Lucasfilm is bringing back the Skywalker family, and it is doing so with a director best known for putting teenagers in spandex. Deadline reports that the studio has hired Jon Watts, the man behind Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home and Spider-Man: No Way Home, to helm the first installment of a new Skywalker Saga trilogy.
The project is being written by Simon Kinberg, who previously created the DisneyXD animated series Star Wars Rebels. Kinberg has been working on the trilogy since 2018, according to Deadline, and Daisy Ridley is reportedly eyed to reprise her role as Rey. The film would continue the story of the last Skywalker trilogy, which ended with Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker in 2019.
The Skywalker Saga So Far
The Skywalker Saga began in 1977 with Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope. The original trilogy continued with Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back in 1980 and Episode VI — Return of the Jedi in 1983. The prequel trilogy followed, with Episode I — The Phantom Menace in 1999, Episode II — Attack of the Clones in 2002 and Episode III — Revenge of the Sith in 2005.
The saga then moved forward with the sequel trilogy. That run included Episode VII — The Force Awakens in 2015, Episode VIII — The Last Jedi in 2017 and Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. Ridley’s Rey was the lead of that final chapter.
What Jon Watts Brings to the Table
Watts is a director of big spectacle. His Spider-Man films combined teen-friendly humor with large-scale action. Whether that sensibility translates to the weightier world of the Skywalker Saga remains to be seen.
Kinberg’s involvement is notable too. He previously created Star Wars Rebels, and his work on X-Men: Dark Phoenix shows he has experience with major franchises. The pairing of a director who knows how to stage spectacle with a writer who understands the galaxy far, far away could produce something interesting.
The Rey Question
Ridley returning as Rey would be a significant draw. She carried the last trilogy and became a recognizable face for the franchise. Her presence would give the new trilogy a direct link to the past.
But nothing is confirmed yet. The project has not received a greenlight from Disney, the parent company. That means the film exists on paper but has not been officially approved for production.
What Comes Next for Star Wars
The franchise has expanded beyond the Skywalker family since the last trilogy ended. Films and streaming series have explored other corners of the galaxy. The next installment, Star Wars: Starfighter, is set for a May 28, 2027 premiere.
This new trilogy would bring the Skywalkers back into the main narrative. It would also keep Lucasfilm connected to its most famous lineage.
The Comparison Worth Making
| Role | Skywalker Saga | Spider-Man Saga |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Director | Jon Watts | Jon Watts |
| Writer | Simon Kinberg | Not specified in source |
| Franchise Focus | Skywalker family | Spider-Man |
| Timeline | Sequels and beyond | Modern-day |
Key Facts Box
- New trilogy: First installment helmed by Jon Watts
- Writer: Simon Kinberg, who created Star Wars Rebels
- Lead actress eyed: Daisy Ridley as Rey
- Greenlight status: Not yet received from Disney
- Next Star Wars release: Star Wars: Starfighter, May 28, 2027
Our Take
This is a strange choice. Watts is a director of summer blockbusters, not of epic space operas. His Spider-Man films were fun, but they were also very much of their moment. The Skywalker Saga deserves a director who understands its gravity.
That said, Watts has a history directing big films. If he brings the same energy to Rey’s story, it could work. And Ridley’s return would be a welcome sight for fans.
The real question is whether Disney will greenlight the project. Without that approval, this announcement is a promise, not a plan.
The Skywalker family deserves closure. Whether Watts is the right person to deliver it remains to be seen.
Source material: “‘Star Wars’ Is Continuing Skywalker Saga With ‘Spider-Man’ Director Jon Watts,” Deadline.
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