From Marvel to the Force: Why Jon Watts Is Taking the Reins of the Next ‘Star Wars’ Trilogy

The galaxy far, far away is preparing to take its biggest leap back onto the big screen in years. Industry reports have confirmed that filmmaker Jon Watts—the director behind Marvel Studios’ multi-billion-dollar Spider-Man trilogy and the co-creator of Disney+’s Star Wars: Skeleton Crew—has been attached to helm an upcoming Star Wars feature film written and produced by Simon Kinberg.

The news represents a major jolt of momentum for Lucasfilm as it seeks to establish a steady big-screen presence following a decade of streaming expansion. However, while the attachment of a blockbuster director marks a giant step forward, fans dissecting every headline should keep one crucial fact in mind: Lucasfilm has not officially confirmed any story details, character returns, or plotlines.

While speculation is running wild across the fanbase, everything being discussed about where the narrative leads remains purely rumor and industry gossip. Here is a breakdown of what we actually know about Jon Watts’ involvement, the pedigree behind the project, and the unconfirmed rumors surrounding the franchise’s future.

Why Jon Watts Is Lucasfilm’s Go-To Director

From a studio perspective, tapping Jon Watts to lead a Star Wars tentpole makes absolute sense. Watts possesses a rare combination in modern Hollywood: a proven ability to deliver massive box-office hits within complex studio frameworks while maintaining a strong, character-driven heart.

After breaking into the industry with indie thrillers Clown and Cop Car, Watts was chosen by Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios to steer Tom Holland’s Peter Parker. His MCU trilogy—Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)—generated nearly $4 billion worldwide, establishing Watts as a master of big-budget spectacle.

Beyond Marvel, Watts already has direct experience inside Lucasfilm’s ecosystem. Alongside co-creator Christopher Ford, Watts developed, executive-produced, and directed episodes for Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. Starring Jude Law, the Disney+ series showcased Watts’ talent for Amblin-style adventure and authentic world-building. Having signed a first-look deal with Walt Disney Studios through his Freshman Year banner, Watts is a trusted pair of hands for a mega-franchise.

The Rumor Mill: Separating Fact From Speculation

While Jon Watts’ attachment as director and Simon Kinberg’s role as writer/producer have been widely reported, the plot remains closely guarded. That hasn’t stopped the internet rumor mill from spinning into overdrive with theories about where the franchise is headed next.

Initial reports from industry insiders suggested that Kinberg’s script is intended as the first chapter in a new trilogy continuing the Skywalker Saga—leading many commentators to label the project as Episode X. Other trade outlets countered that the project might instead launch a distinct saga set after the events of 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, introducing fresh characters while maintaining loose ties to previous films.

Among the most prominent rumors circulating is the potential return of Daisy Ridley as Rey Skywalker, with speculation ranging from a central starring role to a mentorship appearance akin to Obi-Wan Kenobi or Luke Skywalker. Additional rumors suggest that casting calls are quietly underway for new male and female leads.

However, it is vital to emphasize that Lucasfilm has neither validated nor refuted these narrative rumors. Neither Lucasfilm nor Disney has released an official logline, cast list, or timeline placement for Kinberg and Watts’ film. Until official announcements are made, all storyline discussions—whether concerning the Jedi Order, the First Order’s aftermath, or legacy character cameos—remain purely speculative.

Simon Kinberg’s Deep Ties to ‘Star Wars’

While the story itself remains a mystery, the screenwriter developing the project brings decades of high-level franchise experience. Simon Kinberg has been crafting this project since late 2024, and his history with Lucasfilm runs deep.

Kinberg co-created the acclaimed animated series Star Wars Rebels alongside Lucasfilm Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni, helping shape some of the most beloved modern lore in the franchise. He also served as a creative consultant on J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: the Force Awakens (2015). Outside of Disney, Kinberg is best known for writing and producing key entries in Fox’s X-Men franchise, including X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) and Logan (2017).

Kinberg’s familiarity with Star Wars lore, combined with his experience managing multi-film superhero universes, gives him the tools to craft a broad narrative canvas—whatever direction he and Watts ultimately choose to take.

Where the Project Fits in Lucasfilm’s Big-Screen Future

Jon Watts coming aboard marks the clearest sign yet that Lucasfilm is solidifying its theatrical roadmap. In recent years, several high-profile movie announcements entered development limbo or quietly faded away as the studio prioritized live-action series like The Mandalorian, Andor, and Ahsoka.

Now, the theatrical slate is taking concrete shape. Lucasfilm is preparing for Star Wars: Starfighter, an original feature directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, scheduled for release on May 28, 2027, to celebrate the franchise’s 50th anniversary. Reports indicate that Watts and Kinberg’s project is currently the most advanced feature in Lucasfilm’s development pipeline behind Starfighter, with whispers suggesting cameras could roll as early as 2027.

Waiting for Official Confirmation

For Star Wars fans, Jon Watts taking the director’s chair brings genuine excitement. Pairing a filmmaker who knows how to deliver crowd-pleasing blockbusters with an established storyteller like Simon Kinberg gives the franchise a sturdy foundation. Yet, until Lucasfilm officially pulls back the curtain, the true nature of the story remains unknown. Whether it becomes Episode X, a brand-new saga, or something entirely unexpected, the future of Star Wars on the big screen is finally moving forward.