Jon Watts, has been tapped to helm the first film in a new Star Wars trilogy, according to multiple outlets. The project, written by Simon Kinberg, will continue the Skywalker Saga post-The Rise of Skywalker and is described as the franchise’s most advanced development, though not yet officially greenlit.
The project, penned by Simon Kinberg, will continue the Skywalker Saga following the events of The Rise of Skywalker, marking the first major Star Wars film since the sequel trilogy concluded. While the trilogy has not yet received a greenlight from Disney, it is described as the “furthest along” of any upcoming Star Wars project, with Watts’ involvement signaling a significant commitment from Lucasfilm.
Watts’ Star Wars History and Spider-Man Success
Watts’ return to the Star Wars universe comes after his work on the 2024 Disney+ series Skeleton Crew, which he co-created. His Spider-Man films—Homecoming (2017), Far From Home (2019), and No Way Home (2021)—grossed over $3.9 billion globally and earned critical acclaim, with all three receiving Rotten Tomatoes scores between 91% and 93%. The director’s recent film Wolfs (2024) further highlights his versatility beyond the superhero genre.
Kinberg’s Role and Ambiguity Over the Saga’s Direction
Simon Kinberg, a veteran of the X-Men franchise and co-creator of Star Wars: Rebels, is writing the new trilogy. IGN reported that Kinberg has been developing the story since 2024, with The Hollywood Reporter noting that he has upended the story and spent a great deal of time on the treatment. However, the project’s exact relationship to the Skywalker Saga remains unclear.
Daisy Ridley’s Rey is expected to appear in the new trilogy, though her role’s scope and connection to her previous arc remain unspecified. IGN cited a statement from former Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy, who said Kinberg’s treatment was very good, but not there
in January, adding that he finished literally about four weeks ago.
The project’s next steps, including a potential release window, are pending Disney’s official approval.
Star Wars’ Struggles and the Road to a New Trilogy
The upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, is set for a May 28, 2027, release.
Despite the uncertainty, the project’s progress is notable. Gizmodo emphasized that it is the furthest along
of all announced Star Wars initiatives, with Deadline confirming that Lucasfilm has “tapped” Watts for the first film. However, no production timeline or release date has been officially announced, leaving fans to await further details. The next major development will likely come when Disney formally greenlights the trilogy, a decision that could reshape the franchise’s future.