‘Lando’: Lucasfilm Hires Donald & Stephen Glover To Write ‘Star Wars’ Series As Justin Simien Exits

Back in December 2020, Lucasfilm had first announced early plans to develop a new Disney+ series that would focus on Donald Glover‘s incarnation of Lando Calrissian from “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” An infamous smuggler pilot and card shark turned businessman that first appeared as a former acquaintance of Han Solo in “The Empire Strikes Back.” Affectionally titled “Lando,” there really hasn’t been much in the way of updates on the streaming series until now.

Yesterday, it was revealed by a report from Variety that the show is very much still alive as Lucasfilm has replaced Justin Simien (“Haunted Mansion,” “Dear White People”) after the creative had exited the “Star Wars” spinoff series. They’ve now hired Glover and his brother Stephen Glover (“Swarm,” “Atlanta”) to write the series, which isn’t that entirely shocking since the pair are currently working together over at Amazon as part of the overall deal which includes the upcoming “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” series at Prime.

While there is going to be plenty of speculation of the series being a sequel surrogate to “Solo,” it’s unclear if some or any of those characters will make their grand return to the “Star Wars” universe. The show is expected to mainly focus on Lando’s own adventures and potentially explore how he ends up running Cloud City, an iconic franchise location that is a tibanna gas mining colony on the planet of Bespin.

Given that show is starting with new writers it’s unlikely going to begin shooting anytime soon given the writers’ strike is still ongoing. “Ahsoka” is the next big “Star Wars” show to debut on Disney+ next month on August 23.

SOURCE: VARIETY

‘Star Wars’ Actress Rosario Dawson Is The Latest Addition To Disney’s ‘Haunted Mansion’

Disney’s new Haunted Mansion movie is filling up roles with actors such as LaKeith Stanfield (Uncut Gems, Judas & The Black Messiah, Knives Out), Tiffany Haddish (The Card Counter), and Owen Wilson (The French Dispatch, Loki) joining the haunted-house pic.

Another name has been added to the call-sheet, according to Deadline.

Actress Rosario Dawson after recently wrapping on Clerks 3 has reportedly nabbed herself a role in the family-friendly horror film from director Justin Simien (Dear White People). Her credits include Sin City, The Mandalorian, Clerks II, Daredevil, Luke Cage, The Rundown, and the HBO Max comic book series DMZ.

Haunted Mansion is a film based on Disney’s beloved spooky theme park attraction similar to previous films Pirates of The Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl, Jungle Cruise, and the unfortunate flop Tomorrowland.

She’s not new to the world of horror appearing in Zombieland: Double Tap and Quentin Tarantino’s unique slasher flick Death Proof.

It’s starting to sound like Dawson won’t be shooting her spinoff Star Wars show Ahsoka anytime soon given that Haunted Mansion begins filming next month in Atlanta, the cast is said to be an ensemble which could mean she’d have to be on set for a majority of the shoot alongside her co-stars. A potential start sometime in 2022 for Ahsoka is looking more realistic.

Speaking of Star Wars, Lucasfilm announced in late 2020 that Justin Simien would be behind a new Disney+ series focusing on Lando Calrissian, but we don’t have a clear picture when that Star Wars project is going begin shooting given that Simien will be busy with Haunted Mansion for the next year or so, and Donald Glover has his own projects coming out the wazoo.

THE HAUNTED MANSION – Workaholic real estate agent Jim Evers (Eddie Murphy) is accused by his wife, Sara (Marsha Thomason), of neglecting his son (Marc John Jefferies) and daughter (Aree Davis), so he takes the family on a vacation. Along the way, the family stops off at a sinister mansion that Jim has been asked to sell, only to discover it’s haunted by Master Gracey (Nathaniel Parker) ; his stern butler, Ramsley (Terence Stamp) ; and two other servants who need some help breaking a curse.

SOURCE: DEADLINE

Owen Wilson Nabs Key Role In Disney’s ‘Haunted Mansion’ Movie

Disney wants to stay in the Owen Wilson business after playing Mobius in the hit Marvel Studios series Loki, as he’s joined the cast for their upcoming new Haunted Mansion movie set to begin shooting this October in Atlanta.

The movie from writer/director Justin Simien (Dear White People), is another project based on a beloved theme park ride with the spooky Haunted Mansion being just as recognizable as Pirates of The Caribbean or Jungle Cruise.

Owen Wilson joins Oscar-nominated actor LaKeith Stanfield (Judas & The Black Messiah, Knives Out, Uncut Gems) and Tiffany Haddish, who were previously announced for lead roles.

This isn’t the first entry into the horror genre for Wilson after being part of the casts of The Haunting remake in 1999 and having a small supporting role in Jennifer Lopez’s Anaconda in 1997.

Lucasfilm announced in late 2020 that Justin Simien would be behind a new Disney+ series focusing on Lando Calrissian, but we don’t have a clear picture when that Star Wars project is going begin shooting given that Simien will be busy with Haunted Mansion for the next year or so, and Donald Glover has his own projects coming out the wazoo.

Owen Wilson is expected to return as Mobius in season two of Loki, however, his role in Haunted Mansion would support chatter that it won’t begin shooting until 2022.

Back in 2003, Disney released The Haunted Mansion starring Eddie Murphy to a mixed response and didn’t do very well at the box office. It’s unclear how much of a connection to the new project will have if any to the previous incarnation.

THE HAUNTED MANSION – Workaholic real estate agent Jim Evers (Eddie Murphy) is accused by his wife, Sara (Marsha Thomason), of neglecting his son (Marc John Jefferies) and daughter (Aree Davis), so he takes the family on a vacation. Along the way, the family stops off at a sinister mansion that Jim has been asked to sell, only to discover it’s haunted by Master Gracey (Nathaniel Parker) ; his stern butler, Ramsley (Terence Stamp) ; and two other servants who need some help breaking a curse.

SOURCE: THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

Disney Taps Justin Simien To Direct ‘Haunted Mansion’ Remake

It doesn’t look Guillermo del Toro will get to make his Haunted Mansion movie after all.

A new report from Deadline reveals that Disney has selected Dear White People director Justin Simien to tackle their remake based on their popular horror-themed park attraction that got a feature film in 2003 starring Eddie Murphy.

This new film is said to be a different take on ghoulish source material and has Ghostbusters: Answer The Call screenwriter Katie Dippold penning the script. The pairing of Dippold and Simien would suggest it could have a comedic leaning.

SOURCE: DEADLINE