No Lando Calrissian In 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi,' Barring Any Trailer Surprises

Billy Dee Williams, who played Lando Calrissian in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi", says he will not be returning in this year’s "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."

“Nobody asked,” Williams said at his Star Wars Celebration 2017 panel, “Smooth Talkin’ with Billy Dee Williams.” Williams’ panel was one of the few mainstage panels not to be streamed online, so even without his confirmation, it looked like the writing was already on the wall. No more Lando, at least until Donald Glover takes on the role in 2018’s untitled Han Solo movie, the next in the anthology Star Wars Story series after "Rogue One."

Well, that sucks.

Now the only hope for the return of Williams’ defining take on the character is a surprise reveal in the "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" trailer, expected to premiere tomorrow during a Celebration panel featuring Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and "Episode 8" director Rian Johnson. Not very likely.

With the death of Han Solo, maybe there just wasn’t anything for Lando to do other than hit on General Leia (who, after the death of Carrie Fisher, will make her final appearance in "Star Wars: Episode IX"). Wherever the old scoundrel, card-sharp and tibanna gas mogul wound up, hopefully he’s free from the First Order and enjoying his riches.

We’ll be draining a Colt 45 or two in contemplation of what could have been.

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi," the upcoming movie without Lando Calrissian, is out in theaters Dec. 15.