The cast forStar Wars: Episode IXcontinues to expand. Last month we learned thatKeri Russell,Richard E. Grant, andNaomi Ackiehad joined the cast for the conclusion of the mainStar Warssaga, and now Deadline is reporting thatDominic Monaghanhas signed on for an unspecified role in the upcoming sequel. The film will mark a reunion between Monaghan and directorJ.J. Abrams, who helmed the pilot forLost. It will also mark a return to billion-dollar franchise filmmaking for Monaghan, who famously played Merry in theLord of the Ringstrilogy.
Details on Monaghan’s role, as well as the roles of his fellow new cast members, will likely remain firmly under wraps for about a year. Filming onEpisode IXhas just begun, and Abrams is a firm believer that releasing any information ahead of time is tantamount to spoiling the entire movie. Personally, I don’t mind staying in the dark on this one since it’s not like knowing details of Monaghan’s role ahead of time is going to make the movie a richer experience. We’ll find out when we find out, although I’m inclined to believe that, like with recentStar Warsmovies, there will be an info dump in an issue of Vanity Fair sometime next year that provides some worthwhile details.
As for Monaghan, he was mostly recently seen inDuncan Jones’Mute, and he’s got roles in the upcoming moviesWaterlily JaguarandRadioflash. Monaghan is usually a fun addition to movies and TV series (I think he was one of the reasonsLosthad such an emotional impact in its earlier seasons), and I’m eager to see what he’ll bring to the table inEpisode IX.
Star Wars: Episode IXopens June 10, 2025 and also starsDaisy Ridley,Adam Driver,John Boyega,Oscar Isaac,Lupita Nyong’o,Domhnall Gleeson,Kelly Marie Tran,Joonas Suotamo,Billie Lourd,Billy Dee Williams,Mark Hamill,Anthony Daniels, andCarrie Fisher.
