Lucasfilm and Disney’s upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter movie has added Doctor Who alum Matt Smith to its cast as a villain.
Details come from Deadline, which says the actor will finally show up in a galaxy far, far away when the offshoot story eventually arrives. THR sources add that Smith will play one of “multiple” villain characters, with director Shawn Levy said to be on the hunt to fill at least one more role after Anora’s Mikey Madison reportedly turned down an offer earlier this year.
So far, we know Barbie’s Ryan Gosling has signed on as lead for the 2027 Star Wars movie, with the Deadpool & Wolverine director signed on to steer the project. Pearl star Mia Goth is also onboard as a villain. The hunt for more stars remains ongoing for now.
Much of Star Wars: Starfighter is still coming together, but there are a few details that have been revealed since its announcement in April. Levy considers the movie to be a standalone project but has confirmed that it takes place five years after the earth-shaking events of The Rise of Skywalker. The film’s script was handled by The Adam Project’s Jonathan Tropper.
Smith was previously rumored to appear in The Rise of Skywalker but never made the cut. Although he might be best known for his time as the 11th Doctor, Smith has appeared in major roles for other sci-fi and fantasy franchises. His resume includes work as Milo for 2022’s Morbius and Jack in Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho, as well as Daemon Targaryen for both seasons of The House of the Dragon. Additional details about his mysterious villain character in Star Wars: Starfighter remain under wraps for now.
Star Wars: Starfighter is expected to begin production in England this fall with its premiere then set for May 28, 2027. The next film in the legendary sci-fi franchise is The Mandalorian and Grogu, which is primed to come to theaters in 2026.
For more Star Wars, you can check out everything else we know about Star Wars: Starfighter. You can also read up on every Star Wars movie and TV show Disney has in the works.
Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO.
Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
