'Star Wars: Episode IX' Adds A New Cast Member

(Hollywood Reporter) “‘Lost’ star Dominic Monaghan is reuniting with J.J. Abrams.

The actor has been cast in ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

Monaghan rose to prominence thanks to his role as the lovable Hobbit Merry in Peter Jackson’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, and starred as Charlie Pace on the Abrams-produced ‘Lost’ from 2004-10 on ABC. He appeared in Duncan Jones’ Netflix movie ‘Mute’ this year.”

I like this move a lot, and have been a fan of Monaghan since his LOTR days as the lovable Merry. He also ruled as rocker Charlie Pace in ‘LOST’. Who can forget this scene?

Woof. Monaghan joins fellow new cast members Keri Russell (The Americans), Richard E. Grant (Logan), Naomi Ackie (Vera) and the newly returning Billy Dee Williams (Brian’s Song). ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ was obviously divisive, even on our podcast. Jeff and Trillballins loved it, and I appreciate what they were able to do but didn’t feel like it was a Star Wars movie. Rian Johnson obviously isn’t directing this one, and I’m excited to see if  J.J. Abrams can replicate what he was able to do with ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, because I really loved that one.

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