Jon Watts, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Marvel Studios’ immensely successful Tom Holland-led Spider-Man trilogy, is slated to direct the inaugural installment of a new Star Wars film trilogy for Lucasfilm, signaling a significant new direction for the beloved cinematic universe. This highly anticipated project, penned by veteran screenwriter Simon Kinberg, aims to continue the foundational narrative known as the Skywalker Saga, potentially picking up directly after the events of Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker.
The Next Chapter of the Skywalker Saga
The announcement places Watts at the helm of what is expected to be Episode X, a direct continuation of the core Star Wars narrative that has captivated audiences for generations. The proposed trilogy is set to feature the return of Rey Skywalker, the powerful Jedi portrayed by Daisy Ridley in the most recent Star Wars sequel trilogy, which concluded in 2019. This decision marks a clear intent by Lucasfilm to build upon established characters and storylines within the franchise’s main continuity, a move that is likely to generate considerable discussion among the dedicated global fanbase.
Simon Kinberg, a seasoned writer and producer known for his extensive work on the X-Men film series and other high-profile genre projects, has been actively developing the screenplay for this mystery trilogy since late 2024. His involvement underscores Lucasfilm’s commitment to enlisting established talent for the saga’s future. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the focus on Rey Skywalker suggests an exploration of her journey post-Palpatine, her role in rebuilding the Jedi Order, and the challenges facing the galaxy in a new era.
Watts’ Proven Track Record
Jon Watts’ selection as director is a strategic move by Lucasfilm, seeking a filmmaker with a demonstrated ability to navigate the complexities of massive, multi-million dollar franchise productions. His work on Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) showcased his capacity to deliver critically acclaimed and enormously profitable blockbusters. These films progressively increased in scope and ambition, culminating in No Way Home, which broke numerous box office records and expertly balanced intricate plotlines, fan service, and character development within a sprawling cinematic universe.
This experience is particularly valuable for the Star Wars franchise, which has, at times, faced public challenges with directorial changes and creative differences on major projects. Watts’ proven track record of collaborating effectively within a large studio system, coupled with his capacity to blend spectacle with heartfelt storytelling, positions him as a reliable and appealing choice for the demanding task of shepherding the Skywalker Saga into its next phase. His prior work on Skeleton Crew also indicates a deep understanding and appreciation for the Star Wars universe itself.
Lucasfilm’s Developing Slate
The Watts-Kinberg project is one of several significant Star Wars films currently in various stages of development at Lucasfilm, reflecting a concerted effort to revitalize the franchise’s theatrical presence. Ahead of Watts’ trilogy, the film Star Wars: Starfighter is already in post-production. Directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, Starfighter is slated for a May 27, 2027 release. This date holds particular significance, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the original Star Wars: A New Hope, underscoring Lucasfilm’s intent to mark the milestone with a major cinematic event.
While Starfighter is further along in its production timeline, sources indicate that Watts’ Episode X trilogy is the next most advanced project on Lucasfilm’s development slate. Despite its progress, the project has not yet received a final greenlight from parent company Disney, a standard procedure for productions of this scale. Lucasfilm declined to comment on the ongoing developments, maintaining its customary secrecy surrounding future projects.
Watts’ Immersion in the Star Wars Universe
Watts is not a newcomer to the galaxy far, far away. He co-created and co-wrote the 2024 Disney+ series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, a well-regarded but perhaps under-seen addition to the franchise’s streaming offerings. Watts also directed two episodes of the series, which starred Jude Law and garnered praise for its distinctive "Amblin vibe"—a blend of wonder, adventure, and coming-of-age storytelling reminiscent of classic Steven Spielberg films.
His direct involvement with Skeleton Crew provided Watts with invaluable insight into the creative processes at Lucasfilm and the unique narrative demands of the Star Wars universe. This hands-on experience distinguishes him from other directors who might be parachuted into a major franchise film without prior immersion. The series also featured a distinguished roster of directors, including David Lowery, Lee Isaac Chung, Jake Schreier, Bryce Dallas Howard, and the filmmaking duo The Daniels, further demonstrating Watts’ ability to collaborate with high-caliber creative talent.
Challenges and Expectations for Episode X
The decision to directly continue the Skywalker Saga with Episode X carries immense weight and significant expectations. The previous sequel trilogy, while commercially successful, elicited mixed reactions from fans regarding its narrative direction and character arcs. Watts and Kinberg will face the formidable task of crafting a story that honors the legacy of the original nine films while charting a compelling and satisfying new path for characters like Rey Skywalker. This requires a delicate balance of nostalgia and innovation, a challenge Watts successfully navigated with the Spider-Man franchise, which managed to incorporate beloved elements from past iterations while forging a distinct identity.
The financial stakes for Disney are also considerable. While Star Wars has expanded significantly into television with hits like The Mandalorian and Andor, the theatrical success of its films remains a critical component of the brand’s global impact and profitability. A strong return to the big screen with a compelling continuation of the main saga is vital for reinforcing Star Wars‘ position as a premier cinematic franchise. Watts’ ability to deliver consistent box office success with his Spider-Man films makes him an attractive choice for this high-pressure endeavor.
Beyond Spider-Man: Watts’ Diverse Filmography
Before his blockbuster success with Marvel, Watts first gained attention with the independent thriller Cop Car (2015), starring Kevin Bacon, which showcased his talent for taut storytelling and character-driven tension. This film caught the eye of Marvel Studios, leading to his appointment as the director for the Spider-Man reboot.
His post-Spider-Man work includes Wolfs, a high-profile feature starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Initially developed as a theatrical release, Wolfs became an exclusive Apple TV+ film, a move that sparked industry debate about the evolving landscape of film distribution. The project notably faced an unusual announcement of a sequel that ultimately did not materialize, highlighting some of the complexities Watts has navigated in his career outside of established franchises. This experience, too, likely contributes to his reputation as a filmmaker capable of adapting to diverse production challenges.
The news of Watts’ involvement, first reported by Knight Edge Media, has already begun to generate considerable buzz among Star Wars enthusiasts and industry observers. As Lucasfilm continues to meticulously plan the future of its cinematic universe, Jon Watts’ appointment to direct the next installment of the Skywalker Saga represents a bold step forward, entrusting a proven hitmaker with the responsibility of expanding one of the most iconic stories in film history. The journey toward Episode X is poised to be one of the most closely watched developments in modern blockbuster filmmaking, with high hopes for a new era of galactic adventure.
