Doctor Who’s Matt Smith Joins ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ Cast

From the realm of aliens and royals, Matt Smith has now landed on the world of Star Wars. The actor, who played as the 11th doctor in Doctor Who and as Prince Philip in The Crown, will be taking on a role in Star Wars: Episode IX.

According to Variety, Smith will be playing an unspecified key role in the final installment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy. The film is currently shooting in the UK with J.J. Abrams at the helm and is aiming for a December 19 debut.

Matt Smith joins the latest cast additions with The Americans star Keri Russell and Lost actor Dominic Monaghan. Other newcomers include Richard E. Grant and Naomi Ackie. Alongside them are returning cast members Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Adam Driver.

Star Wars: Episode IX also features Billy Dee Williams once again taking on the role of Lando Calrissian together with Mark Hamill returning as Luke Skywalker. Anthony Daniels will also reprise his role as C-3PO.

Carrie Fisher, who died in 2016 after her work on The Last Jedi, will also be featured as Leia Organa. The film will be using unreleased footage shots from 2015’s The Force Awakens.

Smith was recently nominated for his role as Prince Philip in The Crown at the Primetime Emmy. However, he won’t be back for the role in the show’s third season since the character was recast. Smith also starred in Mapplethorpe as the photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. And he will be seen next as Charles Manson in Charlie Says.