Yet another big name has been added to the Star Wars: Episode IX cast, and this one has traveled the stars before. Variety reports that Matt Smith, known best as the Eleventh Doctor on Doctor Who and as Philip on The Crown, has signed on to J.J. Abrams’ trilogy-capping film in a “key” role.
Once again, Abrams has brought another beloved geek-television star to the galaxy far, far away – Dominic Monaghan, who played Charlie on Lost and Merry Brandybuck in The Lord of the Rings, also recently signed on to a role in Star Wars: Episode IX.
A few other notable new actors have joined the cast as well. Keri Russell, Naomi Ackie, and Richard E. Grant are on board in undisclosed roles. Billy Dee Williams is also returning to his role as Lando Calrissian. Stars of the current trilogy like Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, and Mark Hamill are also returning for the film.
Although Variety reported that Smith will pay a key role in the film, that is the only detail that was passed along. It seems likely he will be on the side of First Order, as he has that dastardly British accent that Hollywood loves in a good villain. However, just what place he will play in the film remains to be seen.
Smith’s roles on Doctor Who and The Crown were both pretty excellent work, and his next film, Charlie Says, is debuting at the Venice Film Festival this weekend. Smith plays notorious serial killer and cult leader Charles Manson in the film. Smith also recently appeared in video-on-demand release Patient Zero alongside Game of Thrones alum Natalie Dormer, which came out on August 14.
Star Wars: Episode IX is directed by J.J. Abrams and currently has a release date set for December 20, 2019. Stay tuned to The Nerd Stash for all your Star Wars news as it becomes available.
