Matt Smith Set to Join 'Star Wars: Starfighter' Filming in December, Hints at Villainous Role Preparations

Even though cameras started rolling on Star Wars: Starfighter way back in late August, one of its high-profile cast members, Matt Smith, is only just gearing up to head to set. Get ready for a December filming debut and a deep dive into how villains get their iconic look!

TL;DR: Key Updates on Star Wars: Starfighter

• Matt Smith confirmed he will begin filming his role in Star Wars: Starfighter in December 2025, months after principal photography began.
• Smith is currently focused on developing his character's "look" and costume, hinting at the meticulous preparation for his rumored villainous role.
• The Shawn Levy-directed film, starring Ryan Gosling and Flynn Gray, is a standalone story set five years after The Rise of Skywalker and is slated for a May 28, 2027 release.

Imagine this: you've been cast in one of the biggest movie franchises on the planet, a galaxy far, far away awaits, and filming has been underway for months. Yet, you haven't stepped foot on set, let alone shot a single frame. That's precisely the situation Matt Smith, known for his iconic turns in Doctor Who and House of the Dragon, finds himself in regarding the highly anticipated Star Wars: Starfighter.

With production officially kicking off in the U.K. in late August, fans have been eager for any tidbits about the new standalone film. While lead stars like Ryan Gosling and young Flynn Gray have been on set, Smith recently revealed a surprising detail: his personal journey into the Star Wars universe won't truly begin until December.

The Curious Case of Matt Smith's Delayed Arrival on the Starfighter Set

It's not every day that a significant cast member joins a major production nearly four months after filming commences. This extended lead-up has naturally sparked a flurry of questions among fans and industry watchers. Smith, however, shed some light on this unique timeline during a recent conversation with actor Genevieve Gaunt at Paul Smith’s Mayfair boutique, a chat that found its way to YouTube.

He explained that his current focus is intensely on character development, specifically zeroing in on his costume. "I’m going through this process now for this job I’m about to do," Smith shared. "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 himself confirmed this in an interview with A Rabbit’s Foot, shared widely on November 5 and 6, 2025, where he spoke about developing his character’s “look.”

This attention to detail, especially for an actor not yet on set, suggests a deep commitment to his character's visual identity. While a late start might typically signal a smaller, perhaps cameo-level role, the nature of Star Wars productions, particularly for villains, often involves extensive pre-production work on intricate costumes and prosthetics. This could very well be the case for Smith.

For example, imagine a seasoned actor preparing for a role that demands a complex, multi-layered costume. They might spend weeks in fittings, testing materials, and even undergoing makeup tests long before principal photography begins for their specific scenes. This ensures that when they do arrive on set, their "look" is perfectly established and won't cause delays during crucial filming time. Smith's December start could simply be a testament to this meticulous creative process rather than an indicator of limited screen time.

Crafting the Villain: From Wardrobe Fittings to a Grand Cinematic Entrance

Matt Smith is widely rumored to be playing a military general and one of the film's "multiple" villains. Adding to the intrigue, Mia Goth is also reportedly slated to portray another, potentially the main, antagonist. In the Star Wars universe, a villain's aesthetic is paramount; think Darth Vader's menacing suit, Emperor Palpatine's sinister robes, or Kylo Ren's distinctive mask.

"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 his role in Star Wars: Starfighter (Source: A Rabbit's Foot interview with Genevieve Gaunt)

Smith’s comments underscore the collaborative and iterative nature of costume design. It's not just about looking good; it's about how the costume feels, moves, and ultimately informs the performance. For a villain, the costume often serves as an extension of their power, their menace, or their ideology. It's a critical tool for characterization, ensuring that even before a line is spoken, the audience understands their presence.

This level of detailed preparation for a villainous role, even if it means a later start for the actor, aligns with the high production values expected from a Star Wars film. It ensures that when Smith eventually makes his grand entrance on screen, his character's presence will be as impactful and memorable as the galaxy's most notorious antagonists.

Star Wars: Starfighter's Vision Under Shawn Levy's Experienced Direction

Star Wars: Starfighter is under the direction of Shawn Levy, known for his work on hits like Free Guy and the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine. Levy has embraced the opportunity to put his unique stamp on the franchise, reportedly being told by Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy to make it "a Shawn Levy movie." This directive suggests a creative freedom that could lead to a fresh and distinct Star Wars experience.

The film is explicitly designed as a standalone story, breaking away from the episodic Skywalker saga. It's set five years after the events of 2019's Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, placing it in a largely unexplored period within the established timeline. This post-sequel era offers fertile ground for new narratives without the immediate baggage of existing characters or major conflicts.

