Thescreescore – Matt Smith, once slated for a role in the Star Wars sequel trilogy that ultimately never materialized, is now poised to make his mark on the galaxy far, far away in the upcoming film Star Wars: Starfighter. Director Shawn Levy has offered insights into the production, revealing that Smith’s casting feels like "destiny fulfilled" after his previous brush with the franchise.
Levy, currently helming Starfighter, which boasts a stellar cast including Ryan Gosling, Flynn Gray, Mia Goth, Aaron Pierre, Amy Adams, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, and Daniel Ings, spoke about the film’s progress. Production began in August, and Levy confirmed they are "a little over halfway" through filming, emphasizing the overwhelmingly positive creative experience.
"My experience is that I genuinely feel like my 10-year-old self is on set with me every day," Levy shared. "It is astonishing, and it’s complicated and thrilling every day." He lauded Gosling as an "incredible creative partner" and expressed his satisfaction with the ensemble cast, particularly highlighting the "revelation of a young actor in Flynn Gray."
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The director also addressed the rumors surrounding Smith’s initial involvement in Star Wars, specifically his potential role as a younger Sheev Palpatine in The Rise of Skywalker, which was ultimately cut. Acknowledging these stories, Levy stated that for Smith, joining Starfighter "feels like it’s destiny fulfilled."
While Lucasfilm has confirmed the cast, details about their specific roles remain under wraps. However, early reports suggest that Smith and Goth will portray villains, a notion that aligns with the previous speculation about Smith playing a younger version of the saga’s ultimate antagonist.
Starfighter is only the second Star Wars theatrical release since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, with The Mandalorian & Grogu preceding it in May 2026. Starfighter is slated for release on May 28, 2027. Smith is scheduled to begin filming in December, with costume and character design currently being finalized.
Levy’s enthusiasm for the project is palpable, and it appears that Smith’s journey to Star Wars has been a long time coming. Whether he will be playing a villain or a hero, his presence in Starfighter promises to be a significant addition to the Star Wars universe.
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