Star Wars Episode 9 cast: Is Matt Smith in Rise of Skywalker? Who could he play?

Star Wars rumours are prolific and plentiful, and fans spend a lot of time trying to dissect their veracity. But in time, many of these rumours are debunked as the release date draws near. With six months until Rise of Skywalker lands in cinemas, fans are still confused over one potential cast member.

Is Matt Smith in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker?

The answer seems to be no, but there is good reason to think it could be yes.

March 2019 saw the Doctor Who star firmly denying the rumours he was in the cast of Episode 9.

He told the LA Times: “As far as I can tell, I’m definitely not.”

Yet the very journalist who took the quote added on Twitter: “Very much enjoying everyone freaking out that Matt Smith told me he’s not in Star Wars.

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“The studio never announced him being in it so it’s totally possible that was just a rumour.

“But it’s also possible he wasn’t allowed to tell me.”

Fans have put a lot of stock in the UK Star Wars website, too.

The website’s press release dread: “Joining the cast of Episode IX are Naomi Ackie, Richard E Grant, Keri Russell, Matt Smith and Dominic Monaghan.”

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Since then the release has been amended, and both Monaghan and Smith have been removed.

Surely, this would mean Monaghan isn’t in it either, right? Wrong.

The Lost and Lord of the Rings actor has been talking about his role in the film, directed by his friend JJ Abrams.

So if the logic follows, Smith could be appearing in a wholly secret role.

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Who could Matt Smith play in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker?

Some fans speculate this role could be a future Kylo Ren, citing similarities between the Smith and Adam Driver.

Another theory posits his role will have to do with the resurrection of Palpatine, who is – according to the comics – able to transfer his consciousness into clones.

Other newcomers to the Star Wars universe have had their roles finally revealed.

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Naomi Ackie has joined the cast as a rebel named Jannah, who was photographed for Variety in character with John Boyega’s Finn.

Richard E. Grant plays Allegiant General Pryde, a high-ranking general in the First Order.

Keri Russell plays a character named Zorri Bliss, who many speculate is, in fact, Rey’s mother.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is out in cinemas on December 19, 2019.