The Force Meets Its Match: Matt Smith to Play Menacing Villain in Star Wars Saga

As if House of the Dragon's Daemon Targaryen hadn't been enough, Matt Smith will be leading a new villainous role in the Star Wars Saga. After being scrapped from joining The Rise of Skywalker, the stars have aligned for Smith to get cast for Shawn Levy's upcoming project for the franchise.

What Do We Know About Matt Smith's Villain in Starfighter?

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At one point, Matt Smith was rumored to appear in 2019's Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in a major villainous role, as well. Previously, Smith declined to comment on why it fell apart.

But the galaxy far, far away, as it turns out, had different plans for his franchise role.

The Hollywood Reporter recently confirmed that the former Doctor Who star will be joining Shawn Levy's Star Wars: Starfighter as one of its multiple villain roles.

While there is no other information yet on who Smith will be, there is no doubt that Smith's Daemon Targaryen speaks for all, should anyone doubt the Emmy-winning actor's capabilities of executing his magic in Star Wars.

Smith, after all, is a huge fan of playing villains, describing them as "complex characters" that naturally draw him in.

Apart from Smith, fans will be happy to hear that Ryan Gosling will also be starring in Starfighter, along with a female antagonist that may or may not be Mikey Madison.

Who Was Matt Smith Supposed to Play in The Rise of Skywalker?

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Before The Rise of Skywalker came to fruition, Matt Smith was being eyed to play the legendary villain, Emperor Palpatine; specifically, the producers saw potential in him to portray Palpatine's younger days.

However, instead of having Smith join another Hollywood franchise, the original actor Ian McDiarmid reprised the role.

"It was a pretty groovy thing, it was a really groovy part and concept. It was a big thing," Smith told the Happy Sad Confused podcast, astonished that his appearance would've been a "transformative" story detail. "It never got quite over the line. It was like a big shift in the history of the franchise."

Well, it looks like we'll have the chance to witness him mark his own history in the franchise soon enough.

As of writing, Star Wars: Starfighter is set to premiere on May 28, 2027, as filming only begins this year.

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