Remember when Disney announced the Lando series back in 2020? They even announced it on their Twitter.
Then in 2023, it was announced that Simien would no longer be involved with the series.
Instead, Donald Glover and his brother Stephen Glover took over the writing duties.
Simien expressed his deep emotional connection to the project and the grief he felt over its cancellation.
He shared that the experience, though painful, provided valuable lessons and growth that he would carry into future endeavors.
Simien’s departure underscores the challenges that can arise in large franchise projects, particularly in a universe as expansive and beloved as Star Wars.
He didn’t shy away from discussing the emotional toll of losing such a project. “I get over it. I’m in therapy a lot,” he shared, comparing the experience to grief. “You pour so much of your heart and soul into something, but ultimately, you don’t have control over whether it lives or dies, and it is a true grieving process.”
Reflecting on the situation, Simien acknowledged the pain but emphasized the importance of facing it head-on. “I am in grief. I do not feel good,” he admitted, though he found some solace in the growth and experiences gained during the development process. “There’s so much more that I got, as a maker, and that’s mine,” he noted.
Simien learned about the project’s cancellation indirectly. “It became clear. I knew it was official when I read it in the trades,” he recounted, as the dream of bringing Lando’s adventures to life on screen was ultimately shattered.