The core of the story revolves around Ryan Gosling's lead character, who is tasked with protecting his young nephew, played by Flynn Gray, from "evil pursuers." This premise sets up a classic Star Wars dynamic of a protector and a vulnerable, Force-sensitive (or otherwise important) youth, reminiscent of Luke and Leia's early journeys or even Din Djarin and Grogu's adventures.

The Star-Studded Ensemble and Nuances of the Production Timeline

Beyond Gosling, Gray, and Smith, Star Wars: Starfighter boasts an impressive cast that includes Amy Adams, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, and Daniel Ings. This ensemble promises a rich tapestry of characters, each likely contributing to the high stakes and expansive world of the film. Lucasfilm confirmed in an official announcement on August 28 that production for Star Wars: Starfighter had commenced in the U.K.

While filming started in late August, there are rumors circulating from unofficial production listings that cameras might stop rolling as early as December. If true, this would mean an incredibly swift turnaround for a major Star Wars production, clocking in at around four months of principal photography. This speed would be quite remarkable when compared to other recent Star Wars projects.

For context, consider The Mandalorian & Grogu, which began filming in late June 2024 and wrapped five months later, by the end of November or early December. Even larger-scale productions like The Rise of Skywalker had a much longer shoot, starting on August 1, 2018, and wrapping in February 2019. The potential for such a fast production cycle for Starfighter, while exciting, should be taken with a grain of salt. It could indicate a more focused shoot or that the December "wrap" only applies to a specific unit, with other elements continuing.

What This All Means for the Future of Star Wars Films

Star Wars: Starfighter represents an exciting new chapter for the film franchise, which has seen a bit of a dry spell since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. Before Starfighter arrives, fans can look forward to The Mandalorian & Grogu, slated for May 22, 2026. This Disney+ series-turned-movie will bridge the gap and prepare audiences for the fresh, standalone stories that Levy's film promises.

Matt Smith's official entry into the Star Wars universe is also a noteworthy moment, especially for those who remember his near-miss with The Rise of Skywalker. He was rumored to play a young Emperor Palpatine in that film, but those plans ultimately didn't materialize. Now, he finally gets to leave his mark on the galaxy.

Lucasfilm officially slated Star Wars: Starfighter for a theatrical debut on May 28, 2027, a detail confirmed across various reports. This film, along with others from directors like Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, James Mangold, and Taika Waititi, signals a deliberate move by Lucasfilm to diversify its cinematic offerings, exploring new corners and timelines of the Star Wars galaxy. The focus on standalone adventures allows for creative freedom and the potential to attract new audiences while still honoring the spirit of the beloved saga.

Practical Takeaways for Aspiring Galactic Travelers

• Mark Your Calendars for May 2027: Star Wars: Starfighter is set to bring a fresh, standalone adventure to theaters.
• Expect a Distinct Vision: Director Shawn Levy's creative freedom suggests a unique take on the Star Wars universe.
• Villains Get Their Due: Matt Smith's late start highlights the detailed process of bringing iconic antagonists to life, from costume to character.
• A New Era of Star Wars Cinema: The film is part of Lucasfilm's strategy to explore diverse stories beyond the main saga, beginning with The Mandalorian & Grogu in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions About Star Wars: Starfighter

When is Star Wars: Starfighter being released? The film is currently scheduled to hit theaters on May 28, 2027. Who is directing Star Wars: Starfighter? Shawn Levy, known for films like Free Guy and Deadpool & Wolverine, is directing the movie. What is the plot of Star Wars: Starfighter? It's a standalone story set five years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. It focuses on Ryan Gosling's character protecting his young nephew (Flynn Gray) from "evil pursuers." Who are some of the main cast members? The cast includes Ryan Gosling, Flynn Gray, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, Amy Adams, Aaron Pierre, Simon Bird, Jamael Westman, and Daniel Ings.

Sources:

• Miguel Fernandez, "Filming has been ongoing for Star Wars: Starfighter since late August, yet Matt Smith, who was announced as one of the main cast members for the film, has still not shot a frame of footage on the set of the film," StarWarsNewsNet.com, November 6, 2025.
• Devanshi Basu, "Star Wars: Starfighter Gets Filming Update From Matt Smith," Movie News Now, November 5, 2025.
• Kanak Nopany, "Star Wars: Starfighter Actor Matt Smith Reveals His Filming Schedule for the Upcoming Lucasfilm and Disney Movie," IGN India, November 6, 2025.
• James Whitbrook and Gordon Jackson, "Matt Smith Is Preparing to Enter ‘Star Wars’ Later This Year," io9 (Gizmodo), November 6, 2025.
• Adam Holmes, "Star Wars: Starfighter Has Been In Production For Months, But Matt Smith Just Dropped A Surprising Admission," CinemaBlend, November 6, 2025.