Donald Glover on Landing the Role of Lando in Solo: A Star Wars Story

TL;DR

Donald Glover reveals his journey to play Lando Calrissian in "Solo: A Star Wars Story."

Transcript

SO THIS IS SABAK? >> SABAK. >> SABAK. GOT IT. >> YOU PLAYED BEFORE? >> A COUPLE TIMES. YEAH. >> CAPTAIN LANDO CALRISSIAN. >> HAN SOLO. >> LOOKS LIKE YOU'RE HAVING A GOOD DAY. >> I'M A LUCKY GUY. >> CAN I ASK YOU A QUESTION, CAPTAIN CALRISSIAN? >> ANYTHING, HAN. >> IT'S HAN. BUT THAT'S OKAY. I HEARD A STORY ABOUT YOU. I WAS WONDERING IF IT'S T... Read More

Key Insights

• 🇭🇲 Donald Glover's passion for Lando Calrissian originated in childhood, demonstrating how childhood interests can influence career paths.
• 👨 The supportive relationship with his father reflects the importance of family in pursuing personal and professional dreams.
• 🤳 Glover's ambitious approach to securing the role highlights the necessity of self-advocacy in the entertainment industry.
• 😫 The difference in set experiences between Glover and Woody Harrelson underscores the creative environments in which filmmakers operate.
• 😓 Meeting with Billy Dee Williams served as a pivotal moment for Glover, showcasing the legacy of the original cast influencing new portrayals.
• 🖐️ Glover's humor and casual demeanor during interviews demonstrate his laid-back personality, which resonates with audiences.
• 😚 Engaging with fans and offering tickets to the premiere illustrates the close connection he feels with his audience.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired Donald Glover's desire to play Lando Calrissian?

Donald Glover was inspired to play Lando Calrissian due to his childhood love for the character, which began when he received a Lando toy from his father. This character resonated with him, and when he learned about the Han Solo movie, he felt this was an opportunity he had to pursue.

Q: How did Glover's agent react when he expressed interest in the role?

Glover's agent was initially skeptical of his chances, stating, “I don’t like your odds.” However, this response motivated Glover even more, pushing him to advocate for himself in the quest to secure the iconic role of Lando Calrissian.

Q: What was Glover's first action after landing the role?

After getting the role of Lando Calrissian, Donald Glover called his father to share the news, celebrating the moment. He then indulged himself with a large cheese pizza and watched "Empire Strikes Back" to immerse himself in his character's background and legacy.

Q: What advice did Billy Dee Williams give Glover about portraying Lando?

During their meeting, Billy Dee Williams advised Glover with a simple but powerful message: "Just be charming." This guidance resonated with Glover, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the essence of Lando without overthinking his portrayal.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Donald Glover expressed his lifelong desire to play Lando Calrissian, stating it stemmed from his childhood admiration of the character and his first toy.

• He recounted how he told his agent he wanted the role when he heard about the Han Solo movie, despite being met with skepticism.

• Glover shared his excitement about meeting Billy Dee Williams, who advised him to simply be charming while portraying Lando.