‘Star Wars’: Jon Watts to Direct Next Movie for Lucasfilm

Disney has reportedly chosen Spider-Man director Jon Watts to helm the inaugural film in a new Star Wars trilogy, signaling the forthcoming chapter in the Skywalker Saga. The news of this new series of Star Wars projects emerged from Daniel Richtman's report and was later confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. While Watts is renowned for his work on the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Spider-Man franchise, particularly Tom Holland's trilogy, this role would mark his return to the sci-fi universe.

The untitled new films are being penned by Star Wars: Rebels and Mr. and Mrs. Smith veteran Simon Kinberg, as of now. The plot remains largely undisclosed, but it is rumored that Daisy Ridley's sequel trilogy Jedi, Rey Skywalker, will feature prominently. Watts is slated to direct only the first movie of this new trilogy at this stage.

The exact timing for the commencement of this new chapter is uncertain, as Disney has not officially approved the project, which is reportedly further along than many other Star Wars endeavors. The closest competitor in terms of development is Shawn Levy and Ryan Gosling's Star Wars: Starfighter, slated for a May 28, 2027 release.

Watts initially gained prominence with the release of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017, followed by the sequels Far from Home and No Way Home in 2019 and 2021, respectively. His subsequent venture, the 2024 film Wolfs, premiered in that year. It appears that the Star Wars franchise is struggling recently, especially in the realm of cinema.

The Skywalker Saga concluded with Episode 9 – The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, which received mixed reviews, with IGN awarding it a 7/10 score. This was followed by a seven-year hiatus in theatrical releases, during which only The Mandalorian and Grogu graced the screens. The Mandalorian, despite mixed reviews, managed to find a dedicated audience, but it too received a 5/10 from IGN.

Prior to this period of stagnation, Star Wars had enjoyed a resurgence with the TV series Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Andor, earning critical acclaim. However, not all Star Wars projects have fared as well; for instance, 2024's The Acolyte received mixed reviews, and the Hunt for Ben Solo film remains canceled. Despite these challenges, Disney remains committed to the franchise, with several other Star Wars movies and shows in various stages of development, including Maul – Shadow Lord Season 2 and Ahsoka Season 2, both slated to premiere next year.

While fans are still clamoring for Adam Driver's Kylo Ren to return in a canceled Hunt for Ben Solo film, Lucasfilm head Dave Filoni remains optimistic about the franchise's future, signaling a promising horizon for Star Wars movies.