Jon Watts Set to Direct Star Wars Episode X in New Lucasfilm Trilogy

Key points

• Jon Watts, director of the Spider-Man trilogy, is attached to direct the first installment of a new Star Wars trilogy.
• Simon Kinberg is writing the trilogy, which is intended to be the next chapter of the Skywalker Saga, designated as Episode X.
• The project is currently in development and has not been greenlit by Disney, but it is the furthest along after Star Wars: Starfighter.
• Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, is scheduled for release on May 27, 2027.
• Daisy Ridley is expected to appear in some capacity in the new trilogy, continuing the story of Rey Skywalker.

Background

Lucasfilm is currently in post-production for Star Wars: Starfighter, which is set to release in May 2027 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original Star Wars film. The franchise has faced mixed reception in recent years, with The Mandalorian & Grogu underperforming at the box office. Watts previously co-created the Star Wars series Skeleton Crew in 2024, which received critical praise but limited audience reach.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter and ComicBook.com confirm that Jon Watts is attached to direct the new trilogy, citing Knight Edge Media as the initial source. The Direct emphasizes Watts' success with the Spider-Man franchise and his previous work on Skeleton Crew, suggesting he is a reliable choice for the franchise. Bespin Bulletin, however, notes that reliable Hollywood insider Jeff Sneider disputed rumors about a director being locked in, stating that no director had been confirmed at the time of his report. This discrepancy highlights the fluid nature of development-stage announcements in the industry.

Why it matters

The appointment of Jon Watts to direct the next Star Wars trilogy signals a strategic shift for Lucasfilm and Disney, aiming to revitalize the franchise after recent box office disappointments. Watts' track record with high-budget Marvel films and his prior involvement in Star Wars through Skeleton Crew make him a significant choice for the upcoming trilogy. The project's status as the furthest along in development after Star Wars: Starfighter indicates a clear path forward for the franchise's future, with potential implications for the return of characters like Rey Skywalker.

What to watch

The next step is for Disney to greenlight the project, which is currently in development. Star Wars: Starfighter is expected to release on May 27, 2027, and the new trilogy may begin filming after that release. Further updates on the director and project status may be revealed at Star Wars Celebration 2027.