Doctor Who's Matt Smith returns to sci-fi with new role alongside Hollywood star

Matt Smith is best remembered by fans of Doctor Who for starring as the Eleventh Doctor on the long-running BBC series, but now he's reportedly been cast in another well-known sci-fi franchise.

According to Deadline, the actor, 42, has joined the cast of Star Wars: Star Fighter, although just what his role will be in the latest instalment of the George Lucas' film series is not yet known, although sources have claimed to the outlet that he will be taking on the 'villain' of the piece. What's more he will be a part of the cast alongside Barbie star Ryan Gosling, and Mia Goth also has a part.

It has also been reported that filming will take place this autumn, and it will be released on May 28 2027. Little is known about the project, but it was initially announced in April at the Star Wars Celebration event in Tokyo. It will be set five years after Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker, which brought the Skywalker saga of the franchise to a close. It comes after ITV makes major decision on I'm A Celebrity's future after talks with officials.

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing 'signs up Doctor Who star' as rehearsals begin

READ MORE: Disney+ fans all make same demand as 'fantastic' nostalgic horror series cancelled

Fans will remember that Matt succeeded David Tennant in the role of the titular timelord, and was succeeded by Peter Capaldi. In total, Matt starred in 45 episodes of Doctor Who from 2010 untuil 2013, and then returned for a guest appearance the following year.

He then went on to play a young Prince Philip in the first series of Netflix hit The Crown, where he starred opposite Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth during the early years of her reign. Since 2022, he has played Daemon Targaryen on the Game of Thrones spin-off House of Dragon, and also appeared in the West End production of An Enemy of the People last year.

The actor is rather guarded when it comes to his private life, but earlier this year, he was seen sharing a kiss in the street with Brazilian model and trainee doctor Jessica Felix. The couple looked happy together but Matt said last year he’s in “no rush” to settle down. “Oh, my mum asks me that every day. I don’t know, I don’t know… I’m in no rush at the moment,” he said after being quizzed on his love life.

However, It seems if he has a type, Jessica fits the bill. Back in 2009, Matt dated Brazilian actor Mayana Moura in 2009. The pair reportedly broke it off after struggling with the long distance.

He’s not short of famous exes either, with the actor notably dating fashion model Daisy Lowe for almost two years from 2010. The couple are said to have split after conflicting schedules, with Matt rising to prominence in Doctor Who while Daisy focused on modelling.

This came after a reportedly brief romance with Billie Piper, who he appeared alongside in several BBC dramas before being spotted holding hands with in 2006.

Matt then had a relationship with Lily James, whom he met in 2014 and was on and off with until breaking things off for good in 2020. The Hollywood power couple are thought to have differing views on marriage and kids, with Matt sharing his hopes for a family in 2018. He said: "I am thinking about kids quite a lot. I’d like a lot of them. A lot of my friends are having children and, dare I say, I think I’d be quite a good dad."

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , and Threads .