Jon Watts tapped to direct first film in Kinberg’s Star Wars trilogy

Jon Watts has been selected to lead the next major entry in the Star Wars franchise. The director is set to helm the first movie in a trilogy scripted by Simon Kinberg, according to reports from Knight Edge Media and The Hollywood Reporter.

Project status and timeline

The upcoming films are expected to take place following the events of Rise of Skywalker, continuing the narrative arc of the Skywalker Saga. While Disney has not yet officially greenlit this specific project, it is reportedly the most advanced among several announced or implied Star Wars developments within the studio's pipeline.

Daisy Ridley’s character, Rey, is anticipated to appear in these new sequels in some capacity, though details regarding her involvement remain unclear at this stage. The potential return of Watts and Kinberg to the franchise marks a significant step for both creators, who have previously contributed to Star Wars content through different mediums.

Creator backgrounds and Marvel ties

Watts co-created and directed Skeleton Crew, a short-lived series within the Star Wars universe. Kinberg wrote and co-created Star Wars Rebels, establishing his earlier connection to the brand. Both filmmakers also share extensive experience with Marvel properties outside of the galaxy far, far away.

Kinberg has written or produced multiple X-Men films, while Watts directed the Home trilogy of Spider-Man movies. He was also nearly attached to direct the most recent Fantastic Four film before other opportunities arose. This shared history suggests a strong collaborative foundation for the new trilogy.

Franchise challenges and future releases

Disney has faced difficulties in producing successful Star Wars theatrical releases over recent years, leaving uncertainty about whether the Watts-Kinberg collaboration will ultimately reach audiences. Despite these hurdles, the franchise continues its theatrical rollout with Star Wars: Starfighter scheduled for release on May 28, 2027.

Further updates on the development of the new trilogy are expected as the situation evolves. The industry remains watchful of how this particular project navigates the complex landscape of modern blockbuster filmmaking.