From Buckingham Palace to a galaxy far, far away

Cape Town – Matt Smith best known for his role as Prince Philip in the hit Netflix series, The Crown has joined the cast of Star Wars: Episode IX, reports Variety. 

As per Star Wars protocol, details about the former Dr Who’s character remains tightly under wraps.

Smith joins fellow newcomers Keri Russell, Richard E. Grant, Dominic Monaghan, and Naomi Ackie.

Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Adam Driver will reprise their roles from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Billy Dee Williams and Mark Hamill will return as Lando Calrissian and Luke Sykwalker.

Carrie Fisher, who died in December 2016, will be featured as Leia Organa through unreleased footage. (Read more here)

Filming of the movie kicked off in July at the Pinewood Studios in London.