world of "Disney Prince" and "Indie Provocateur" without losing his soul. Whether he's wearing a cape or a lab coat, he’s usually the most interesting person in the frame.