Jon Watts to Direct 'Star Wars: Episode X' in New Skywalker Saga Trilogy

Key points

• Jon Watts is attached to direct the first installment of a new Star Wars trilogy, designated as 'Episode X.'
• Simon Kinberg is writing the trilogy, which will continue the Skywalker Saga and likely feature Daisy Ridley as Rey.
• The project is in development and has not yet been greenlit by Disney, but it is the furthest along after Star Wars: Starfighter.
• Watts previously co-created and directed episodes of the Star Wars series Skeleton Crew, which was well-received but underseen.
• Fan reactions are mixed, with some criticizing Watts' recent work, while others praise his ability to handle large-scale productions and his prior Star Wars involvement.

Background

Star Wars has expanded beyond the Skywalker Saga with various films and series since the 2019 release of The Rise of Skywalker. The upcoming 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. This new trilogy by Watts and Kinberg is the next major step in the franchise's evolution, following the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga in 2019.

How outlets are covering it

Gizmodo highlights the mixed fan reactions to Watts, noting recent backlash against his directorial style, particularly after the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. However, Gizmodo also points out Watts' successful work on Skeleton Crew and his ability to handle large-scale productions. The Hollywood Reporter emphasizes Watts as a reliable choice for the franchise, noting his experience with big-budget films and his prior involvement with Star Wars. Deadline focuses on the continuation of the Skywalker Saga and the involvement of Daisy Ridley as Rey, while Variety notes the surprise choice of Kinberg as the writer, given his mixed track record with X-Men films. All sources agree that the project is in development and not yet greenlit by Disney.

Why it matters

The announcement of a new Star Wars trilogy is significant for the franchise, as it marks the next step in the evolution of the Skywalker Saga. The choice of Jon Watts as the director and Simon Kinberg as the writer has sparked mixed reactions, highlighting the challenges of finding a director who can balance fan expectations with creative vision. The project's development status and potential release after Star Wars: Starfighter indicate that Lucasfilm is continuing to expand the Star Wars universe while maintaining the legacy of the Skywalker Saga.

What to watch

The next steps for the project include securing a greenlight from Disney and finalizing the production details. The release of Star Wars: Starfighter in May 2027 will likely precede the new trilogy, and the project's development will continue in the interim. Fan reactions and industry expectations will shape the future of the franchise, and the outcome of this project will be closely watched by both fans and industry observers.