Imagine a Star Wars movie that bombs at the box office, yet still manages to get a sequel. Sounds crazy, right? But that’s exactly what’s happening with Solo: A Star Wars Story. After Disney’s initial trio of billion-dollar Star Wars hits, Solo stumbled hard, grossing just $392.9 million globally—a far cry from its predecessors. This flop seemed to spell doom for any follow-ups, but here’s the twist: a sequel is in the works, and it’s generating buzz. But will it break the curse? And this is the part most people miss: Solo’s failure wasn’t just about the story—its massive $300+ million budget, inflated by reshoots, made it nearly impossible to turn a profit. So, can a Lando spinoff avoid the same fate? Let’s dive in.
In a recent interview, outgoing Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy dropped some intriguing hints about upcoming Star Wars projects, including a Lando Calrissian spinoff led by Donald Glover. Kennedy revealed that Glover has already submitted a script, describing the project as ‘still somewhat alive.’ But here’s where it gets controversial: the fate of Lando now rests in the hands of new Lucasfilm co-presidents Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan. Will they greenlight a film tied to a box office disappointment, or is Lando destined to remain a ‘what-if’?
Kennedy’s comments about the Star Wars slate suggest these new projects are taking bold risks, stepping away from the ‘same old, same old.’ For Lando, this could mean a fresh, innovative take on the galaxy far, far away. But with Disney scaling back its output and focusing on larger-scale projects like The Mandalorian & Grogu and Starfighter, does a character-driven, mid-budget crime film stand a chance? Is Disney willing to gamble on a ‘smaller’ Star Wars story again?
Donald Glover’s portrayal of young Lando in Solo was a standout, praised for its charm and originality. Unlike a mere imitation of Billy Dee Williams, Glover brought his own flair to the character, creating a dynamic and entertaining performance. His chemistry with co-stars, particularly in scenes with Han Solo, added depth to their relationship, making their interactions in The Empire Strikes Back feel even more meaningful. If anyone can carry a Lando-centric film, it’s Glover—not just as an actor, but as a creative force. With Emmy-winning credentials for shows like Atlanta and Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Glover has proven he can craft sharp, engaging stories that think outside the box. But can his vision overcome the stigma of Solo’s failure?
A Lando movie could offer a fun, fresh perspective on the Star Wars underworld, exploring the galaxy’s criminal underbelly through the eyes of one of its smoothest operators. Yet, the bigger question lingers: can it succeed where Solo failed? Disney’s reluctance to revisit a spinoff tied to a commercial flop is understandable, especially with bigger, safer bets on the table. However, a mid-budget approach—keeping production costs in check—could be the key to making Lando a profitable and critically acclaimed addition to the franchise. After all, not every Star Wars film needs to be a grand space opera.
But here’s the real question: Are fans ready to embrace a Star Wars movie that doesn’t aim for billion-dollar box office glory? A Lando film could prove that smaller, character-driven stories have a place in this expansive universe. Or, it could reinforce the notion that only epic, large-scale adventures resonate with audiences. What do you think? Is Lando worth the risk, or should Disney play it safe? Leave a comment below and join the debate in the ComicBook Forum—let’s hear your take!
