‘Solo’ Screenwriter Confirms Lando Calrissian’s Pansexuality
The current era of Lucasfilm has actively tried to push for progressiveness in their new Star Wars projects. It has been truly amazing to see diverse characters like Finn, Poe, Rose, Cassian, and Chirrut get the limelight to shine with all their badassery. Having said this, Lucasfilm could be doing better. The only people who seem to be fit to direct and write their live-action content seem to be white males. There are also more diverse males in their films than there are diverse females. Giving this type of feedback as a fan does not necessarily mean that they are ungrateful for the progress that the studio has given so far. These kinds of subjects require consumer feedback for consumers are the only people who can proclaim if they see themselves being represented on screen efficiently or not.
The Huffington Post has just taken Lucasfilm to a new baby step in representation via an interview with Solo: A Star Wars Story screenwriters Lawrence and Jonathan Kasdan. Lawrence Kasdan is a Lucasfilm veteran with screenwriting credit on The Empire Strikes Back and The Force Awakens. This is his first time writing a film with his son, Jon, and he has also said that Solo is his last venture in Star Wars. Everyone who is anyone is dying to see Donald Glover’s performance as Lando Calrissian in the film. Early reviews and reactions have already praised him to be one of the top highlights. Without giving away too much, the Post was very interested in the sexual fluidity that Lando expressed in the film and took no time to bring it up during the interview.
Glover as Lando in ‘Solo’ via Lucasfilm
The Kasdans were bluntly asked if the signs that Lando gives off in Solo mean that he is pansexual. Jon Kasdan did not hesitate when he responded with, “I would say yes”. He gave further context on his quick reply.
There’s a fluidity to Donald and Billy Dee’s sexuality. 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. He doesn’t make any hard and fast rules. I think it’s fun. I don’t know where it will go.
The site brought up a moment in the film when a joke is made about Lando’s flirty attitude towards Han Solo. Lawrence Kasdan simply replied with, “Maybe it means something, maybe it doesn’t”. His son definitely seems more open to proclaim Lando being pansexual than he does. Regardless of this, there is one thing to make of this conversation about Lando’s pansexuality. Talking about it is great, but actually seeing it would be better.
Some were disappointed when it was revealed that a deleted scene from Thor: Ragnarok gave a clear message that the character Valkyrie was bisexual. Though a deleted scene may not be the case with Lando, both characters got their sexualities confirmed in conversation outside of the film. Writers calling their characters pansexual, gay, and etc. outside of their screenplays is fine- but is that still really representation? Would it not be far more progressive to actually see them express themselves on screen?
This Lando news is good to hear considering how smooth of a connection between Glover and Billy Dee Williams’ performances is visible. Jon Kasdan did say that he did not know where Lando’s sexuality could lead in the future, but he is sure that Lando is pansexual and will not think twice to proclaim it. If he were to write another film with Glover continuing the role, there would be no excuse to not naturally show it to audiences everywhere. Most agree that it is about time. What do you have to add to this conversation? Let us know in the comments below or on social media and make sure to watch Solo: A Star Wars Story on May 25!
Source: HuffPost
