Casting is officially underway for Star Wars: Episode IX.
Deadline brings word today that Dominic Monaghan, who played Merry in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, has clinched a mystery role in the J.J. Abrams-directed threequel. And not a moment too soon, as filming is already underway in the UK – as evidenced by those recent set photos.
Of course, Monaghan has previously collaborated with Abrams on LOST, and we understand this is his first major foray into a Star Wars movie. The question, really, is whether he’ll find himself amongst the Resistance, or joining the ranks of the First Order. Time will tell, but for what it’s worth, the actor certainly seems excited to be on board, saying the following earlier today:
“The galaxy far far away has had almost as much influence as the one I live in, so I am delighted to be involved.”
Star Wars: Episode IX kicked things off a few weeks ago with a heartfelt message from J.J. Abrams, who paid tribute to the late, great Carrie Fisher on what would’ve been her last major role in the Skywalker Saga.
Sadly, that wasn’t to be, and the Star Wars franchise must now carry on without its beloved princess. From what we understand, her General Leia Organa will still have some sort of role in Episode IX opposite the likes of Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, though Abrams and Lucasfilm are naturally keeping things hush hush as all the pieces begin to fall into place. Ditto for Monaghan’s role, though we imagine the speculation will begin pretty quickly amongst the fanbase.
The Powers That Be have set Star Wars: Episode IX for release on December 20th, 2019 and only then will we know what’s in store for Rey, Poe, Finn and the remnants of the Resistance as the studio shuts the book on their Skywalker Saga.
