Jon Watts, the man behind Spider-Man’s big swing from Sony Pictures to Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe, is heading to a galaxy far, far away. Lucasfilm has tapped him to direct a new Star Wars trilogy, a move that lands as the franchise’s Skywalker saga sits in rough waters.
The news comes as the franchise prepares for Star Wars: Starfighter, a Shawn Levy-directed Ryan Gosling vehicle set to arrive in time for the May 27, 2027 50th anniversary of the original Star Wars release. That date puts pressure on Watts’ project, which has yet to lock in a release window. The Skywalker saga’s ninth entry, Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker, underwhelmed fans and critics alike, leaving the franchise without a clear path forward.
Watts’ Marvel Track Record
Watts navigated the tricky transition of Spider-Man through the Sony-MCU changeover. He brings experience handling big-budget spectacle. Now he faces a bigger challenge: steering the Star Wars franchise out of its current doldrums.
He does bring some Star Wars street cred to the job. Watts co-created Skeleton Crew, the more kid-focused, critically praised Star Wars series that launched in 2024.
Kinberg’s Sci-Fi History
The script, however, is being written by Simon Kinberg. His resume in the sci-fi/fantasy genre is full of red flags. Kinberg wrote The New Mutants, X-Men: The Last Stand, and Dark Phoenix, which he also directed. His history as a screenwriter is full of red flags, according to the source.
Kinberg’s track record raises a fair question: can a writer whose films were widely panned be trusted with Star Wars? The franchise has already weathered a rough patch, and the Skywalker saga’s next steps need a steady hand.
Rey’s Return
Few details have been made public for what would be the series’ tenth installment. THR only reports that recent series star Daisy Ridley’s Rey would be involved “in some capacity.” Lucasfilm has not commented yet, although insiders report that Watt’s film is “furthest along the development track after Starfighter.”
That positioning suggests Watts’ trilogy is the next project in line after Starfighter. It also means the franchise is bringing back a character from the last trilogy.
The Timeline So Far
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Star Wars: Starfighter release | May 27, 2027 |
| Watts’ trilogy announced | Recent |
The timeline is thin. We know Starfighter is coming first, and we know Watts’ trilogy is next in line. Beyond that, the details are sparse.
The Skywalker Dilemma
The Skywalker saga left fans wanting more closure. Watts has a chance to give it to them, but he has to navigate a franchise that is still figuring out what it wants to be.
The announcement is a vote of confidence in Watts. Whether it pays off depends on Kinberg’s script and Watts’ direction. The stakes are high, and the franchise has shown it can stumble badly.
What Comes Next
Lucasfilm has not commented yet, and no release date has been attached to Watts’ trilogy. The franchise is in a holding pattern between Starfighter and whatever comes next.
For now, the announcement stands as a signal that Star Wars is moving forward. Whether that forward motion leads somewhere fans want to go remains to be seen.
The Verdict
Jon Watts is a capable director with a proven track record. Simon Kinberg is a writer with a problematic history. The combination is untested, and the franchise is vulnerable.
The next Star Wars trilogy needs to succeed. Watts has the talent, and the franchise has the resources. Kinberg’s record, however, is a warning flag that cannot be ignored.
Fans will watch closely. The Skywalker saga’s future depends on this trilogy getting it right.
See the video the story is built around at The A.V. Club.
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