Fans of Star Wars character Lando Calrissian found themselves disappointed when they learned that the iconic character would not appear in the upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
However, Lando fans can now rejoice, because it's likely we'll see Lando again — perhaps in future films and Star Wars-related projects going forward.
According to legendary Star Wars writer Lawrence Kasdan, Lando – the Baron administrator of Cloud City – still has a part to play in the Star Wars universe. Just because he doesn't appear in The Force Awakens, doesn't mean that writers have completed his story.
"Right now, there's no Lando Calrissian in this movie," said Kasdan in an interview with Vanity Fair. "But Lando I don't think is finished in any way, shape, or form."
Of course, we've already seen Lando return to the Star Wars universe in the animated Star Wars: Rebels — but that's not the same as seeing actor Billy Dee Williams reprise his role on the big screen. Part of the reason why Lando won't appear in The Force Awakens may have something to do with how large the film already is.
In the interview, Kasdan discussed the importance of keeping the film's running time to a reasonable length. The movie is already big — with a large cast that includes a lot of actors returning from the first three movies, such as Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill.
"One of the things that we always refocus on from the get-go was that it not be one of these very long, bloated blockbusters," Kasdan explained. "A lot of very entertaining movies lately are too long. In the last 20 minutes, you think, why isn't this over?"
Kasdan pointed out that finding the perfect running time also means ensuring that the film isn't too short. Ultimately, those in charge of making the film have to look at it and make sure that only the necessary components of the story are there.
Kasdan is no stranger to Hollywood. His first screenplay to become a film was The Empire Strikes Back. He also wrote the screenplays for Return of the Jedi and Raiders of the Lost Ark. As a writer and director, his credits include The Big Chill, The Accidental Tourist, Mumford, Body Heat and Silverado.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams brought back Kasdan, who said working on the new film was "fun," mentioning with amusement that Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia are now around his age.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens worldwide on December 18.
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