Star Wars: Episode IX: Is it the right move bringing back our favorite scoundrel?

Billy Dee Williams is coming back in Star Wars: Episode IX, but is this the right move for the character? Let’s look at both sides of the argument.

Speculation has turned out to be true. Billy Dee Williams is returning as Lando Calrissian in Star Wars: Episode IX. The news broke yesterday that the actor would officially be returning to reprise his role. But is this the right move?

There is no denying that the fandom is completely divided. You have on one side, fans who want nothing more than original characters to return, and on the other, fans who do not want them to return.

More from Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

• How many Oscars has Star Wars won?
• Looking back at 10 years of Star Wars: The films
• Domhnall Gleeson up for returning as General Hux
• Star Wars fan’s epic poster is The Rise of Skywalker ending reimagined
• Star Wars 25 features the first post-Rise of Skywalker canon story

Those who have wanted Billy Dee Williams to return have shrunk in number as the latest Star Wars trilogy has progressed. There is still a huge amount who want him to appear in Star Wars: Episode IX, but not as many.

Having old faces is always a good thing to see, it connects the older stories to the new and it keeps character stories alive as well, rather than wondering if they just disappeared into thin air.

Photo Credit: [Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back] Lucasfilm via NerdistFans who don’t want him to return, to be fair, don’t want him to return because they are concerned the character will be ruined, not because they don’t like the character.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is obviously the culprit for that and no matter where you find yourself on this side of the argument, there is a valid point to this.

Having your favourite character misrepresented is not ideal and not something welcomed by the fandom. This is not something that only Star Wars suffers from. Other movies have done this and most recently the TV show Supernatural misrepresented the characters Sam and Dean Winchester in their most recent season, causing a stir amongst fans.

Watch your favorite shows on fuboTV: Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!

However, Billy Dee Williams is confirmed for Star Wars: Episode IX so like or not, he is coming. It’s a good move on his part really, because if they represent him properly I am sure those who would rather not have him appear, for fear of ruining his character, would shift over to the other side if they gave him a decent story.

It’s the fear of the unknown. If you are going to wreck his character then don’t bring him back, if you are going to do it right, then feel free, go ahead. Chewbacca does need an old friend after all now that Han and Luke are gone.

Next: Solo: A Star Wars Story is no longer the worst, as long you ignore a few details

Where do you stand on the return of Billy Dee Williams in Star Wars: Episode IX? Are you welcoming the news? Or do you have your concerns? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts.