The future of the galaxy far, far away has just taken a massive step forward. Multiple industry outlets have confirmed that filmmaker Jon Watts—the director who shepherded Tom Holland’s Spider-Man trilogy at Marvel and co-created Disney+’s Star Wars: Skeleton Crew—has been attached to direct the next mainline Star Wars feature film.
Written and produced by veteran screenwriter Simon Kinberg, the project is being developed as the opening chapter of a potential new trilogy. The hiring marks the most significant momentum for Lucasfilm’s theatrical slate in years, offering fans a clear sign that the studio is actively building its big-screen future beyond 2027's Star Wars: Starfighter.
However, as headlines spread across the internet, fans should exercise a healthy dose of caution: Lucasfilm has not officially confirmed any storyline, character, or plot detail.
While the rumor mill is spinning out wildly ambitious theories, everything regarding where the story goes remains unconfirmed speculation. Here is a look at what we actually know about Jon Watts’ hiring, the pedigree behind the project, and why plot details should be taken with a grain of salt.
Why Jon Watts Is Lucasfilm's Safe Pair of Hands
From a corporate and creative standpoint, Jon Watts is an ideal candidate to lead a tentpole Star Wars release. Watts achieved monumental success at Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios, directing Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). Together, his trilogy grossed nearly $3.9 billion worldwide, proving his ability to manage massive IP, high-stakes ensemble casts, and intense fan expectations.
Furthermore, Watts is already a known quantity within Lucasfilm. Alongside co-creator Christopher Ford, Watts developed, executive-produced, and directed episodes for Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. Starring Jude Law, the series demonstrated Watts’ knack for Amblin-style adventure and authentic world-building. Having signed a first-look deal with Walt Disney Studios through his Freshman Year banner, Watts gives Lucasfilm a reliable, studio-friendly director capable of delivering a massive blockbuster on schedule.
The Rumor Mill: Separating Fact From Fan Theory
While Jon Watts' attachment to Simon Kinberg's screenplay is officially reported, the internet has quickly conflated director news with unconfirmed narrative rumors.
Industry reports and insider leaks have suggested that Kinberg’s script is designed as Episode X—a continuation of the Skywalker Saga, picking up after the events of 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. Speculation has heavily pointed toward Daisy Ridley reprising her role as Rey Skywalker, with rumors debating whether she would star as the central protagonist or serve as a mentor to a new generation of Jedi. Other rumors claim casting calls are quietly seeking new male and female leads.
However, fans need to remember that neither Disney nor Lucasfilm has officially confirmed any of these storyline details.
Neither Disney nor Lucasfilm has released an official logline, synopsis, or cast list for the Kinberg-Watts project. Until Lucasfilm explicitly pulls back the curtain, every narrative detail—from character cameos to galactic politics—remains purely speculative.
Simon Kinberg’s History With the Franchise
While the plot remains tightly under wraps, the writer behind the project brings deep franchise experience. Simon Kinberg has been developing this trilogy concept since 2024, and his ties to Star Wars run deep.
Kinberg co-created the animated series Star Wars Rebels alongside Dave Filoni and served as a consultant on the Force Awakens (2015). Outside of Disney, Kinberg produced and wrote key entries in Fox’s X-Men franchise, including Days of Future Past and Logan.
His familiarity with Star Wars lore gives Lucasfilm a veteran writer who understands how to build expansive multi-film narratives—regardless of which direction the story ultimately takes.
What Comes Next for Lucasfilm's Theatrical Slate?
Jon Watts joining the project marks a crucial moment as Lucasfilm solidifies its theatrical calendar. The franchise is set to return to theaters with Star Wars: Starfighter, an original feature directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, scheduled for May 28, 2027.
Reports indicate that Watts and Kinberg’s project is currently the most advanced feature in development behind Starfighter, though the film has not yet received a formal greenlight for production.
Enjoy the Hype, But Wait for Official Word
Securing Jon Watts to direct a new Star Wars feature gives the franchise a skilled, battle-tested filmmaker capable of delivering big-screen magic. But until Lucasfilm issues an official press release or logline, fans should enjoy the excitement while treating all storyline theories as what they currently are: unconfirmed rumors.
