Jon Watts is set to direct the next Star Wars movie, and the news lands as a reminder that the man behind Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home and Spider-Man: No Way Home knows how to make a blockbuster stick. The announcement comes with Watts attached to the project through his production company Freshman Year, alongside producer Dianne McGunigle.
Watts has spent the past decade building a resume of big, crowd-friendly pictures. His Spider-Man trilogy, starring Tom Holland, ran from 2017’s Homecoming through 2021’s No Way Home, with the fourth entry, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, handed to Destin Daniel Cretton. Before that, Watts helmed Cop Car and Clown, smaller fare that got him noticed before he landed the Marvel job.
The Star Wars assignment puts him in a long line of directors who have shaped the franchise’s visual identity. The list includes Irvin Kershner, Richard Marquand, J.J. Abrams, Rian Johnson and George Lucas himself. Abrams’ Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker remains the most recent film in the franchise to debut theatrically, released in 2019.
The Skeleton Crew Connection
Watts has already dipped his toe into the Star Wars universe. In 2024, he co-created Skeleton Crew alongside Christopher Ford. That coming-of-age series is set in the era of the New Republic and follows four young characters on a new adventure, according to the show’s official logline.
Jude Law stars as Jod Na Nawood, with Ravi Cabot-Conyers as Wim, Ryan Kiera Armstrong as Fern, Kyriana Kratter as KB and Robert Timothy Smith as Neel.
Simon Kinberg’s Script
The script will come from Simon Kinberg, who will write the film. Kinberg is best known for his work on the “X-Men” franchise, where he served as writer and producer. He was considered a surprising choice at the time of the announcement.
Kinberg’s surprise factor adds a layer of intrigue to the project. He brings a different sensibility to the table than the directors who came before him.
What Watts Brings to Star Wars
Watts has a clear pattern of success. His Spider-Man movies were hits with audiences, and his ability to balance spectacle with character has made him a reliable choice for franchises looking to expand their reach.
His Freshman Year production company and his relationship with Disney Studios through a first-look deal mean he has access to the infrastructure needed to pull off a major release. That deal was reported in 2024.
The Director’s Track Record
The list of directors who have helmed Star Wars reads like a who’s who of Hollywood. Kershner directed The Empire Strikes Back, Marquand took over for Return of the Jedi, Abrams brought back the original cast for The Force Awakens, and Johnson made his mark with The Last Jedi. Lucas, of course, started it all.
Watts now joins that list. His selection is notable because he represents a newer generation of filmmakers who have grown up with the franchise as fans and have since found their way into directing it.
What Comes Next
The exact plot details remain under wraps. Knight Edge Media first broke the news, and Variety has reported on the script situation. The film is still in development, which means casting, locations and story elements are all yet to be confirmed.
For now, the key facts are simple:
- Director: Jon Watts
- Writer: Simon Kinberg
- Production company: Freshman Year, through Watts’ deal with Walt Disney Studios
- Previous credits: Spider-Man trilogy, Skeleton Crew, Cop Car, Clown
Watts’ history with Disney Studios runs deep. The first-look deal he signed in 2024 provides the infrastructure for a major release, and this Star Wars assignment is the clearest sign yet of what that partnership might produce.
Here is how the pieces fit together in order of importance to the announcement:
- The director: Jon Watts, whose Spider-Man trilogy proved he could handle a massive franchise.
- The writer: Simon Kinberg, whose X-Men background offers a fresh perspective on storytelling.
- The production setup: Watts’ Freshman Year company and his Disney Studios first-look deal provide the infrastructure.
- The recent work: Skeleton Crew shows Watts has already explored the Star Wars universe.
The question of whether Watts can deliver a Star Wars film that feels fresh while honoring the franchise’s legacy is one that will only be answered when the movie arrives. For now, the appointment itself is a vote of confidence in his ability to handle the biggest stories in the galaxy.
Source material: “Jon Watts to Direct Next ‘Star Wars’ Movie,” Variety.
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