Malik Usman Donald Glover’s portrayal of Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story became one of the most talked-about performances in the film. Stepping into a role originally defined by Billy Dee Williams was no small task, yet Glover managed to honor the character’s legacy while adding his own distinct energy.
This behind-the-scenes breakdown explores how Glover prepared for the role, the techniques he used, and why his version of Lando left such a strong mark on the Star Wars legacy.
How Did Donald Glover Prepare for the Role of Lando in Solo?
Stepping into the shoes of Lando Calrissian meant inheriting a role defined decades earlier by Billy Dee Williams. For Donald Glover, preparation went beyond simply studying old footage it required understanding both the character and the world he belonged to. Glover immersed himself in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, analyzing Williams’ voice, body language, and charm. What stood out most was how Williams conveyed confidence with minimal effort, using his cadence and presence to dominate every scene.
In addition to revisiting the classics, Glover leaned heavily on conversations with Lawrence and Jonathan Kasdan, the father-son duo behind the Solo screenplay. Their script gave him insight into a younger Lando ambitious, stylish, and slightly less polished than the one fans knew from the original trilogy. This context helped Glover ground his interpretation in character motivations rather than pure mimicry.
Preparation also meant digging into Star Wars lore. From novels and comics to behind-the-scenes interviews, Glover pieced together the complexities of Lando’s backstory as a gambler, smuggler, and future leader. By combining this research with his own instincts, Glover created a performance that honored the past but embraced the freshness required for a modern Star Wars film.
Researching Billy Dee Williams’ Original Portrayal
Before stepping on set, Glover studied Billy Dee Williams’ performances in The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. He watched Lando’s gestures, voice, and swagger to understand what made the character so iconic.
What elements of Williams’ Lando did Glover choose to honor?
Glover carefully adopted Williams’ smooth cadence and charming body language. He kept the cool confidence and wit that defined the original Lando while leaving space to layer in his own interpretation.
Immersing in Star Wars Lore and Lando’s Backstory
Beyond mimicking surface traits, Glover explored the deeper lore of Star Wars. He studied scripts, concept art, and conversations with the Kasdans (writers) to grasp Lando’s background as a gambler, pilot, and leader.
How did the script and writers guide his preparation?
The script offered context about Lando’s younger years, including his rivalry and eventual partnership with Han Solo. This gave Glover the framework to ground his performance in character motivations rather than just imitation.
What Acting Techniques Did Donald Glover Use to Bring Lando to Life?
Donald Glover’s performance as Lando showcased a mix of homage and originality, and his acting techniques were central to striking this balance. One of his most effective tools was vocal modulation. He deliberately lowered his voice, drawing inspiration from Billy Dee Williams’ smooth tone, while adding playful inflections to make the character feel vibrant and spontaneous. This gave his delivery a layered quality, nostalgic yet fresh. He also incorporated pauses, smirks, and confident rhythms into his speech, making every line sound intentional and charismatic.
Physicality was another cornerstone of his technique. Glover used posture, hand gestures, and even cape movements to project authority and charm. Working with movement coaches, he created a walk that exuded swagger and confidence, making Lando instantly recognizable even without dialogue. But what truly stood out was how Glover balanced respect for Williams’ original portrayal with his own comedic timing and subtle improvisation. This ensured his Lando felt like a continuation of a character fans already loved, rather than a copy. The result was a performance that blended technique, instinct, and style to create one of the most memorable parts of Solo
Voice and Vocal Choices
Lando’s voice carries as much charisma as his cape. Glover experimented with tones and rhythms until he found the right balance between homage and originality.
How did Glover adjust his tone to capture Lando’s charisma?
He lowered his voice slightly to echo Billy Dee’s smooth delivery but added sharper inflections and playful pacing, making his lines feel spontaneous and magnetic.
Movement, Posture, and Body Language
Glover worked with movement coaches to perfect Lando’s physicality. From how he walked to how he leaned against a chair, every gesture reinforced Lando’s confidence.
What role did choreography and coaching play in shaping his performance?
The coaching sessions helped Glover create a swagger that looked effortless on screen. These subtle movements signaled power, charm, and self-assurance, key to Lando’s personality.
Balancing Homage with Originality
Rather than mimicry, Glover approached the role as a dialogue with Williams’ legacy. He infused Lando with a youthful edge while staying faithful to the core character.
How did Glover make the character his own while staying authentic?
He introduced a mischievous humor and modern energy that felt fresh but never out of place in the Star Wars universe.
How Did Costumes and Styling Influence Lando’s Characterization?
Costume design played a defining role in shaping Donald Glover’s Lando. Known for his fashion-forward persona, Lando’s wardrobe in Solo became an extension of his confidence and personality. The capes, vibrant colors, and sharp tailoring weren’t just aesthetic choices; they reinforced Lando’s identity as a larger-than-life figure. Glover worked closely with the costume designers, David Crossman and Glyn Dillon, to ensure that the outfits informed his performance. Trying on different cape styles helped him understand how Lando would move, sit, and command attention in a room. The physical flow of the clothing became part of his character’s swagger.
