Simon Kinberg’s New Star Wars Trilogy
Jon Watts, known for directing the Spider-Man trilogy, is reportedly set to helm the first film in Simon Kinberg’s new Star Wars trilogy, according to multiple sources, though Lucasfilm has not confirmed the move.
The news emerged from Daniel Richtman’s Patreon post, which claimed Jon Watts would direct the first film in Simon Kinberg’s new Star Wars trilogy, a report bolstered by journalist Caleb Williams’ assertion that a director had been found for the project. While Lucasfilm has not officially commented, the rumor aligns with Kinberg’s long-standing ties to the franchise, including co-creating the animated series Star Wars Rebels.
Rumors of Watts’ Involvement
Richtman, whose past leaks about The Exorcist plot proved accurate, stated, Jon Watts to direct the first film in the new ‘Star Wars’ trilogy, written by Simon Kinberg.
This follows Williams’ earlier report that Kinberg wasn’t considered for the role, though the writer’s involvement remains unchanged. The claim also ties to a December 2024 deal between Lucasfilm and Kinberg, who is set to write and produce all three films. Cosmic Book News noted that Kinberg’s trilogy is expected to launch a new saga, diverging from the Skywalker Saga’s final chapters.
December 2024 Deal Between Lucasfilm and Simon Kinberg
Despite the excitement, Lucasfilm has not confirmed the director. A source told The Direct that the project remains in development, with no official release date or plot details. However, the studio’s interest in Watts is evident: he previously executive-produced Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, a 2024 Disney+ series that blended Amblin-style storytelling with the franchise’s mythology.
Watts’ Track Record with Star Wars and Spider-Man
Jon Watts’ Track Record with Star Wars and Spider-Man
Watts’ association with Star Wars predates his Spider-Man work. He directed episodes of Skeleton Crew and executive produced the series alongside Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni. His Spider-Man films—Homecoming, Far From Home, and No Way Home—grossed over $3.9 billion worldwide, making him a high-profile choice for Lucasfilm. ComicBook highlighted his ability to balance blockbuster appeal with narrative depth, though his Skeleton Crew series received mixed fan reactions, scoring 79% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Disney’s decision to tap Watts reflects a broader strategy to revive Star Wars’ box office momentum. The franchise’s recent film, The Mandalorian and Grogu, underperformed with $345.6 million globally, while The Rise of Skywalker struggled with critical reception. Watts’ track record with Marvel, however, offers a contrast: his Spider-Man films were both commercially and critically successful, with No Way Home becoming the highest-grossing solo superhero movie in history in 2021 before its 2026 sequel, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, surpassed its $1.9 billion box office gross total.
Next Steps and Uncertainties
The trilogy’s timeline remains unclear, though Hollywood Reporter noted that the project is the furthest along the development track after Star Wars: Starfighter, slated for May 28, 2027. That film, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, is seen as a potential bridge to the new trilogy. However, questions linger about the saga’s direction: will it continue the Skywalker lineage or introduce new characters? Kinberg’s initial reports suggested Episodes 10–12, but Lucasfilm later clarified the trilogy would launch a brand new saga.
Casts details are also speculative. ComicBook reported that Daisy Ridley might reprise her role as Rey, a decision that could polarize fans. Meanwhile, the fate of Finn and Poe Dameron remains uncertain. With Lucasfilm’s next major event being Star Wars Celebration in April 2027, the studio may use the gathering to formalize the project’s details.
Watts’ Career and Lucasfilm’s Strategy
Jon Watts’ Career and Lucasfilm’s Strategy
Watts’ career trajectory includes directing the indie thriller Cop Car before being chosen by Marvel to helm the relaunch of the Spider-Man movies. The Tom Holland-starring movies, which included 2017’s Homecoming, 2019’s Far From Home, and 2021’s No Way Home, became progressively bigger productions and bigger hits at the box office. Watts proved he could handle the complexities of massive big-budget productions.
Lucasfilm’s decision to work with Watts also reflects its efforts to stabilize the Star Wars franchise after the underperformance of The Mandalorian and Grogu. Starfighter, however, is positioned as a potential turnaround, with Ryan Gosling’s involvement and a release date of May 28, 2027, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Star Wars.
Simon Kinberg’s Role and Development Status
Simon Kinberg’s Role in the New Trilogy
Kinberg, known for his work on Fox’s X-Men Saga from 2011 to 2019 and other Marvel projects such as the 2015 Fantastic Four movie and the TV show The Gifted, is set to write and produce all three films in the new trilogy. His involvement was initially reported in 2024 when Kathleen Kennedy was the president of Lucasfilm. While this came before Kennedy left, with longtime Star Wars creative Filoni taking over for her job, Kinberg and Watts are now expected to continue their work under Filoni on this new trilogy.
Lucasfilm has not yet greenlit the project, though it is described as the furthest along the development track after Starfighter. The studio has not commented on the potential trilogy, but sources suggest it is being prioritized as a key component of the franchise’s future.
Industry Context and Fan Reactions
The announcement comes amid broader uncertainty about the Star Wars franchise’s direction. The recent underperformance of The Mandalorian and Grogu, coupled with the mixed reception of the Skywalker Saga, has led to calls for a fresh approach. Watts’ appointment is seen as a strategic move to use his success with Marvel while introducing a new era for Star Wars. However, fans remain divided, with some expressing skepticism about the franchise’s ability to sustain its legacy without the original trilogy’s core elements.
As the project moves forward, its success will depend on how effectively it balances nostalgia with innovation. With Watts’ proven track record and Kinberg’s writing expertise, the new trilogy has the potential to reinvigorate the Star Wars brand. However, the challenges of competing in a crowded market and meeting fan expectations will be critical factors in its ultimate reception.