Lucasfilm and Disney are making waves in the Star Wars universe with the upcoming film, Star Wars: Starfighter, having recently cast Matt Smith, known for his role in Doctor Who, as a villain. The announcement, reported by Deadline, marks a significant addition to the cast, with sources from The Hollywood Reporter indicating that Smith will portray one of several antagonists in the film. Director Shawn Levy is currently looking to fill at least one more villain role after actress Mikey Madison reportedly declined an offer earlier in the year.
In other exciting news for the film, Ryan Gosling, famed for his role in Barbie, has been confirmed to lead the project, while Mia Goth, known for her performance in Pearl, joins Smith in portraying a villainous character. As casting continues, details about the film’s storyline are slowly surfacing, with Levy stating that Star Wars: Starfighter will take place five years after the events of The Rise of Skywalker and aims to stand alone within the expansive universe. The screenplay is penned by Jonathan Tropper, who previously worked on The Adam Project.
Smith, previously rumored for a role in The Rise of Skywalker but ultimately not included, is no stranger to major sci-fi and fantasy roles, having played Daemon Targaryen in The House of the Dragon, among others. However, specifics surrounding his character in Star Wars: Starfighter are still tightly under wraps.
Production is set to kick off in England this fall, with the film’s release slated for May 28, 2027. In the meantime, fans are eagerly anticipating The Mandalorian and Grogu, which is set to hit theaters in 2026 as the next theatrical installment in the beloved franchise.
The excitement surrounding Star Wars: Starfighter is palpable, and with the powerhouse team involved, there’s hope for a fresh and thrilling addition to the Star Wars saga that will captivate audiences for years to come.