Matt Smith "definitely not" in Episode IX

During an interview with LA Times, Matt Smith has dropped the bombshell that he is not in Star Wars Episode IX after all, contrary to previous reports.

Smith, who previously played Prince Philip in The Crown and the eponymous lead role in Doctor Who, and is currently working on Sony's latest Spider-Man spin-off, Morbius, responded with "As far as I can tell, I’m definitely not [in Episode IX]" when asked about his role in the final instalment of the sequel trilogy.

Although widely reported by various news outlets that Matt Smith would have a key role in Episode IX, the studio never officially announced his casting (which is not unusual) so this could be just a big rumor that has spun out of control. However, Richard E Grant who is set to appear in the new movie was previously asked by Radio Times if he shared any scenes with Smith, to which he had responded "I would be fired if I told you anything about that."

What do you think: Was his casting a rumor gone wild or is this statement simply deception on Matt Smith's part? After all, fans of Doctor Who remember Rule 1: The Doctor lies.

Star Wars Episode IX is set for release this December, with more news expected at Star Wars Celebration in Chicago next month. In the meantime, here is Everything we know about Episode IX.