Jon Watts is reportedly stepping behind the camera for the next major “Star Wars” movie.
The filmmaker is expected to collaborate with LucasFilm, the company that produced the last installment.
The project is expected to continue the Skywalker saga after 2019’s “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” with reports identifying it as “Star Wars: Episode X.”
‘Spider-Man’ Director Jon Watts Reportedly Lands ‘Star Wars: Episode X’
Watts has been tapped to direct the first film in a new “Star Wars” trilogy written by Simon Kinberg. This brings the filmmaker back to another major franchise after previously helming Tom Holland’s “Spider-Man” trilogy.
The project, widely described as “Star Wars: Episode X,” is expected to continue the main storyline after “The Rise of Skywalker.”
Despite news of Watts’ appointment going viral, LucasFilm has declined to comment. Meanwhile, the project remains in development, with no official title or release date announced.
Jon Watts Brings Franchise Experience And A LucasFilm Connection
Watts had already demonstrated that he could manage a major studio franchise before taking on the reported “Star Wars” project.
He directed “Spider-Man: Homecoming” in 2017, “Spider-Man: Far From Home” in 2019, and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” in 2021, completing a three-film run centered on Holland’s Peter Parker.
Before that franchise move, he directed the 2014 horror-comedy “Clown” and the 2015 crime thriller “Cop Car.” Watts also helmed and co-wrote “Wolfs,” the 2024 crime comedy starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney.
He had also worked with LucasFilm, directing the first and eighth episodes of “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.” That gave him hands-on experience with the franchise’s production environment before taking on the new feature project.
Simon Kinberg Returns To ‘Star Wars’ To Write New Trilogy
Earlier reports revealed that Simon Kinberg was hired to write and produce the new trilogy.
The decision has been in the making for a long time, given the writer’s deep history with the “Star Wars” franchise, despite not directing a standalone film.
He spent years consulting on “Star Wars” projects, including the trilogy spanning Episodes VII–IX. Kinberg also co-created the animated series “Star Wars Rebels” alongside Dave Filoni and Carrie Beck. He also served as an executive producer on the series.
Outside of “Star Wars,” the screenwriter is known for his work on several “X-Men” films. His biggest involvement was “X-Men: Dark Phoenix,” which he wrote, directed, and produced.
‘Star Wars’ Fans Question Watts Pick And Another Skywalker Chapter
Online, netizens were divided over Watts being chosen to helm the project. Some also criticized the filmmakers for planning another installment centered on the Skywalkers.
“There is an entire galaxy worth of stories out there, and Lucasfilm just can’t leave the Skywalkers alone. It’s so annoying,” one wrote.
“The only news that ever comes out about Star Wars these days is bad. How could they possibly think this is the right guy to fix things after the Mando flop,” a user said about Watts.
“Out of all the great directors rumored to be directing the new trilogy, they picked one of the worst instead,” someone else said.
“I’m so glad I was never a Star Wars fan. All joking aside, you guys have my deepest sympathy; the fandom truly can’t catch a break,” an individual mocked.
‘The Mandalorian And Grogu’ Falls Short Of High Expectations
Earlier in the year, another film from the “Star Wars” franchise arrived, marking its first movie release since 2019.
Titled “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” the movie continued the story of the successful Disney+ television series “The Mandalorian.”
However, unlike the series that inspired it, “The Mandalorian and Grogu” didn’t live up to the high expectations, grossing just over $300 million worldwide.
The “Star Wars” filmmakers will now look to redeem themselves with another standalone film, “Star Wars: Starfighter,” due out in May 2027.
