Nicolai Haugsted
The next Star Wars trilogy will be brought to life by the man who created one of Marvel’s most acclaimed trilogies, Lucasfilm confirms.
Lucasfilm has hired American director Jon Watts to pick up where Episode IX left off.
He is set to direct the first film in a new trilogy that continues the Skywalker Saga, industry media confirmed in late September 2026.
The choice is far from coincidental. Watts is behind the Tom Holland trilogy Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and Spider-Man: No Way Home, which are on his resume alongside the George Clooney and Brad Pitt thriller Wolfs. He is also a co-creator of the Disney+ series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, giving him an intimate knowledge of the galaxy.
And he won’t be alone. Daisy Ridley is expected to return as Rey, according to multiple American industry writers. The role will initially be smaller than in the previous trilogy but could grow over the course of the films.
Simon Kinberg to Write Trilogy
The screenplay has been entrusted to Simon Kinberg, who previously wrote for the X-Men films and co-created the animated series Star Wars: Rebels. He also contributed to The Force Awakens and was attached to the trilogy project as early as 2024.
Thus, two filmmakers with extensive experience in franchise machinery and a foothold within Lucasfilm are now tasked with the heaviest of all Star Wars responsibilities: continuing the Skywalker narrative itself.
Not Yet Greenlit by Disney
One important detail remains. The project has not yet been officially greenlit by Disney, but it is described as the Star Wars film project that has progressed furthest in the development process. Production aims to begin no earlier than 2027.
This decision also means that the previously announced Rey Skywalker solo film with director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy has effectively been shelved. Daisy Ridley’s Rey will now return as part of a larger trilogy framework instead.
Next Star Wars Films Still in Queue
Before Watts and Kinberg hit theaters, Lucasfilm has two other releases on the slate. A newly restored version of A New Hope will return to cinemas on February 19, 2027, and the next Star Wars feature film, Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Shawn Levy, will premiere on May 28, 2027. Both will be presented in IMAX.
