Even though Lucasfilm is in the middle of post-production on its next Star Wars film, Star Wars: Starfighterthe next phase of a potential new Skywalker saga is taking shape.
Jon Watts, the director behind a Tom Holland trio Spiderman films, is now responsible for directing the first part of the trilogy written by Simon Kinberg. It’s a return to the franchise for Watts, who previously co-created the Star Wars series. Skeleton crew in 2024.
Kinberg has been working on writing a mystery trilogy since late 2024. The project is intended to be the next chapter in what is known as the Skywalker Saga, the stories featuring multiple generations of the Luke Skywalker family. Previous films have been Episodes I through IX. The next one would be Episode. Rey Skywalker, the Jedi played by Daisy Ridley in the last trilogy released in 2015 and 2019, would appear in some capacity in the new trilogy.
Lucasfilm had no comment.
Sources say the project is still in development and has yet to receive the green light from parent company Disney, although it appears to be the project furthest along in development after Starfighter.
Starfighter is directed by Shawn Levy and stars Ryan Gosling. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on May 27, 2027, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Star Wars.
Watts is considered a reliable choice for the franchise, which has sometimes, and famously, had difficulties with directors. After directing the independent thriller Cop carWatts was chosen by Marvel to lead the relaunch of the Spider-Man films. Movies starring Tom Holland, including those from 2017 Return home2019 Far from homeand that of 2021 No way homegradually became bigger and bigger productions and box office hits. Watts proved he could navigate the complexities of big-budget productions.
His message-Spiderman work included the George Clooney-Brad Pitt film starring WolvesApple’s highly publicized misfire that disrupted its theatrical release and curiously announced a sequel that would never see the light of day.
Watts co-created and co-wrote Skeleton crewthe much-loved but unfortunately little-seen series that starred Jude Law and brought an Amblin vibe to the Star Wars universe. Watts directed two episodes of the series, which also boasted a star-studded assemblage of directors including David Lowery, Lee Isaac Chung, Jake Schreier, Bryce Dallas Howard and the Daniels.
Knight Edge Media broke the news of Watts’ involvement.
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