Lucasfilm is circling Jon Watts to direct Star Wars: Episode X, according to multiple reports. The project is the first installment of a trilogy penned by Simon Kinberg, which would continue the Skywalker Saga following 2019's The Rise of Skywalker. Lucasfilm declined to comment.
Watts brings a clear franchise pedigree. He directed all three Tom Holland Spider-Man films for Marvel and Sony, and co-created Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, the 2024 Disney+ series starring Jude Law. In 2024, Watts signed a first look deal with Disney under his production banner, Freshman Year.
Kinberg has been developing the trilogy since late 2024. His Star Wars credentials include co-creating the animated series Rebels and consulting on The Force Awakens. He also wrote and produced the later X-Men films, including Days of Future Past.
The story picks up after the sequel trilogy's conclusion. According to reports, Daisy Ridley is expected to return as a Jedi Master Rey in a supporting capacity, with new leads being sought. Production could begin as early as 2027, though the project has not yet received an official greenlight from Disney.
Lucasfilm has spent several years cycling through announced Star Wars films that never reached production, including projects from Rian Johnson, Taika Waititi, and a Rey-centered standalone. This marks the clearest sign yet that the saga will continue.
