Jon Watts Star Wars is moving from rumour to a more concrete development stage, with the Spider-Man director attached to helm the first film in Simon Kinberg’s developing trilogy, according to Variety. The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline also report the appointment.
Jon Watts Star Wars project is still in development
The film would be written by Kinberg, who previously co-created Star Wars Rebels and was hired to develop a new trilogy. Trade reports describe it as the next chapter of the Skywalker Saga, following Episodes I–IX and the 2019 release of The Rise of Skywalker. TheWrap has reported a different possibility: that the films could form a standalone saga rather than Episodes X–XII. Lucasfilm has not publicly settled that distinction.
Disney has not greenlit the project. The reports therefore establish Watts’ attachment and Kinberg’s involvement, not a production start, release date or final story plan. Daisy Ridley is reportedly being eyed to return as Rey, although that remains unconfirmed. The casting is still at the stage where a lightsaber is more certain than a call sheet.
What Jon Watts brings to Star Wars
Watts directed Spider-Man: Homecoming, Far From Home and No Way Home before co-creating Skeleton Crew, making this a return to the franchise rather than a first visit. His Disney first-look deal, reported in 2024, also provides the studio relationship behind the move.
The next scheduled theatrical film is Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and set for 28 May 2027, according to Deadline’s report. That film is separate from the Watts-Kinberg project. For readers tracking the franchise’s current film slate, Star Wars: Starfighter’s D23 trailer has the confirmed details, while the UAE Star Wars streaming guide covers the platform side.
The Watts film has no announced title, cast beyond the reported Rey interest, release date or production schedule. Until Disney or Lucasfilm confirms those details, it remains a high-profile development project rather than the next locked-in Star Wars release.
Will Jon Watts direct all three films in the new Star Wars trilogy?
The reports confirm Watts is attached to the first film. They do not confirm that he will direct the second and third films.
Is Jon Watts’ Star Wars film officially Episode X?
Not yet. Trade reports describe it as the next Skywalker Saga chapter, while another report says it could be a standalone saga. Lucasfilm has not confirmed the numbering.
When will Jon Watts’ Star Wars film be released?
There is no announced release date or production schedule. Star Wars: Starfighter is currently the next scheduled theatrical film, for 28 May 2027.
