Billy Dee Williams returns to the galaxy far, far away as the voice of Lando Calrissian in Star Wars Rebels season 1, episode 9.
The episode, titled “Idiot’s Array,” focuses on the crew of the Ghost as they become entangled with the charming – and questionably ethical – entrepreneur. Because this is Lando, an initial mistake spirals into increasingly higher stakes for the crew… and naturally, it’s all Zeb’s fault.
A new featurette includes clips from Star Wars Rebels season 1, episode 9, as well as commentary from the crew. Clearly, Lando is a popular figure among the creators of Star Wars Rebels, though he may not find himself as beloved on the Ghost.
The timing of Star Wars Rebels, set fifteen years after the events of Revenge of the Sith, allows the show to display a different side of Lando Calrissian.
“He’s on his way up, he hasn’t achieved it [all] yet,” says executive producer Dave Filoni. “Which is really exciting because he’s still working on all of his moves and all of his strategies.”
“He’s no joke, he knows what he’s doing,” Filoni promises. “Everything Lando does, it’s got a purpose and intention.”
“Creating the world diversely made Star Wars always inclusive from the very beginning,” adds creative executive Rayne Roberts, hinting that “Idiot’s Array” might not be Lando’s only appearance on Star Wars Rebels. “We wanted to make him relevant to the show,” she says, “and make him someone that the rebels might lean on in the future.”
As for Billy Dee Williams, the actor seems to enjoy his return to the mythical galaxy. Williams, incidentally, has not been cast in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
“I have a good time with it!” he laughs. “I think that my voice is Lando. My persona is Lando.”
Star Wars Rebels season 1, episode 9, “Idiots Array,” airs on Monday, Jan. 19 at 9:00 p.m. on Disney XD.