Jon Watts to Direct Next Star Wars Movie for Lucasfilm
Lucasfilm is currently in the post-production phase of its highly anticipated Star Wars film, titled Star Wars: Starfighter. As the studio gears up for its next major cinematic endeavor, details surrounding a new chapter in the revered Skywalker Saga are coming into focus.
Jon Watts, renowned for his direction of the successful Spider-Man trilogy starring Tom Holland, has been tapped to direct the inaugural installment of a new mystery trilogy penned by Simon Kinberg. This marks a notable return for Watts, who co-created and contributed to the Star Wars series Skeleton Crew, which aired in 2024.
Kinberg has been developing this trilogy since late 2024, aiming to further explore the extensive narrative arc of the Skywalker family. The original series, encompassing Episodes I through IX, concluded with significant storylines that have shaped the Star Wars universe. The upcoming film is projected to be Episode X, featuring Rey Skywalker, portrayed by Daisy Ridley, who is expected to reprise her role in some capacity within this new narrative framework.
While official commentary from Lucasfilm remains absent, sources indicate that the project is still in development and has yet to receive the green light from its parent company, Disney. Nevertheless, it appears that this emerging trilogy is the furthest along in the development process following Starfighter, which is directed by Shawn Levy and slated for theatrical release on May 27, 2027. This date coincides with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the original Star Wars film, a milestone that underscores the franchise’s enduring legacy.
Watts is viewed as a dependable selection for the Star Wars franchise, which has faced challenges with directorial changes in the past. Following his success with the Spider-Man films, which have progressively grown in scale and revenue, Watts has demonstrated his capability to handle sprawling, big-budget productions effectively.
After his work on the Spider-Man series, Watts also directed the much-discussed but poorly received film Wolfs, which featured George Clooney and Brad Pitt. His journey in the Star Wars universe continued with Skeleton Crew, a series that, despite having a prestigious cast including Jude Law, did not achieve widespread acclaim.
As anticipation builds for both Starfighter and the forthcoming trilogy, the future of the Star Wars franchise remains an exciting prospect for fans and industry observers alike.
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