Star Wars Just Recast a Major Actor Who Got Removed from the Sequel Trilogy

by

Following his departure from the sequel trilogy in the late 2010s, one prominent actor has now been given a fresh opportunity in Star Wars, as Matt Smith of “House of the Dragon” and “Doctor Who” fame, has officially joined Shawn Levy’s upcoming movie, Star Wars: Starfighter. The cast also includes Ryan Gosling and Mia Goth, who is rumored to take on a role in Marvel Studios’ “Blade” as well.

Previously, Smith had been cast in a Star Wars movie before, specifically for the role of a young Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. However, his part was eventually removed from the final cut of the film. This is not the first time he’s been connected to a Star Wars project.

Although Smith’s part in “Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker” was ultimately removed due to a shift in focus during filmmaking, the actor has since taken on a new role in the Star Wars galaxy.

Starfighter.

In this instance, a Star Wars actor has made history by being initially cast for a role in the iconic science fiction series, subsequently dropped from that production, and later recruited to portray a different character within the same cherished galaxy far, far away.

Yet, it’s worth noting that he isn’t the only actor to portray more than one character in the Star Wars universe. Actors such as Mark Hamill have taken on multiple roles, like playing both Luke Skywalker and Darth Bane within the Star Wars saga.

A variety of actors have portrayed multiple characters in the Star Wars universe. Notable among these are Temuera Morrison, who played both Boba Fett and Jango Fett, Andy Serkis who appears as Snoke and Kino Loy, and Warwick Davis who is known for his roles as Wicket and Weazel.

2027 marks the cinematic return of a galaxy far, far away for me, as “Star Wars: Starfighter” is set to grace our screens on May 28th. This epic space odyssey follows closely on the heels of the franchise’s triumphant re-entry into theaters in next year’s “The Mandalorian & Grogu.” Directed by the mastermind behind both “Deadpool” and “Wolverine,” this new film boasts an all-star cast including Smith, Ryan Gosling from “Barbie,” and modern scream queen Mia Goth. Can’t wait to embark on this stellar journey!

The details of the upcoming film titled “Starfighter” are yet to be revealed, however whispers suggest that the storyline will center around Gosling’s character, who is tasked with safeguarding a character possibly gifted with psychic abilities, approximately five years after the conclusion of the sequel series.

Who Is Matt Smith Playing in Star Wars: Starfighter? 

Seeing Matt Smith play a young Palpatine in The Rise of Skywalker would have been special.

In my critique, I must admit that the chosen actor has consistently shown an unmatched prowess in front of the camera, particularly when embodying sinister characters. Therefore, assuming the role of an icon like Palpatine seemed primed for brilliance.

Unfortunately, contrary to expectations, the actor did not appear in the movie as planned, with his Palpatine character left unused, edited out before the final cut. However, fans will get a chance to see him in the Star Wars universe in the game titled Star Wars: Starfighter, where he portrays a villainous character instead.

According to recent reports, Smith’s creation, the Starfighter, is not expected to wield the Force but instead will serve as a high-ranking military general in distant parts of the Star Wars universe. This character seems reminiscent of Thrawn or Tarkin, making him an ideal fit for Smith.

Although it seems the actor won’t wield a lightsaber in the upcoming film, this situation instead offers him an ideal platform to demonstrate the menacing, strategic qualities he’s known for, as portrayed in his role as Daemon Targaryen from HBO’s “House of the Dragon.

Read More

2025-08-24 15:07