J.J. Abrams Adds Matt Smith and Dominic Monaghan to Star Wars Episode IX Cast

Director and producer J.J. Abrams has expanded the ensemble for the final installment of the current Star Wars trilogy by adding two notable British actors: Matt Smith, known for his work on television dramas, and Dominic Monaghan, widely recognized from the Lord of the Rings trilogy and earlier collaborations with Abrams. Both performers join a growing list of cast members for the yet-to-be-titled Star Wars – Episode IX, with details of their characters being kept under wraps.

Matt Smith (left) in ‘The Crown’ (2016-); Dominic Monaghan (right) in ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ (2009)

Dominic Monaghan, the German-born British actor who rose to fame playing Merry in Peter Jackson’s celebrated Lord of the Rings films, reunites in a small way with the Abrams orbit. He previously worked with Abrams on the influential television series Lost, where he was a memorable member of the ensemble. According to reports, Monaghan had expressed interest in joining The Force Awakens but was told that Episode VII preferred to introduce lesser-known faces in keeping with the spirit of the original 1977 Star Wars. For Episode IX, Abrams has confirmed Monaghan’s involvement, although specifics about his role remain confidential as production continues.

Matt Smith, who earned international recognition for portraying the Doctor in the long-running British science fiction series Doctor Who and later received praise for roles in prestige television, is likewise confirmed to be part of Episode IX. Sources suggest that Smith will play a more prominent part than some of the recent additions to the franchise, but, as with Monaghan, the filmmakers are deliberately withholding character details to preserve surprises for audiences.

Beyond Smith and Monaghan, Abrams has already announced several other actors attached to the film. Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, Keri Russell and Billy Dee Williams are among those expected to appear in the series finale, joining the returning core cast from Episodes VII and VIII. Abrams’ casting approach for this chapter continues the franchise’s mix of established screen veterans and newer faces, a strategy that aims to balance nostalgia with fresh energy as the storyline reaches its conclusion.

The secrecy surrounding specific character identities and plot points has become familiar territory for the Star Wars franchise. Filmmakers typically keep casting details tightly controlled to avoid spoilers and to protect the theatrical experience. As a result, much of the industry and fan discussion around new additions like Smith and Monaghan focuses on informed speculation about how they might fit into the narrative arcs established in earlier films.

Both actors bring different strengths to the production. Monaghan’s background in ensemble fantasy and serialized television gives him experience in large, mythology-driven stories, while Smith’s stage and television pedigree provides a flair for intense, character-driven performances. That combination fits the demands of a blockbuster that seeks to resolve long-running storylines while delivering new dramatic beats and memorable character moments.

Star Wars – Episode IX remains officially untitled in promotional materials, but the release date is scheduled for 20 December 2019. As production progresses, the creative team is expected to reveal additional casting confirmations and promotional material in the months leading up to marketing campaigns and trailer releases. Fans and industry observers will be watching casting announcements closely, since each new name can signal tonal or narrative directions for the film.

For now, the confirmed additions of Matt Smith and Dominic Monaghan add momentum and curiosity to the build-up toward Episode IX. With a blend of returning stars and carefully selected newcomers, J.J. Abrams appears focused on delivering a finale that honors the saga’s legacy while providing fresh performances and unexpected moments for audiences worldwide.