Jon Watts will direct the first film in a new Star Wars trilogy written by Simon Kinberg, according to reports confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. The project is widely expected to continue the Skywalker Saga as Episode X, following the events of The Rise of Skywalker. Daisy Ridley is expected to return as Rey Skywalker in some capacity.
Jon Watts Takes the Director’s Chair
Lucasfilm has lined up Jon Watts to direct the next major Star Wars film. Watts is known for directing the Tom Holland Spider-Man trilogy for Marvel Studios, including Homecoming, Far From Home, and No Way Home. He also co-created the Disney+ series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, which premiered in 2024.
The news was first reported by Knight Edge Media and later confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. Sources say Watts is attached specifically to direct the first installment of the new trilogy. He previously signed a first-look deal with Walt Disney Studios in 2024 through his production company, Freshman Year.
Watts is seen as a dependable choice for a franchise that has cycled through several directors in recent years. His Spider-Man films grew in scale and box office success, proving he can handle large productions. His work on Skeleton Crew also gave him direct experience inside the Star Wars universe.
Simon Kinberg Writes the New Trilogy
Simon Kinberg is writing the new trilogy for Lucasfilm. Kinberg has been working on the story since late 2024. He co-created the animated series Star Wars Rebels alongside Dave Filoni and Carrie Beck, and wrote seven episodes, including the feature-length premiere, “Spark of Rebellion.” He also served as a story consultant on The Force Awakens.
Kinberg’s other credits include writing several X-Men films, such as Days of Future Past and Apocalypse. His combination of Star Wars animation experience and large-scale franchise work makes him a key figure in the new trilogy’s development.
The trilogy is intended to act as the next chapter in the Skywalker Saga, the story of the Skywalker family across multiple generations. The previous films were Episodes I through IX. The next one would be Episode X.
What to Watch Before Episode X
The clearest guide to what Episode X might feel like comes from the past work of its creative team. Simon Kinberg and Jon Watts have both already made Star Wars projects, and those shows offer the best preview of their approach.
Star Wars Rebels is the most important series to revisit. Kinberg co-created the show and wrote several episodes. Rebels ran for four seasons and became one of the franchise’s most important entries. It introduced characters like Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, and the ship Ghost, all of whom have since appeared in live-action projects. The show is set before A New Hope and explores the early days of the Rebel Alliance.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is the second key title. Watts co-created the series and directed two episodes. The show stars Jude Law and follows a group of children lost in space. It is set in the New Republic era, around the same time as The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka. Skeleton Crew brought a different tone to Star Wars, mixing adventure and mystery in a way that may inform Episode X.
Both shows are available to stream on Disney+ in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, and other global markets where the platform operates.
Rey Skywalker’s Role in the New Trilogy
Daisy Ridley is expected to return as Rey Skywalker in the new trilogy. Reports indicate her role in the first film may be smaller, with the possibility of expanding in later installments. Ridley played Rey in the sequel trilogy films released between 2015 and 2019.
A separate film titled Star Wars: New Jedi Order, which was also set to feature Ridley’s Rey, was in development for some time. That project has been shelved in favor of the new Episode X trilogy. The new films are expected to cast new, relatively unknown male and female leads.
It is not yet known if John Boyega or Oscar Isaac will return as Finn or Poe Dameron. Both actors have previously spoken about their time in the franchise.
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Release Timeline and What Comes First
Star Wars: Episode X does not have a release date yet. The project is still in development and has not been officially greenlit by Disney, though sources say it is the furthest along after Star Wars: Starfighter.
Before Episode X arrives, two other Star Wars films are scheduled for theaters. The Mandalorian & Grogu is set for release in May 2026. Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, is scheduled for May 28, 2027, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Star Wars.
Production on Episode X could begin as early as 2027 if development moves forward as planned. Based on the current schedule, the film is unlikely to arrive before 2028.
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Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on Star Wars Episode X, the new Skywalker Saga trilogy, and everything happening in a galaxy far, far away.
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