Lucasfilm has officially tapped director Jon Watts to helm the highly anticipated opening installment of a brand-new “Star Wars” movie trilogy. This major studio decision aims to push the classic Skywalker Saga beyond the narrative boundaries of the controversial 2019 film “The Rise of Skywalker.”
Veteran screenwriter Simon Kinberg is currently writing the script, marking a major milestone in the development of a theatrical “Star Wars” film. According to internal studio sources, this newly revealed narrative chapter is the furthest along among all features in active development. The creative alignment between Watts and Kinberg points to an ambitious new era for Hollywood science fiction.
Expanding the Skywalker Legacy
Jon Watts is set to direct ‘STAR WARS: EPISODE 10’.
The film is intended to be the beginning of a new trilogy in the Skywalker Saga.
(Source: https://t.co/3cnflt8VnJ) pic.twitter.com/1cwKHzEx96
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 27, 2026
The announcement signals a strategic pivot for Lucasfilm executives. For several years, the Disney-owned studio focused primarily on live-action streaming series for Disney+. The push for theatrical releases, however, has remained strong, with the studio looking to return to the traditional episodic format. This newly conceptualized trilogy is intended to serve as Episodes X, XI, and XII of the core timeline.
The narrative will move beyond the divisive sequel trilogy. Industry insiders report that Daisy Ridley is expected to reprise her role as Rey Skywalker. Her exact narrative involvement remains undisclosed, but she will likely anchor the next generation of Jedi. Her presence bridges the previous trilogy with this new chapter.
Simon Kinberg is developing multi-generational stories connected directly to the core Luke Skywalker family line. He has been quietly shaping this larger story since late 2024. Although Disney has not formally greenlit the ultimate production budget, momentum is building. The project represents an attempt to establish long-term cinematic continuity.
The Proven Blockbuster Blueprint
Choosing Jon Watts to direct the first chapter is a calculated move. He previously demonstrated franchise management with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His Tom Holland-led Spider-Man trilogy grossed billions at the global box office. The 2021 film “Spider-Man: No Way Home” earned $1.9 billion worldwide.
Watts has the studio experience required to manage intense fan expectations. He balances character development with large-scale, visual effects-heavy action sequences. His directorial filmography shows that he can handle expensive studio properties without losing their emotional core.
Watts is also familiar with the inner workings of Lucasfilm. He co-created and directed the coming-of-age streaming series “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.” That experience gave him insight into the galaxy’s visual and stylistic language. It also helped establish his relationship with studio president Kathleen Kennedy.
A Synergy of Creative Minds
The pairing of Watts with writer-producer Simon Kinberg brings extensive genre experience to the project. Kinberg has spent decades working within major cinematic universes, notably writing and producing Fox’s extensive “X-Men” franchise. He also has deep narrative roots within Lucasfilm storytelling. He co-created the acclaimed animated series “Star Wars Rebels.”
Kinberg understands how to honor established lore while introducing fresh characters. He previously consulted on the narrative structure of “The Force Awakens” in 2015. His collaborative work with Dave Filoni also connects him to the broader “Star Wars” canon. The partnership could give Episode X a distinct identity while maintaining connections to the franchise’s established mythology.
Some online commentators have pointed to Kinberg’s past cinematic missteps, including “Dark Phoenix.” His television work, however, has demonstrated a focus on dialogue and serialized storytelling. His familiarity with the Skywalker lineage gives him considerable experience with the franchise’s mythology.
The Modern Theatrical Roadmap
The broader theatrical landscape for the franchise is taking shape after years of uncertainty. Before the Kinberg trilogy arrives, audiences will see “Star Wars: Starfighter.” Shawn Levy directs the standalone film, which stars Ryan Gosling. It is currently scheduled to hit theaters on May 27, 2027.
“Starfighter” is timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original 1977 film. It takes place five years after the events of the sequel trilogy. While “Starfighter” offers a self-contained adventure, Watts’ project will establish the next mainline story. The studio is building a multi-tiered theatrical release schedule.
Spacing out these major releases could prevent the theatrical market from becoming oversaturated with competing storylines. The approach also gives audiences time to process each new chapter in the franchise.
Navigating Corporate Transitions
The selection of Watts also reflects a broader corporate relationship with Walt Disney Studios. In 2024, Watts signed a first-look feature deal with the company. His production banner, Freshman Year, has a close relationship with the studio. That alignment could make project development more streamlined.
Watts rose to prominence after completing his Marvel run and has experience working under the corporate pressures of major studio filmmaking. He understands the demands of delivering large-scale commercial productions while operating within established studio structures.
Lucasfilm continues to refine its approach to long-term storytelling. The lessons of the previous decade have influenced how the studio announces and develops major projects. Rather than rushing projects into production, Lucasfilm has increasingly emphasized developing screenplays before moving forward. The approach points to a more deliberate phase for the long-running space opera.
Redefining the Star Wars Aesthetic
With Jon Watts at the helm, the franchise could see a visual evolution. His work on “Skeleton Crew” incorporated virtual production technology such as StageCraft. He also combines practical effects with digital environments, an approach that could help shape the visual scale of the upcoming trilogy.
His storytelling style emphasizes youthful wonder alongside high-stakes danger. He grounds fantastical premises in relatable emotions and character-driven dynamics. That approach could give the new films a different energy from the more somber moments of the previous sequels.
The burden of carrying the Skywalker name remains significant. Watts joins an elite group of directors who have shaped the modern “Star Wars” era, including J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson. His experience with major franchises positions him to take on one of the biggest creative assignments in the galaxy far, far away.
Featured image: SharpShooter/Deposit Photos
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