Matt Smith Prepares to Enter the Galaxy Far, Far Away for Star Wars: Starfighter This December

Get ready, Star Wars fans! Matt Smith, known for his iconic roles in Doctor Who and House of the Dragon, is officially set to begin filming for the highly anticipated Star Wars: Starfighter this December. He's currently deep in the process of perfecting his character's look, adding to the mystery surrounding his rumored villainous role.

TL;DR: Key Details You Need to Know

• Matt Smith will start filming his role in Star Wars: Starfighter in December, well after principal photography began in August.
• Smith is currently developing his character's costume and overall aesthetic, hinting at a meticulously crafted villainous portrayal.
• The film, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, is slated for a May 28, 2027, release and is set years after The Rise of Skywalker.

Unveiling the Look: Matt Smith's Journey into His Star Wars Character's Identity

Imagine stepping into a costume for a brand-new character in one of the biggest franchises on Earth. You spend days wearing it, getting a feel for the fabric, the weight, how it moves with you. That's exactly the meticulous process Matt Smith is currently undertaking as he gears up to join the cast of Star Wars: Starfighter.

During a casual chat with actress Genevieve Gaunt at Paul Smith's Mayfair boutique, Smith spilled the beans about his upcoming galactic adventure. "I'm going through this process now for the job I'm about to do," he explained. "We're going through the process of trying to find a costume, and sometimes you don't know if you love a costume until you've worn it for a couple of days." (Source: A Rabbit's Foot, via ScreenRant, "Matt Smith Shares When He Will Begin Filming for Star Wars: Starfighter"). He then confirmed, "I'm about to do Star Wars in December, and we're sort of trying to develop the look for that."

"I'm going through this process now for this job I'm about to do. We're going through the process of trying to find the costumes, and sometimes you don't know if you love a costume until you've worn it for a couple days. [...] I'm about to do Star Wars in December, and we're trying to develop the look for that."

— Matt Smith, on preparing for Star Wars: Starfighter (via A Rabbit's Foot)

Setting the Stage: What We Know About Star Wars: Starfighter's Galactic Saga

Star Wars: Starfighter is an upcoming standalone film directed by Shawn Levy, known for his work on Deadpool and Wolverine. It's written by Jonathan Tropper and, as one source indicates, George Lucas (Source: ScreenRant, "Star Wars: Starfighter" info box). Kathleen Kennedy also joins Levy as a producer. This highly anticipated movie is slated for a theatrical release on May 28, 2027, giving us something exciting to look forward to a few years down the line.

Lucasfilm officially announced on August 28 that filming had already commenced in the U.K. (Source: Lucasfilm, via ScreenRant, "Matt Smith Shares When He Will Begin Filming for Star Wars: Starfighter"). They also confirmed an impressive cast and offered a tantalizing black-and-white photo of stars Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray on set. While plot specifics remain tightly under wraps, we do know the story is set in the years following the events of The Rise of Skywalker.

Villains Ascendant: Smith and Goth's Rumored Antagonistic Roles

One of the most exciting — and whispered — details about Smith's involvement is that he's widely reported to be playing a villain. This isn't just any villain, though; for any Star Wars antagonist, the costume and overall aesthetic are paramount. Think Darth Vader's helmet, Emperor Palpatine's robes, or Kylo Ren's menacing mask. The time dedicated to perfecting Smith's look before he even steps on set speaks volumes about the importance of his character's visual impact.

He's not alone in the rumored villain department. Mia Goth is also allegedly set to portray an antagonist, with some whispers suggesting she might even be the main character our heroes will frequently clash with. (Source: StarWarsNewsNet, "Matt Smith Has Still Not Started Filming For Star Wars: Starfighter, Will Begin Next Month"). Imagine the kind of menacing duo these two could form in the galaxy!

The Filming Timeline Trade-Off: Decoding Smith's Later Arrival on Set

The fact that Matt Smith is only starting filming in December, despite principal photography having begun in August, has naturally sparked some speculation among fans and industry observers. A four-month gap between the start of production and a major cast member joining suggests a few possibilities. One perspective is that his role might be smaller than initially anticipated, perhaps a significant but not leading part, requiring fewer shooting days.

However, another equally plausible interpretation, and a counterpoint to concerns about screen time, is that this late start reflects the filmmakers' dedication to perfecting these pivotal, menacing roles. Crafting a memorable Star Wars villain isn't a rush job; it requires meticulous planning, especially for elements like costume and character arc development. This deliberate pace could ensure that when Smith does appear, his character is fully realized and impactful, regardless of overall screen time.

For example, picture an actor, let's call her Jane, cast as a formidable adversary in a large fantasy epic. The film starts shooting in the summer, but Jane's character, a master of disguise with intricate prosthetics, needs months of concept art, mold making, and test fittings. Her scenes might be fewer, but each one requires extensive pre-production. She doesn't arrive on set until late fall, but when she does, her character's appearance is stunning and perfectly integrated, making every moment she's on screen count.

