Production for Star Wars: Episode IX is already in full swing, but the film is still adding new actors to the cast. LOST actor Dominic Monaghan is the latest addition to the cast. He joins other newcomers, including Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, and Keri Russell. More on the story below.

Deadline was the first to report on the news. Unfortunately, they were unable to provide any information regarding the role. But the actor does reunite with J.J. Abrams, for whom he collaborated with on LOST where he played the fan-favorite Charlie. Monaghan’s other credits include Merry, the cheery hobbit who appeared in all three of the original The Lord Of The Rings films.

“The galaxy far far away has had almost as much influence as the one I live in, so I am delighted to be involved,” Monaghan said about his recent hire, according to the report.

Like the previous Skywalker saga films, much of the plot for Episode IX remains under wraps. However, the sequel will see Daisy Ridley reprise her lead role as Rey. Other returning stars include Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, and making his franchise return will be Billy Dee Williams. Mark Hamill is said to return as a Force Ghost, while Carrie Fisher will also make a posthumous appearance with the help of unused The Force Awakens footage.

Of course, since we know next to nothing about these characters and the plot, the best we can do is speculate. Among the top theories out there is that Russell will be playing a non-CGI character, specifically Rey’s mother; some speculate that Monaghan could be playing Rey’s father. Grant is rumored to play Admiral Thrawn. Again, these are nothing more than rumors; there’s been no confirmation on these.

Abrams wrote the script with Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice scribe Chris Terrio. The ninth installment of the saga is said to conclude the Skywalker story. However, the franchise will continue to live on through various spinoffs, a new trilogy from Rian Johnson, a film series from Game Of Thrones showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, and a TV series from Jon Faverau.

Star Wars: Episode IX will open in theaters on December 20, 2019.

[Source: Deadline]