Jon Watts to Direct First Film in New Star Wars Trilogy

Key points

• Jon Watts, director of the Spider-Man trilogy and co-creator of Skeleton Crew, will direct the first film in a new Star Wars trilogy.
• Simon Kinberg, known for X-Men films and Star Wars Rebels, is writing the trilogy, which has been in development since late 2024.
• The new films are expected to continue the Skywalker Saga post-Rise of Skywalker, with Daisy Ridley’s Rey potentially appearing in some capacity.
• The project is the furthest along in development among announced Star Wars films but has not yet been greenlit by Disney.
• Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, is set to release on May 28, 2027, coinciding with the franchise’s 50th anniversary.

Background

The Star Wars franchise has struggled with consistent film releases since the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga in 2019. Previous projects, including a Taika Waititi film and a Lando movie, have stalled. The upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled for May 2027, marking the 50th anniversary of the original film.

How outlets are covering it

Gizmodo and The Hollywood Reporter emphasize the return of Watts and Kinberg to the franchise, highlighting their previous Marvel and Star Wars work. Deadline notes the project’s status as the furthest along in development but ungreenlit. TheWrap highlights uncertainty over whether the trilogy will continue the Skywalker Saga or be a standalone series, noting previous similar projects by Benioff/Weiss and Rian Johnson.

Why it matters

The appointment of Jon Watts signals a potential shift in the Star Wars film strategy, aiming for a more grounded, character-driven approach after years of inconsistent releases. The involvement of Simon Kinberg, a veteran of the X-Men franchise, suggests a focus on continuity and character development. However, the lack of a greenlight from Disney remains a significant hurdle, reflecting the ongoing challenges in the franchise’s development pipeline.

What to watch

Disney’s decision to greenlight the project will determine its future. If approved, the film could set the stage for a new trilogy, potentially revitalizing the Star Wars brand. The release of Star Wars: Starfighter in May 2027 will also be a key indicator of the franchise’s momentum.