Matt Smith will join the iconic Star Wars universe in the upcoming film titled Star Wars: Starfighter, which will be directed by Shawn Levy. The British actor, known for his role as Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon, will play one of the villains in the story that was confirmed during the Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, will be a standalone narrative focused on new characters and set five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. Production will begin in September 2023 and its release is expected on May 28, 2027.
A role that can elevate you to stardom
Smith, who had a previous connection to the saga in 2019 by almost playing a young version of Emperor Palpatine, has been a reference in the world of science fiction and fantasy. After the rewriting of the script for The Rise of Skywalker, his character was removed. However, his enthusiasm for the franchise never waned, and in conversations on the podcast Happy Sad Confused, the actor described that proposal as “a really cool idea, a transformative concept.”
The inclusion of Matt Smith in Star Wars: Starfighter highlights Lucasfilm’s intention to incorporate established talent that can bring new depth to the villains of the universe. With the script by Jonathan Tropper, a collaborator of Levy, and the stellar presence of actors like Ryan Gosling and Mia Goth, the film promises a new direction for the saga, moving away from old narratives and betting on a fresh and vibrant approach.
With Smith’s experience in roles that require both charisma and darkness, fans can anticipate a rich and multidimensional interpretation of his new character. Expectations are sky-high, and followers of the Star Wars universe are eager to see how this promising addition to the legendary galactic legacy unfolds.