Jon Watts to Direct New Star Wars Trilogy Written by Simon Kinberg

Key points

• Jon Watts, known for the Tom Holland Spider-Man trilogy, is set to direct the first film in a new Star Wars trilogy.
• Simon Kinberg, known for X-Men and Star Wars Rebels, is writing the script for the trilogy.
• The new films are intended to continue the Skywalker Saga, potentially as Episode X, and will feature Daisy Ridley as Rey in some capacity.
• The project is currently in development and has not yet received a greenlight from Disney, but it is reportedly the furthest along in the franchise's development pipeline.
• Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, is scheduled to release on May 28, 2027, coinciding with the franchise's 50th anniversary.

Background

The Star Wars franchise has expanded significantly since the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga with The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, including various films and streaming series. Lucasfilm is currently in post-production for Star Wars: Starfighter, which is set to release in May 2027 to mark the 50th anniversary of the original film. Watts previously co-created the Star Wars series Skeleton Crew in 2024, marking his first involvement with the franchise before this new directorial role.

How outlets are covering it

Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, and Gizmodo all confirm the core details of Watts and Kinberg's involvement, noting that the project is not yet greenlit. The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes that the project is the furthest along in development after Starfighter. Deadline highlights Kinberg's previous work on Star Wars Rebels and notes that Daisy Ridley is reportedly eyed to reprise her role. Gizmodo frames the announcement as a potential 'Episode X' and notes the franchise's recent struggles with new films. All outlets agree that Knight Edge Media first broke the news.

Why it matters

This announcement marks a significant return to the core Skywalker Saga after several years of expanded universe projects. The involvement of a director known for high-budget blockbusters and a writer with deep ties to the franchise suggests a renewed focus on the central narrative of the Star Wars universe. The project's status as the furthest along in development indicates a potential shift in Lucasfilm's strategy for future theatrical releases.

What to watch

The next step is for Disney to greenlight the project. If approved, the film will enter pre-production, with Watts and Kinberg likely beginning to develop the script and assemble a cast. The release of Star Wars: Starfighter in May 2027 will also be a key milestone for the franchise, as it will mark the 50th anniversary of the original film and could set the stage for the new trilogy.