Jon Watts Will Direct the Next ‘Star Wars’ Movie

Jon Watts is heading back to a galaxy far, far away. The filmmaker behind Tom Holland’s three “Spider-Man” movies is attached to direct the next theatrical “Star Wars” project, moving another closely watched Lucasfilm film a step closer to production.

The project remains in development, and several important details have not been announced. Variety reports that Simon Kinberg is writing the screenplay. Kinberg previously worked in the franchise as a co-creator of “Star Wars Rebels” and a creative consultant on “The Force Awakens.”

Collider describes the film as the opening chapter of a planned trilogy that would continue beyond “The Rise of Skywalker.” However, the studio has not publicly revealed a title, production start, release date or confirmed cast. Daisy Ridley’s possible return as Rey has been widely discussed, but viewers should treat specific character plans as unsettled until Lucasfilm makes a formal announcement.

Watts already knows the Star Wars universe

The assignment would not be Watts’ first trip into the franchise. He co-created the Disney+ series “Skeleton Crew” with Christopher Ford and directed episodes of the show, which followed four young characters on an adventure set during the New Republic era. That experience gives him familiarity with Lucasfilm’s production world before taking on a feature.

Watts also brings a proven blockbuster record. He directed “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Spider-Man: Far From Home” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” then followed them with the George Clooney and Brad Pitt thriller “Wolfs.” His earlier films include the thriller “Cop Car” and the horror movie “Clown.”

The new project joins a busy theatrical pipeline for the franchise. “Star Wars: Starfighter,” directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, is scheduled for May 2027, while the original 1977 film is also set for a restored theatrical return during the franchise’s 50th-anniversary year.

For fans, Watts’ attachment is meaningful progress rather than a finished roadmap. The director and writer are now identified, but the story, cast and timing remain the next major pieces Lucasfilm must clarify.