Matt Smith joins Star Wars Episode IX cast in ‘key role’

The former Time Lord joins Keri Russell, Dominic Monaghan and Richard E Grant for the sequel

(Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Turner)

Matt Smith has joined the cast of Star Wars: Episode IX.

According to Variety, the former Doctor Who star is set to play a “key role” in the forthcoming sequel, which is currently in production with JJ Abrams as director.

Production on the film began at London's Pinewood Studios earlier this month. Smith - whose tenure as Prince Philip on Netflix series The Crown has come to an end - will join returning cast members Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver and Oscar Isaac for the final part of the revived trilogy.

Abrams was confirmed as director of Star Wars 9 last September following the departure of Jurassic World's Colin Trevorrow. For his stint, Abrams has drawn upon two actors he's worked with on previous projects: Keri Russell (Felicity) and Dominic Monaghan who played Charlie Pace in hit TV series Lost. Richard E. Grant will also star.

Smith found fame playing the 11th Time Lord in BBC show Doctor Who from 2010 to 2013. Both him and Russell are nominated at this year's Emmy Awards, for their roles in The Americans and The Crown, respectively.

Star Wars: Episode IX will be released December 2019