Donald Glover is amazing. He’s an acclaimed actor, an award winning writer and a Grammy-nominated artist.
33 year-old Glover has already achieved so much since starting out as a writer for 30 Rock. He’s the coolest rapper ever (ed’s note: a big call, but I’ll allow it), and starred as the quirky ex-jock Troy Barnes in the much loved, very ridiculous television hit Community.
Perhaps I’m a bit biased, but I’m very excited to announce that Donald Glover will also be playing the part of a young Lando Calrissian in the new, so far untitled Han Solo stand-alone Star Wars film.
Lucasfilm announced on the October 21 that Glover had gotten the part, and the directors couldn’t be more excited about it (still not as excited as me though tbh). Directors Paul Lord and Christopher Miller were rapt, if their press release is anything to go by.
“We’re so lucky to have an artist as talented as Donald join us. These are big shoes to full, and an even bigger cape, and this one fits him perfectly, which will save us money on alterations. Also, we’d like to publicly apologise for ruining Comic-Con for him forever”, said Lord and Miller.
These make me so happy. @burnettski92 @philiplord pic.twitter.com/zJKKVnx1ce
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) October 21, 2016
Glover feels equally lucky to have been given the role. Speaking to TIME, Glover revealed he was a fan of the Star Wars franchise, saying,
“I mean, I grew up on it. My dad was a big fan. I had all the toys when I was little. I had a Darth Vader with the lightsaber he has. It was cool. It’s a dynasty. It’s like the bible. I love that franchise.”
Donald Glover will be teaming up with Hail Caesar! actor Alden Ehrenreich on set, who was confirmed as young Han Solo in May this year.
The movie is set for release in 2018.