Jon Watts to direct next Star Wars movie for Lucasfilm
Jon Watts is attached to direct the first film in Lucasfilm’s planned new Star Wars trilogy, written by Simon Kinberg. The project is eyed as Episode X of the Skywalker Saga, with Daisy Ridley’s Rey expected to appear. It remains in development and has not been greenlit by Disney.
Key Takeaways
- Jon Watts will helm the opening chapter of Simon Kinberg’s planned Star Wars trilogy.
- The film is framed as Episode X, continuing the Skywalker Saga after Episode IX.
- Daisy Ridley’s Rey is expected to appear in some capacity across the new trilogy.
- The project is still in development and has not yet been greenlit by Disney.
- Watts previously co-created and directed episodes of the Star Wars series Skeleton Crew.
For readers tracking Hollywood headlines, this lands squarely in our celebrity breaking news coverage: a major franchise hire that answers the “who directs next?” question before greenlight papers are signed.
Who is directing the next Star Wars movie?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jon Watts is now attached to direct the first installment of the Kinberg-penned trilogy. Knight Edge Media first broke word of his involvement. Lucasfilm declined to comment.
Watts is best known for Marvel’s Tom Holland Spider-Man trilogy—Homecoming, Far From Home, and No Way Home—films that grew into major box-office hits. He later directed the George Clooney and Brad Pitt heist comedy Wolfs for Apple.
This is not his first trip to a galaxy far, far away. Watts co-created Skeleton Crew in 2024 and directed two episodes of the Jude Law-led series, which leaned into an Amblin-style adventure tone.
What will Jon Watts’ Star Wars film be about?
Kinberg has been developing a mystery trilogy since late 2024. Sources describe it as the next chapter of the Skywalker Saga—the multi-generation storyline spanning Episodes I through IX. The new opening chapter would therefore be Episode X.
Gizmodo, citing THR, reports the trilogy is expected to take place after The Rise of Skywalker. Rey Skywalker, played by Daisy Ridley in the 2015–2019 sequel trilogy, would appear in some capacity, though how large that role will be remains unclear.
Kinberg is a familiar Star Wars hand as well, having written and co-created the animated series Star Wars Rebels. Both Watts and Kinberg also share Marvel résumés beyond this franchise.
Has Disney greenlit Jon Watts’ Star Wars movie yet?
Not yet. Sources say the Watts–Kinberg project is still in development and has not been greenlit by Disney. Even so, THR reports it appears furthest along among Star Wars features in the pipeline after Star Wars: Starfighter.
Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, is deep in post-production and is expected in theaters on May 27, 2027, timed to the franchise’s 50th anniversary. Until Disney formally commits, Watts’ Episode X remains a high-profile attachment rather than a locked shooting date.
Earlier fan rumors about a locked director were disputed as recently as September 25, when Hollywood reporter Jeff Sneider said there was “no Star Wars director.” The THR report the following day moved the story from rumor to industry attachment—still short of an official greenlight, but a clear signal of where Lucasfilm’s next Skywalker chapter is headed.