Following Ryan Johnson’s snub of Billy Dee Williams in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, it now appears as if the original Lando Calrissian actor may be appearing in J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: Episode IX.
While appearing at the recent MegaCon in Orlando, it’s revealed that having recently celebrated his 81st birthday, Billy Dee Williams is now training three times a week and has a whole new diet.
Both Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher underwent an extensive diet and training regime prior to returning for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Fun Billy Dee Williams fact: Billy just had his 81st birthday. He’s training 3 times a week with a trainer and has a whole new diet.
— MegaCon Orlando (@MegaConOrlando) May 25, 2018
Billy Dee Williams first appeared as Lando in 1980’s The Empire Strikes Back followed by 1983’s Return of the Jedi. Williams also voiced Lando for the Star Wars: Battlefront video games, Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures animated series, Star Wars: Detours, Star Wars Rebels and more.
Star Wars: Episode IX has a December 20, 2019 release.