A Glimpse at the Heroes: Gosling and Gray Lead the Charge

While we await Matt Smith's on-set debut, some of the film's other stars have already been hard at work. Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray were among the first confirmed cast members, with initial black-and-white set photos released by Lucasfilm back in August. A few weeks later, another image surfaced, showing Gosling and Gray at sea, offering a tiny visual clue about the film's early environments.

The core premise for Gosling's character involves him protecting his young nephew, played by Gray, "against evil pursuers" (Source: CinemaBlend, "Matt Smith Makes Surprising Admission About Star Wars: Starfighter Amid The Filming Process"). This sets up a classic protective mentor dynamic often seen in Star Wars, with the rumored villains like Smith and Goth likely serving as these formidable pursuers. Aside from these two, the extensive cast also includes Amy Adams, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, and Daniel Ings, promising a rich ensemble.

A Familiar Face in a New Galactic Role: Smith's Journey to Star Wars

For Matt Smith, this isn't his first dance with the Star Wars universe. Years ago, he was heavily rumored to play a young Sheev Palpatine in The Rise of Skywalker. Those plans ultimately shifted, and he didn't appear in that film. Now, officially joining the franchise, he adds another major sci-fi/fantasy powerhouse to his impressive filmography, which already includes leading roles in Doctor Who and House of the Dragon. This long-awaited entry is a testament to his talent and the buzz he generates within these beloved worlds.

The Broader Star Wars Cinematic Horizon: Where Starfighter Fits In

Star Wars: Starfighter is a crucial part of the franchise's cinematic future. It marks a significant step, as the Star Wars film series has been in a theatrical dry spell since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. Before Starfighter blasts onto screens, fans will first get to experience The Mandalorian & Grogu, which is set for release on May 22, 2026. That film, focusing on well-known characters from the Disney+ series, offers a familiar entry point.

In contrast, Starfighter remains more of a mystery, even after months of filming. Its standalone nature and fresh cast promise a new narrative direction, expanding the post-Rise of Skywalker era of the galaxy in potentially unexpected ways. It's a testament to Lucasfilm's strategy of diversifying its cinematic offerings, balancing known quantities with exciting new stories.

Behind-the-Scenes Realities: Production Pacing and Unofficial Timelines

The pace of film production can vary wildly, and Star Wars: Starfighter highlights some of these dynamics. While official filming began in August, some online rumors, reportedly from unofficial production listings, suggest that cameras might stop rolling in December. This would imply a rather quick turnaround for a major Star Wars production, especially given the scale usually involved.

However, we should take such wrap date rumors with a grain of salt. For context, The Mandalorian & Grogu filmed for approximately five months, from late June to late November/early December. The Rise of Skywalker had an even longer principal photography period, running from August 1, 2018, to February 2019, totaling about six months. A December wrap for Starfighter, after an August start, would mean a production period of roughly four months. This faster pace could be a deliberate choice for this standalone story, but it's a detail that will be interesting to watch unfold.

Practical Takeaways for Star Wars Fans

• Mark Your Calendars for 2027: Star Wars: Starfighter is set to arrive on May 28, 2027, so you’ve got plenty of time to rewatch the sagas.
• Expect Distinctive Villains: With Matt Smith and Mia Goth rumored as antagonists, prepare for potentially iconic new baddies with carefully crafted looks.
• A New, Post-Sequel Trilogy Story: This standalone film will explore the galaxy years after The Rise of Skywalker, offering fresh narratives beyond familiar characters.
• Keep an Eye on Production Updates: Smith's December start highlights dynamic filming schedules; more details on his role might emerge as production continues.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Star Wars: Starfighter Answered

When is Star Wars: Starfighter coming out? Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 28, 2027.

Who is directing Star Wars: Starfighter? The film is directed by Shawn Levy, known for his work on Deadpool and Wolverine.

Is Matt Smith playing a villain in Star Wars: Starfighter? While official character details are under wraps, Matt Smith is widely reported and rumored to be playing a villain in the film.

When did Star Wars: Starfighter start filming? Lucasfilm officially announced that production for Star Wars: Starfighter began in the U.K. in August.

Sources

• ScreenRant, "Matt Smith Shares When He Will Begin Filming for Star Wars: Starfighter"
• ScreenRant, "Star Wars: Starfighter" (film information box)
• StarWarsNewsNet, "Matt Smith Has Still Not Started Filming For Star Wars: Starfighter, Will Begin Next Month"
• CinemaBlend, "Matt Smith Makes Surprising Admission About Star Wars: Starfighter Amid The Filming Process"
• SuperHeroHype, "Star Wars: Starfighter Gets Filming Update From Matt Smith"
• io9, "Matt Smith Is Preparing to Enter ‘Star Wars’ Later This Year"