Donald Glover (FX “Atlanta” still)
Actor Donald Glover’s hit series “Atlanta” has impressed network executives so much that he has landed an overall production deal with its network, FX. But, his role in the upcoming “Star Wars” movie, which he’s dieting for, means the show won’t air season 2 until 2018.
The contract means Glover will create new TV shows for FX, other cable channels and streaming services, Deadline reported Thursday, Jan. 12. He’ll also continue his executive producer, writer, director and acting duties on “Atlanta.”
“‘Atlanta’ was just the beginning, the breakout comedy of the year and a series revered as much for its originality as its honest look at the experience of being aspiring, young and Black in that legendary city,” Nick Grad, FX Networks and FX Productions president of original programming, said in a statement. “We’re proud to partner with Donald in an overall deal that will allow him to continue turning his creative vision into incredible television.”
Even though Glover will remain a prominent figure in front of and behind the camera on “Atlanta,” FX announced fans will have to wait another year for the next round of episodes. The actor’s new gig as Lando Calrissian in the “Star Wars” prequel centered on Han Solo changed Glover’s production commitments, something he is okay with.
At the Golden Globes Jan. 8, where he won two trophies for his FX show about Black life in the Georgia state capital, Glover revealed how he’s dieting and prepping for the role originally played by Billy Dee Williams.
“Not getting to eat anything enjoyable for the rest of my life,” Glover said. “Lando’s a big deal to me. It was literally the first toy I ever got. When you have something that’s kind of iconic … where people pay attention to it, it’s hard because you want to live up to the expectation. But all you can do is live up to your own. And ‘Star Wars’ is really high.
“It’s going to be a good time. It’s going to be fun.”
