“It’s too serious”: Star Wars needs to be fun again, and the Lando movie aims to do just that

Donald Glover, along with his brother Stephen Glover, wants to bring back the humor that Star Wars has been missing in recent years. With a shift from a series to a movie, the Lando project aims to inject the franchise with much-needed levity.

Lando Calrissian: A Return to Fun

Lando Calrissian is a character that first charmed audiences in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Played by Billy Dee Williams, Lando stood out with his mix of suave charisma and humor, though beneath that charm was a man willing to betray his friends to save his own skin. He later reappeared, now portrayed by Donald Glover, in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Unfortunately, despite Glover’s excellent performance, the movie underperformed at the box office.

For a while, it seemed like Lando’s story might end there. Glover moved on to other successful projects like The Lion King and his critically acclaimed series Atlanta, co-created with his brother Stephen. But Lando wasn’t done just yet. Initially planned as a series, the project has since evolved into a movie, and Donald Glover has promised a lighter, more playful take on the character.

Bringing Fun Back to Star Wars

In a recent interview with WSJ Style, Glover shared his vision for the Lando movie after original writer-director Justin Simien departed the project. His main goal? To make Star Wars fun again.

“I just want it to be fun,” Glover said. “As a Star Wars fan, I think it’s important to have more fun. Right now, it feels like everything is very serious, and I get it—there are serious things happening in the world. But I also believe part of the human experience is about having fun. And I feel like we’re missing that right now.”

Glover’s comments hint at a broader issue within the Star Wars franchise: the weight of the Skywalker saga. He explained that while he loves Star Wars, the connection to the Skywalkers often brings a sense of seriousness that can overshadow the adventurous spirit the series was once known for.

“I think the thing with Lando is that he’s a bit of a scoundrel,” Glover added. “People can relate to that. He’s probably thinking, ‘Man, this war sucks. I just need to make some money,’ which I think a lot of people can understand. I want to bring that vibe back to Star Wars.”

Disney’s New Direction

Disney seems to be leaning into Glover’s idea of bringing more fun and adventure to the Star Wars universe. Upcoming projects like Skeleton Crew, set to debut on Disney+ this December, aim to mix humor and adventure in a way that hasn’t been as prominent in recent Star Wars releases. With its mix of young protagonists and a fantastical setting, Skeleton Crew appears to be following in the footsteps of nostalgic hits like Stranger Things.

The push for lighter, more playful content is a shift from the darker tone of recent Star Wars entries like The Acolyte, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and The Book of Boba Fett. Even major theatrical releases like Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker have left fans divided, and Disney is clearly testing new approaches to revitalize the franchise.

Will Lando Stand Out?

The Lando movie could carve out a unique place in the Star Wars universe by embracing humor. With other upcoming Star Wars films like The Mandalorian & Grogu and Star Wars: New Jedi Order slated for May 2026, the Glover brothers’ take on Lando, currently expected in 2027, has the potential to offer something fresh. A movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously could be exactly what fans need, especially after years of heavy, plot-driven entries.

Of course, the pressure is on. Should the Lando film fail to deliver, it could mean the end for this beloved character. But if anyone can bring Lando back to life with style and humor, it’s Donald Glover. He and his brother Stephen have proven time and time again that they know how to create something special. Here’s hoping their take on Lando is the fun, adventurous Star Wars film we’ve all been waiting for.