The Marvel spinoff "Morbius" has added a princely cast member.

Matt Smith is reportedly joining the project. The "Crown" vet is in late negotiations for a major role in the upcoming film, according to Variety. He'll star alongside Jared Leto, who is playing the title character.

Smith's role in the story hasn't been revealed yet. The film centers on the Spider-Man villain Dr. Michael Morbius (Leto), a character created by Roy Thomas and Gil Kane in 1971. He's a biochemist whose attempt to cure his own blood disease goes badly wrong. He ends up becoming vampire-like, with fangs and the desire to drink blood.

The script was written by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless, and Daniel Espinosa is directing. Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, and Lucas Foster are producing, while Palak Pate serves as an executive producer for Sony.

"Morbius" adds to Smith's growing list of upcoming films. He also has roles in "Mapplethorpe," "Charlie Says," "Official Secrets," and "Star Wars: Episode IX," all of which hit theaters this year.

[via: Variety]