It’s finally happening, and to be honest, the entire internet is just spiraling, as Matt Smith’s long-awaited arrival in the Star Wars galaxy is now finally becoming a reality with Star Wars: Starfighter. We all know that the journey is beginning far later than anyone expected, given the factor that they announced it as a part of the 2027 film’s ensemble.
We will see Smith joining a cast led by Ryan Gosling and Mia Goth, adding another major franchise to a résumé already spanning Doctor Who, House of the Dragon, and Terminator Genisys.
Speculation Grows Over Matt Smith’s Mysterious Role in Star Wars: Starfighter
What honestly surprised all of the fans is, however, Smith’s admission that despite production beginning back in August, he hasn’t filmed a single scene yet. In a recent interview with A Rabbit’s Foot, he revealed that his involvement is only now taking shape, sharing that his team is still finalizing his costume and that filming for him won’t begin until December, which is roughly six months into the shoot. And because of the delay that is going viral right now, it instantly sparked speculation about what kind of character enters the story so late in the game, or is a cameo for something that will eventually unfold in the future?
But sadly, that is not all, as the mystery deepens when considering how major Star Wars productions typically map their storylines. Smith’s late start could mean a very smaller role, but his track record suggests something more significant (hopefully). His history of playing morally complicated figures, whether it’s Daemon Targaryen’s volatility or the unsettling nature he has brought to past sci-fi roles, makes it unlikely that he was cast for a very brief appearance. Rumors have already hinted to us that he may be stepping into the shoes of a villain, an idea we all are finding plausible, given his ability to balance intensity and nuance.
A Long-Awaited Return to the Star Wars Universe
And so far, what we know is that the movie Starfighter is set about five years after The Rise of Skywalker. The film follows Gosling as a man fiercely protecting his nephew, played by Flynn Gray, from emerging threats in the post-Empire galaxy. The rest of the cast includes Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, Daniel Ings, and Amy Adams, rounding out a mix of young talent and familiar faces.
The film is currently under production and is being directed by Shawn Levy and is written by Jonathan Tropper, as the film marks a theatrical return for the franchise, arriving just a year after The Mandalorian & Grogu. For Smith, this project also carries a sense of redemption, as he was initially supposed to appear in The Rise of Skywalker before his role was removed. And now Starfighter gives him another chance to leave his mark on the saga, and we are honestly eager to see what kind of presence he will bring to this grand franchise.
