Doctor Who Joins Star Wars: Episode IX and More Casting News

The final episode of the nine-part Skywalker Saga is currently in production in the U.K. and some new cast member announcements and character details are finally emerging about writer-director J.J. Abrams‘ sequel to Star Wars: The Last Jedi. At the end of August, Deadline revealed that Dominic Monaghan (Merry in The Lord of the Rings trilogy) is re-teaming with Abrams in Star Wars: Episode IX after last working with Abrams on Lost. No details were revealed about the character he will play or whether he will be on the light or dark side.

While not a confirmed addition to the cast as of yet, Variety claims that a “sources” close to the production have leaked that former Doctor Who Matt Smith has also joined the cast in an unspecified role. Finally, That Hashtag Show claims that Lucasfilm is looking for a 27-35 actress to play a character named “Karina” described as “a younger Charlize Theron with street smarts and a sharp wit,” as well as a 40-50 actress to play a character named “Lucy” (originally “Mara”), and that Lupita Nyong’o’s Maz Kanata will return in the finale.