Moviefone Editorial

Tag: star wars cast

  • Matt Smith Joins ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’

    Matt Smith Joins ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’

    Netflix

    The “Star Wars” universe just keeps expanding: Matt Smith has joined the sprawling cast of the upcoming “Episode IX.”

    Variety has the scoop that the “Doctor Who” and “The Crown” alum will be featured in the flick, playing a “key role.” As per usual with Disney and Lucasfilm flicks so early on in the production process, no other details about Smith’s casting were available.

    “Episode IX” has already added a number of high-profile stars to the galaxy far, far away in recent weeks, including two who have previously worked with director J.J. Abrams: Keri Russell (who played the titular character on Abrams’s WB series “Felicity,” and later appeared in the director’s “Mission: Impossible III“) and Dominic Monaghan (who starred on the Abrams-produced “Lost”). They join fellow “Star Wars” newcomers Naomi Ackie and Richard E. Grant.

    As if those impressive names weren’t enough, the returning cast list is equally starry and ridiculously sprawling. It includes Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams, and Mark Hamill. The late Carrie Fisher will also be featured, in the form of bonus footage from the filming of “The Last Jedi.”

    We can’t wait to see how Smith factors into the production. (And can’t wait for this movie, period.) The film is shooting now in the UK.

    “Star Wars: Episode IX” is due in theaters on December 20, 2019.

    [via: Variety]

  • Read Mark Hamill’s Touching Tribute to ‘Beloved Space Twin’ Carrie Fisher

    The Midnight Mission Golden Heart Awards Gala - ArrivalsWhen news first broke earlier this week about the death of Carrie Fisher — “Star Wars” star, successful writer and author, mental health advocate, and all-around badass — her “Star Wars” castmate Mark Hamill was at a loss for words, writing on Twitter only that he was “devastated.” But Hamill was eventually able to collect his thoughts, and has since shared a beautiful tribute to his onscreen sister, one of many heartfelt statements the extended Lucasfilm family has offered in the days since her passing.

    What makes Hamill’s words stand out in particular, though, is the unique position that he — and fellow original trilogy costar Harrison Ford — was in as one of the leads of one of the biggest film franchises of all time, right alongside Fisher. Hamill and Fisher more or less grew up together, under an intense international spotlight, and their onscreen bond extended far offscreen, too.

    “She played such a crucial role in my professional and personal life, & both would have been far emptier without her,” Hamill wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. “I am grateful for the laughter, the wisdom, the kindness & even the bratty, self-indulgent crap my beloved space-twin gave me through the years.”

    The actor also called Fisher “irreplaceable,” and it’s hard to argue with that assessment, both of her as an actress (her future as Leia in upcoming “Star Wars” installments has yet to be determined), as well as a beloved public figure and personal friend to many. We’ll miss you, Princess.

    [via: Mark Hamill/Twitter]

  • Carrie Fisher’s ‘Star Wars’ Costars React to Her Death: ‘The Force Is Dark Today’

    On the set of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New HopeThe galaxy is mourning “Star Wars” actress and successful author Carrie Fisher, who died on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack. Among the countless heartfelt tributes from fans and Hollywood luminaries alike that have been pouring in since the news broke are several touching remembrances from Fisher’s “Star Wars” costars and extended Lucasfilm family.

    Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker in the series — and brother of Fisher’s Princess Leia — tweeted out a short, stunned response to Fisher’s passing, sharing a photo of the stars together and writing that he was “devastated” and had “no words.”

    Harrison Ford, who played Fisher’s onscreen love interest Han Solo (and with whom Fisher recently revealed she had an affair while filming the original trilogy) released a statement praising the actress, and offering his support to her family and friends. His statement said:

    “Carrie was one-of-a-kind…brilliant, original. Funny and emotionally fearless. She lived her life, bravely…My thoughts are with her daughter Billie, her Mother Debbie, her brother Todd, and her many friends. We will all miss her.”

    Many more costars paid tribute to Fisher on social media, including Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), David Prowse (the original Darth Vader), and Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok from “Return of the Jedi”).

    More recent costars from “The Force Awakens” and the upcoming “Episode VIII” — Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata), Gwendoline Christie (Captain Phasma), and Andy Serkis (Supreme Leader Snoke) — also offered their condolences, as did “Force Awakens” director J.J. Abrams and upcoming “Episode IX” director Colin Trevorrow.

    Sweet Carrie.

    A photo posted by Lupita Nyong’o (@lupitanyongo) on

    “Star Wars” creator George Lucas released a statement praising Fisher’s acting and writing talents, and “very colorful personality.” Her Leia was “a great and powerful princess — feisty, wise, and full of hope,” he said.

    Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy also released a statement:

    “Carrie holds such a special place in the hearts of everyone at Lucasfilm it is difficult to think of a world without her. She was Princess Leia to the world but a very special friend to all of us. She had an indomitable spirit, incredible wit, and a loving heart. Carrie also defined the female hero of our age over a generation ago. Her groundbreaking role as Princess Leia served as an inspiration of power and confidence for young girls everywhere. We will miss her dearly.”

    Disney CEO Bob Iger remembered Fisher in his own statement:

    Fisher suffered a heart attack while on a flight from London to Los Angeles on December 23. She was rushed to a local hospital, where she remained until her death on Tuesday morning. She was 60.

    [via: Entertainment Weekly, TheWrap, StarWars.com]

  • ‘Star Wars’ Original Trilogy Stars: Where Are They Now?

    ‘Star Wars’ Original Trilogy Stars: Where Are They Now?