‘Solo’ Writer Opens Up About Lando’s Sexuality, And He’s Probably Not Straight

While the first Star Wars movie came out some 40 years ago, there has been little to no LGBTQ representation in the franchise – or really, in any big Disney-owned property. Now, however, it seems like we may finally have our first queer Star Wars character: Lando Calrissian.

The character played by Billy Dee Williams all those years ago and revived by Donald Glover spin-off/prequel Solo: A Star Wars Story is apparently pansexual, according to one of the film’s writers. In a recent interview with the Huffington Post, father-and-son screenwriting duo Jonathan and Lawrence Kasdan were asked about the character’s sexuality, based on references to Lando’s sexual history with a droid and implied flirtation with Han – and Jonathan’s response came as a pleasant surprise.

Asked about Lando’s “possible sexual fluidity”, Jonathan responded in the affirmative. “I would say yes… There’s a fluidity to Donald and Billy Dee’s [portrayal of Lando’s] sexuality.” he continued.

“I mean, I would have loved to have gotten a more explicitly LGBT character into this movie. I think it’s time, certainly, for that, and I love the fluidity ― sort of the spectrum of sexuality that Donald appeals to and that droids are a part of.”

While the answer may have come as a surprise to some, others weren’t totally blown away by this:

“He doesn’t make any hard and fast rules. I think it’s fun,” said Kasdan. “I don’t know where it will go.”

At this point, we’re optimistic that the depiction of Lando’s sexuality will go futher than what we’ve previously seen in this galaxy far, far away, which has been close to nothing. We’re crossing our fingers for more obvious LGBTQ Star Wars characters in the future – and Kasdan’s enthusiasm for Lando only makes us more hopeful.