Beyond the costumes, styling details like Lando’s signature mustache and perfectly groomed hair gave Glover a finishing touch of authenticity. The grooming team ensured he always appeared polished, enhancing the character’s suave and refined presence. These stylistic elements supported his acting, adding another layer of depth to the role. Costumes and styling didn’t just make Glover look like Lando they helped him become Lando, giving him the tools to embody the character’s legendary charm. In a film universe where visual storytelling is key, the wardrobe elevated Lando into an icon all over again.
Designing the Iconic Capes and Wardrobe
The costume team designed multiple outfits for Lando, each bold and stylish. Glover worked with the designers to ensure the wardrobe wasn’t just flashy but functional for performance.
What input did Glover and the costume team share?
He tested different capes during rehearsals to find ones that allowed natural movement, ensuring his gestures flowed with the costume’s dramatic flair.
Styling, Hair, and Grooming Details
Hair and grooming helped create the suave, refined side of Lando.
How did makeup choices support the suave persona of Lando?
Makeup artists used subtle touches to highlight Glover’s features, while his mustache became a defining marker of the character’s charm.
What Was Donald Glover’s Collaboration Like with Ron Howard and the Cast?
Collaboration was essential to Donald Glover’s success as Lando. When Ron Howard stepped in as director, Glover adapted to the new creative direction while maintaining his vision for the character. Howard emphasized subtlety and authenticity, guiding Glover to balance theatrical charisma with grounded emotional beats. This partnership ensured that Lando felt both stylish and believable, anchoring his larger-than-life traits in a performance that audiences could connect with. Howard’s direction was especially evident in moments where Lando revealed vulnerability, giving the character depth beyond his bravado.
Glover’s work with the cast further enriched his portrayal. His dynamic with Alden Ehrenreich, who played Han Solo, was particularly crucial. Their rehearsals built the chemistry needed for scenes of rivalry, banter, and eventual camaraderie. Together, they developed a rhythm that brought humor and tension to the screen. Other cast members, like Emilia Clarke and Joonas Suotamo, also influenced Glover’s approach, giving him opportunities to showcase Lando’s competitive, flirtatious, and loyal sides. These collaborations allowed Glover to adapt his performance depending on the dynamics of each scene, proving his versatility and ensuring that his Lando seamlessly fit within the ensemble of Solo.
Director’s Guidance and Performance Adjustments
Ron Howard encouraged improvisation while keeping performances grounded in the story. He guided Glover to balance flair with emotional realism.
Which scenes highlight Howard’s influence on Glover’s portrayal?
Key sequences, like the Sabacc card game, reflect Howard’s direction a mix of playful humor and sharp intensity that showed Glover’s range.
On-Set Chemistry with Alden Ehrenreich and Other Actors
Chemistry was crucial to the film’s heart. Glover and Ehrenreich rehearsed extensively to make their rivalry-turned-partnership believable.
How did rehearsals shape their dynamic on screen?
The sessions helped them refine timing and banter, creating natural rhythms that carried over to the film.
How Did Improvisation and On-Set Choices Shape Lando’s Character?
Improvisation was one of Donald Glover’s greatest contributions to Lando’s character in Solo. While the script provided a strong foundation, Glover brought additional spontaneity that made his portrayal feel alive. Many of his quick remarks, subtle smirks, and playful gestures were unscripted, yet they captured the essence of Lando perfectly. This improvisational style made the character unpredictable and fun, reflecting his identity as a gambler and risk-taker who thrives on charm and wit.
What made these choices work was Glover’s ability to balance them with the scripted dialogue. He never strayed so far that he broke the story’s structure but instead enhanced scenes by injecting personality and flair. His improvisation often made interactions more engaging, particularly in moments with Han Solo and during card games aboard the Millennium Falcon. These unscripted touches helped elevate Lando’s presence, making him one of the standout characters in the film. By blending the written script with his natural creativity, Glover gave fans a version of Lando that felt both authentic to the franchise and refreshingly new.
Memorable Improvised Lines and Scenes
Glover improvised several lines, adding spontaneity to Lando’s dialogue.
Which ad-libs were kept in the final cut?
Some of his witty one-liners in the Falcon scenes made it directly into the movie, enhancing Lando’s charm without derailing the script.
Balancing Scripted Dialogue with Spontaneous Performance
Improvisation gave Glover freedom but always served the character.
How did improvisation enhance Lando’s charm?
It made Lando unpredictable and magnetic, qualities that fans immediately connected with.
What Role Did Post-Production Play in Refining Glover’s Lando?
While much of Donald Glover’s brilliance as Lando came from on-set performance, post-production refined the details that brought the character to life. Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR) sessions allowed him to re-record certain lines, ensuring smoother delivery and consistency across different scenes. This fine-tuning gave Lando’s dialogue an extra polish, amplifying his trademark charisma. Post-production also allowed subtle tonal adjustments that might not have been captured perfectly during filming.
Editing played an equally significant role. Strategic cuts highlighted Glover’s most expressive reactions a smirk during a bluff, a pause before a clever remark giving weight to his performance. Cinematography and lighting emphasized Lando’s costumes, drawing attention to his stylish flair and commanding presence. These choices framed Glover as a scene-stealer without overshadowing the main narrative. In many ways, post-production elevated what Glover delivered on set, ensuring that his version of Lando felt both sharp and memorable on screen.
ADR and Voice Adjustments
After filming, Glover re-recorded select lines in ADR to fine-tune tone and delivery.
What subtle changes were made after filming?
Slight tweaks in timing and vocal emphasis strengthened key moments of charisma and humor.
Editing and Cinematic Choices
Editors emphasized Glover’s expressions and reactions, making sure Lando’s presence felt commanding in every scene.
How did the final cut enhance Glover’s interpretation?
Tight cuts on his smirks, pauses, and reactions allowed the performance to shine in even small moments.
How Did Fans and Critics React to Donald Glover’s Portrayal of Lando?
Donald Glover’s portrayal of Lando Calrissian was one of the most universally praised aspects of Solo: A Star Wars Story. Critics applauded his ability to honor Billy Dee Williams’ original portrayal while bringing his own energy to the role. Reviewers often described him as effortlessly charismatic, with some noting that he stole nearly every scene he was in. Many industry voices even argued that Glover’s casting was one of the film’s greatest strengths, regardless of its mixed overall reception.
Fans shared similar enthusiasm. Online discussions and social media buzzed about Glover’s performance, with countless posts celebrating his wardrobe, swagger, and witty delivery. Many fans called for a spin-off film centered entirely on Lando, showing how impactful his interpretation was. Even those who had mixed feelings about Solo agreed that Glover’s Lando was a highlight. This positive reception not only validated Glover’s hard work but also cemented his version of Lando as a defining part of the Star Wars legacy.
Critical Reviews and Industry Commentary
Critics widely praised Glover for his ability to make Lando both familiar and new.
What did film critics say about his performance?
Reviews highlighted his charisma, wit, and ability to steal scenes without overshadowing the story.
Star Wars Fandom Discussions
Among fans, Lando quickly became a standout character in Solo.
How did online communities respond to his spin on Lando?
Social media buzz celebrated his style and humor, with many calling for a spin-off focused solely on his character.
Why Does Donald Glover’s Lando Stand Out in the Star Wars Legacy?
Donald Glover’s Lando stands out because of how successfully he bridged the past and present. He preserved the suave, confident essence of Billy Dee Williams’ version while adding a modern sense of humor and unpredictability. This made the character instantly recognizable to longtime fans while also appealing to a younger audience who may not have grown up with the original trilogy. Glover’s interpretation captured the timeless qualities of Lando while infusing him with new energy.
What makes his portrayal significant in the Star Wars legacy is its demonstration of how iconic characters can evolve without losing their identity. Glover showed that legacy roles don’t have to be trapped in the past; they can be refreshed to reflect new creative voices while still respecting tradition. His Lando strengthened the connection between old and new fans, proving that Star Wars remains a living, evolving story. This balance of homage and reinvention is why his performance continues to be remembered as one of the highlights of Solo.
Homage to the Original Trilogy
Glover’s Lando connects directly to Williams’ version, creating continuity across generations.
How did his portrayal strengthen the link between old and new fans?
By honoring Williams’ mannerisms while adding depth, Glover bridged nostalgia with freshness.
A Fresh Spin for a New Generation
Younger audiences discovered a Lando who felt vibrant and relatable.
What unique traits did Glover bring to redefine the character?
He emphasized Lando’s playful wit and stylish self-confidence, making him relevant for modern viewers.
Conclusion: What Can We Learn from Donald Glover’s Approach as Lando?
Donald Glover’s portrayal of Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story was more than just an acting job it was a masterclass in honoring a legacy while carving out new ground. His preparation showed the importance of research and respect for the original source material, as he studied Billy Dee Williams’ performance while building his own interpretation. By blending technical skills like voice work and body language with creativity and improvisation, Glover crafted a version of Lando that felt authentic to longtime fans yet exciting for new audiences. His process highlighted the delicate balance between homage and innovation that every actor faces when stepping into an iconic role.
Key Takeaways from His Performance
Glover’s process shows how research, collaboration, and creativity combine to reimagine an iconic role.
Why does his process matter for future Star Wars actors and fans?z
It proves that honoring legacy while daring to innovate keeps beloved characters alive for future generations.
FAQs About Donald Glover’s Portrayal of Lando
Did Donald Glover meet Billy Dee Williams before filming Solo?
Yes. Glover met Williams to discuss the role and received encouragement to make Lando his own while respecting the original performance.
How much of Glover’s Lando performance was improvised?
While most dialogue followed the script, several of Glover’s witty asides and gestures were improvised and kept in the final cut.
Who designed Lando’s costumes in Solo: A Star Wars Story?
The costumes were designed by David Crossman and Glyn Dillon, who worked closely with Glover to ensure the wardrobe matched the character’s flamboyant personality.
How did critics compare Glover’s Lando to the original trilogy?
Critics often noted that while Glover echoed Billy Dee Williams’ style, he added new depth and humor that made his Lando memorable in its own right.
Will Donald Glover return as Lando in future Star Wars projects?
Yes. Lucasfilm confirmed a Lando project with Glover attached, though details about release timelines remain in development.
