An Open Letter to the People Making the Next Star Wars Movie

Dear Geniuses,

          Thank you for picking up the torch and continuing the greatest film series of all time.  We have been waiting for you.  To be honest, we are also hoping that episodes 7, 8, and 9 will be a bit closer in script and tempo to episodes 4, 5, and 6 than the prequels.  Don't get me wrong.  I enjoyed the prequels and was happy to get the chance to see the rise of the Galactic Empire and the turn of Anakin Skywalker to Darth Vader.  It was the story that George Lucas meant to tell, so it has to be the right one.  Perhaps some of the deleted scenes could have been left in so that other characters and plot points could get the attention they deserved (who wanted to see Jimmy Smits help start the Rebellion?).  However, the humor of the original trilogy wasn't there and it was a little more like watching a CGI Shakespeare play rather than a "Star Wars" film sometimes.  Just sometimes.  I don't want to complain too much.  Anyway, thanks for the promise of a follow-up trilogy.  I'm truly looking forward to it and to the opportunity to take my son to his first big-screen "Star Wars" experience. 
          The main point I'd like to address with this letter is a concern about the casting of Episode 7.  Of the new cast members listed over the last few days, I basically know of none of them other than Max von Sydow (a great actor).  Relative unknowns is how George sought to cast the original "Star Wars."  Back to the old formula.  Great!  It worked.  It has also been confirmed that Chewbacca, R2-D2, and C-3PO will return as portrayed by their original and only human talents.  Awesome!  It has also been solidly confirmed that the "stars of 'Star Wars'" will again portray three of the most awesome characters ever gracing a movie screen.  Indeed, the project wouldn't be worth it if Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo were not back for the ride.  However, can you all tell me why there has been no mention of Billy Dee Williams?  Lando Calrissian was instrumental in winning the Galactic Civil War.  He blew up the second Death Star without killing Luke in the process, he wore a very uncomfortable outfit to spy on Jabba the Hutt in preparation for the rescue of Han Solo, and I'm sure he paid Han back for that satellite dish thing he broke on the Millenium Falcon during the Battle of Endor.  Is this about the betraying Han to the Empire on Cloud City thing?  Come on!  Everyone got over that!  Lando should at least be a Senator in the New Republic or a businessman running a star cruiser manufacturing company or something.  I can just see him now, 30 years after the end of the war, stepping off a ship in his best Lando duds and walking around with a pimp cane.  He brings the cool factor to the galaxy far, far away.  In fact, he brings the cool factor to any galaxy (except the one where they dance with the stars).  Seriously, please bring Billy Dee Williams back to the "Star Wars" universe.  He belongs there.  I'm hoping some delayed detail reveals will include his casting as a pleasant surprise to the civilized public that loves and reveres the "Star Wars." 
          Please accept this letter (if you see it by reading my blog) as a respectful "thank you" for revving the engine on what will be a most awesome movie-going experience next December, and as an equally respectful begging for the return of the awesomeness of Mr. Billy Dee Williams to the epic cast in which we know he belongs.  May the Fourth be with you!  May the Fourth be with us all.

Sincerely,
The formerly 10-year-old kid who fell in love with "Star Wars,"
then and now known as Chuck Grimes