Jon Watts in talks to direct first film in new Star Wars trilogy set after Rise of Skywalker

Jon Watts, the director behind the Tom Holland Spider-Man trilogy, is in talks to helm the first installment of a new Star Wars film trilogy at Lucasfilm — the project that would continue the Skywalker Saga beyond 2019's The Rise of Skywalker, according to multiple reports including confirmations from The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline.

The film, sometimes referred to as Episode X, is written by Simon Kinberg, whose credits include X-Men: Days of Future Past and Star Wars: Rebels. It has not yet been greenlit by Disney, but according to The Hollywood Reporter, it is the Star Wars project furthest along in development after Shawn Levy's Star Wars: Starfighter, which is set to open in cinemas in May 2027.

The story broke in stages. Knight Edge Media reported earlier in the week that a director had been found for the Kinberg trilogy but could not name the individual. Two sources subsequently told the outlet that Lucasfilm is circling Watts for the role — initially for Episode X only, though that could change. The Hollywood Reporter then confirmed the attachment.

Watts is not a stranger to the Star Wars universe. He co-created and directed episodes of the Disney+ series Skeleton Crew, and in 2024 signed a first-look deal with Walt Disney to produce live-action films under his production banner, Freshman Year, according to Deadline. If the deal is completed, he would join a short list of Skywalker Saga directors that includes George Lucas, J.J. Abrams, and Rian Johnson.

Daisy Ridley is expected to return as Rey — described in reports as Jedi Master Rey — though her role is expected to be minor in this first film, with the possibility of expansion in sequels. According to Knight Edge Media, her previously developed standalone project, Star Wars: New Jedi Order, was shelved in favor of Episode X. It is not yet known whether John Boyega or Oscar Isaac will return as Finn and Poe Dameron following their public departures from Disney in 2019. Lucasfilm is currently casting new, relatively unknown male and female leads, according to Knight Edge Media.

Production could begin as early as 2027 if development continues at its current pace, according to reporting from Dark Horizons. Episode X has no set release date. Lucasfilm has not commented on the reports.

Why it matters — After years of stalled Star Wars film projects, Lucasfilm appears to have its most concrete post-sequel-trilogy movie yet — with a named director, a writer, and a returning lead — moving it closer to an actual production.

Sources differ on Whether John Boyega and Oscar Isaac will return: Unknown; their return is unconfirmed following their public exit from Disney in 2019. (knightedgemedia.com)

Reported by variety.com, hollywoodreporter.com, darkhorizons.com, deadline.com, knightedgemedia.com