There is little doubt that the casting of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is a huge issue for fans. After all, people wanted to know if certain characters will return and learn about the new additions to the cast. Interestingly, former Doctor Who actor Matt Smith was initially reported to be part of Star Wars Episode 9.
However, it looks like his scene may have been deleted to make way for Emperor Sheev Palpatine.
Back in August 2018, it was reported that Matt Smith and Lord of the Rings star Dominic Monaghan are both joining the then-untitled Star Wars Episode 9. Although Monaghan has been rather outspoken about being a part of the J.J. Abrams film, Smith chose to remain quiet about his new project.
So is it possible that Smith was sworn to extreme secrecy about his involvement in The Rise of Skywalker? At one point, the star of The Crown even went as far as denying that he's in Episode IX. When asked if he is in the new Star Wars film, Smith reportedly claimed, "As far as I can tell, I'm definitely not." Nevertheless, the reporter suggested that the actor may have been trying to avoid questions about the movie and that fans could be surprised by December.
Now it looks like Disney may have stepped in to stop all the speculations about Smith's role in Star Wars Episode IX. A page on the studio's international website that advertises the upcoming movie had previously listed Smith in the cast. Interestingly, Smith's name has now been removed from the page. So does this mean Smith is no longer a part of The Rise of Skywalker?
There are speculations that Smith was initially supposed to appear in Episode 9, but his scene may have been deleted for a good reason. Some believe that the Morbius star was supposed to play a young Sheev Palpatine in flashback sequences. However, the scene has since been removed after Ian McDiarmid was confirmed to reprise his role as the Emperor in the movie.
Despite everything that Smith and Disney are trying to do to deny the actor's involvement in The Rise of Skywalker, it looks like fans are still expecting to see the Eleventh Doctor in the film. Perhaps fans will be in for a pleasant surprise at the end of the year, but it is still best not to get one's hopes up.
Will Matt Smith turn in a surprise appearance in Episode IX? Find out when Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters on December 20.
