Exciting news yet another twist in the ever-evolving Star Wars saga! Unfortunately, announcing the much-anticipated “Lando” series, to star Donald Glover as the charismatic Lando Calrissian, is no longer in the works. Renowned writer and director Justin Simien recently revealed that the promising project has been shelved by Disney, even though extensive preparatory work, including a fully developed Bible, concept art, and scripts, had already been accomplished.
“It was pretty developed,” Simien shared with Collider. “Yeah, there was a Bible, there was concept art, there were scripts, but it just wasn’t meant to be.” Simien’s disappointment was palpable, stating, “I am in grief. I do not feel good. I have to let myself feel those feelings.” Despite the setback, Simien expressed that the experience and lessons he garnered from his work on “Lando” are invaluable and will be carried forward into his future projects.
Speculation is rife over whether the cancellation may be linked to the lackluster performance of Simien’s 2023 Disney feature “Haunted Mansion” at the box office. The broader state of LucasFilm has also come under scrutiny, with fans and critics alike questioning the strategic direction under Kathleen Kennedy’s leadership. Furthermore, Disney’s handling of communication left much to be desired; Simien admitted he realized the project’s end was imminent when he first read about it in trade publications.
Looking ahead, Simien isn’t steering away from big franchises. He is set to dive into the “Star Trek” universe, teaming up with Alex Kurtzman and Tawny Newsome to develop the first-ever live-action comedy series within the beloved franchise. This venture may well allow Simien to channel his creative energies into a new frontier, much to the excitement of Trekkies everywhere.
Meanwhile, the future of Star Wars remains somewhat uncertain. While fans eagerly anticipate “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” set for release in May 2026, other projects like the Rey movie trilogy remain in limbo. LucasFilm’s ability to navigate these turbulent waters will be critical in restoring confidence and excitement within the Star Wars fandom.
What are your thoughts on the “Lando” cancellation and LucasFilm’s trajectory? Share your views in the comments below and let’s engage in this galaxy-spanning conversation!
Source: World of Reel
