Jon Watts to Direct 'Star Wars' Episode X, Rebooting the Skywalker Saga

Key points

• Jon Watts is attached to direct the first film of a new 'Star Wars' trilogy, which will be labeled Episode X.
• Simon Kinberg is writing the trilogy, having been announced in 2024 as the screenwriter for the new saga.
• The project is currently in development and has not received a greenlight from Disney.
• Daisy Ridley is expected to reprise her role as Rey in some capacity within the new trilogy.
• The next scheduled 'Star Wars' film, 'Starfighter,' is set for release in May 2027.

Background

The 'Skywalker Saga' previously concluded with 'The Rise of Skywalker' in 2019. Since then, the franchise has expanded through various standalone films and series, including 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' and the Disney+ series 'Skeleton Crew,' which Watts co-created. The new trilogy marks the first major continuation of the Skywalker family's story since the 2015-2019 trilogy.

How outlets are covering it

Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline all confirm that Jon Watts is the chosen director for Episode X, with Variety initially reporting the news. The Hollywood Reporter notes that Lucasfilm had no comment on the report, while Deadline emphasizes that the project has not yet been greenlit by Disney. Radio Times highlights the focus on the Skywalker family and the return of Daisy Ridley as Rey. All sources agree on the involvement of Simon Kinberg as the writer and the status of the project as being in development.

Why it matters

This marks a significant step in the continuation of the 'Star Wars' saga, potentially revitalizing the franchise after a period of slower big-screen output. The choice of Jon Watts, a director known for large-scale productions, suggests a focus on high-budget, commercially viable storytelling. The involvement of Daisy Ridley as Rey indicates a direct narrative link to the previous trilogy, which may be crucial for fan engagement and continuity.

What to watch

The next major 'Star Wars' release is 'Starfighter,' directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, scheduled for May 2027. Following that, the new trilogy directed by Watts and written by Kinberg is expected to be the next major installment, though its release date and greenlight status remain uncertain.