Matt Smith Officially Joins 'Star Wars: Starfighter' After Years of Speculation

July 22, 2026

Matt Smith is officially heading to a galaxy far, far away. The House of the Dragon star has joined Star Wars: Starfighter, where he will appear alongside Ryan Gosling in the Shawn Levy-directed film, scheduled for release in 2027. Reports say Smith will play one of the movie's villains, marking his long-awaited Star Wars debut after his previously rumored role in The Rise of Skywalker never made it to the screen.

Matt Smith is joining Star Wars. A long-awaited debut is finally here.
Matt Smith is joining Star Wars. A long-awaited debut is finally here.

After years of speculation, Matt Smith has officially joined the Star Wars franchise with a role in Star Wars: Starfighter.

A new adventure begins. Ryan Gosling leads the cast.
A new adventure begins. Ryan Gosling leads the cast.

Smith will appear alongside Ryan Gosling in Star Wars: Starfighter, a new standalone film directed by Shawn Levy.

The galaxy gets a new face. A darker role is waiting.
The galaxy gets a new face. A darker role is waiting.

Reports indicate Smith will play one of the film's villains, adding another complex character to his growing résumé.

This moment has been years in the making. An earlier chance slipped away.
This moment has been years in the making. An earlier chance slipped away.

Smith was previously linked to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, but his reported role never appeared in the final film.

Rumors once surrounded Emperor Palpatine. The story changed before release.
Rumors once surrounded Emperor Palpatine. The story changed before release.

In 2018, Smith was widely rumored to be playing a younger version of Emperor Palpatine, although the role was ultimately abandoned during production.

A major twist never happened. The mystery remained unsolved.
A major twist never happened. The mystery remained unsolved.

Smith later suggested his planned appearance was connected to a significant plot development that was eventually removed from the movie.

Now the timing is right. The franchise welcomes him at last.
Now the timing is right. The franchise welcomes him at last.

Years after his first connection to the series, Smith is officially becoming part of the Star Wars universe.

Another casting search continues. A key villain is still to come.
Another casting search continues. A key villain is still to come.

Reports say filmmakers are still looking to cast a major female antagonist after Mikey Madison reportedly passed on the role.

A new chapter is taking shape. The galaxy keeps expanding.
A new chapter is taking shape. The galaxy keeps expanding.

Star Wars: Starfighter introduces a fresh story with new characters while continuing to grow the long-running science fiction franchise.

The wait is finally over. Matt Smith's Star Wars journey begins.
The wait is finally over. Matt Smith's Star Wars journey begins.

After years of missed opportunities, Smith is set to make his official debut in one of cinema's most enduring franchises.