Despite the disappointing box office performance of Solo: A Star Wars Story, the franchise is taking another chance with a potential sequel focused on Lando Calrissian. This move is intriguing, especially considering the mixed reception of the previous film.
The Solo Story: A Box Office Flop?
Disney's Star Wars franchise had an impressive run, with three consecutive films raking in over a billion dollars worldwide. However, the momentum came to a halt with the release of Solo in 2018. Despite positive reviews, the film struggled to find its audience, earning a mere $392.9 million globally. This setback put a halt to any hopes of a Solo sequel and effectively paused the "Star Wars Story" label.
But here's where it gets controversial: Disney is now considering a follow-up to Solo, and it has just received a promising update. In her departure interview, outgoing Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy revealed that Donald Glover, who played a young Lando Calrissian in Solo, is working on a spinoff centered around the character. Kennedy described the project as "still somewhat alive," leaving its fate in the hands of the new Lucasfilm co-presidents, Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan.
Can Lando Rise to the Occasion?
While Solo may have underperformed, Glover's portrayal of Lando was widely praised. He managed to capture the essence of the character while adding his unique twist, going beyond a mere impression of Billy Dee Williams. Glover's performance showcased his talent for creating entertaining dynamics with his co-stars, particularly in the fun interactions between Han and Lando, which added depth to their relationship in The Empire Strikes Back.
Given the positive reception of Glover's performance, there's a good chance audiences would be interested in seeing him lead his own project. With Glover also taking on a creative role in the film, Lando has the potential to be a captivating watch. Throughout his career, Glover has received numerous accolades for his work behind the camera, including Emmy nominations and wins for Atlanta and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. His ability to think creatively and tell engaging stories makes him an exciting prospect for a Star Wars movie.
Glover himself has expressed his desire to make Lando a fun experience, drawing inspiration from the classic Star Wars films. A deep dive into the Star Wars galactic underworld through the eyes of Lando could be a thrilling adventure. However, the question remains: Does Lando have the box office appeal to justify the investment?
Its connection to Solo could be a drawback, as Disney might be hesitant to greenlight a project with such strong ties to their previous commercial flop. With Disney looking to reduce their output, it's uncertain if there's room for a "smaller" Star Wars film centered on one character. The Mandalorian & Grogu and Starfighter, for instance, have larger scopes, featuring elements like the New Republic/Imperial remnants conflict and lightsaber duels.
Solo's failure to meet expectations can largely be attributed to its bloated production budget, which exceeded $300 million due to extensive reshoots after Ron Howard replaced Phil Lord and Chris Miller as director. As a spinoff, Solo was intended to be a more cost-effective production. To ensure the success of Lando, it's crucial to keep production costs in check and maintain a relatively smaller budget.
A mid-budget crime film within the Star Wars franchise could be a welcome addition, showcasing the diverse storytelling possibilities within the expansive universe. Not every Star Wars movie needs to be a grand space opera on a massive scale.
What are your thoughts on a potential Lando movie? Do you think it could be a success? Join the conversation and share your opinions in the comments below!
