Billy Dee Williams will make his first appearance in the new Star Wars trilogy (which began with The Force Awakens), in next years Star Wars: Episode IX.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Chatter about Williams joining the production, which is set to begin later this summer, increased in recent days when the actor bowed out of an upcoming sci-fi and pop culture convention citing a conflict with a movie schedule. Sources confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that Williams will indeed be returning to the Star Wars film franchise for the first time since 1983’s Return of the Jedi. The Lando Calrissian character made his suave debut in 1980’s The Empire Strikes Back.

Williams has in recent years returned to the role that fuels his appearances on the convention circuit, voicing Calrissian in various cartoon series and video games.

The character is one of the more popular personages in the Star Wars universe and appeared in a major way in this year’s Solo: A Star Wars Story. Donald Glover slipped on the cape to play a younger Calrissian.”

Check out the below clip from Star Wars: Rebels where Williams reprised his role as Calrissian in the acclaimed animated series.

Star Wars: Episode IX will be released on December 20, 2019.