The galaxy may have a new director at the helm. According to The Hollywood Reporter’s Borys Kit, Jon Watts — the filmmaker behind Tom Holland’s Spider-Man trilogy — has been tapped to direct the first installment of a new Jon Watts Star Wars movie trilogy written by Simon Kinberg for Lucasfilm. If the reports hold, the project could amount to Episode X, picking up the Skywalker saga where 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker left off.
The story broke via the smaller outlet Knight Edge Media, with THR’s Kit adding weight and detail to the report. Lucasfilm had no comment, and the project has not been greenlit by Disney, but insiders describe it as the furthest along of the franchise’s many in-development films, sitting behind only Star Wars: Starfighter in the pipeline.
What the Report Says
Here’s what we know so far from the reporting — and what remains unconfirmed.
The director’s chair
Per THR, Jon Watts is attached to direct the first film of a trilogy penned by Simon Kinberg. Watts already has a foot in the galaxy far, far away: he co-created and directed the Disney+ series Skeleton Crew (2024), and previously steered the Spider-Man “Home” trilogy — Homecoming, Far From Home, and No Way Home — after breaking through with the indie thriller Cop Car.
A new Skywalker chapter — maybe Episode X
The Kinberg trilogy is intended as the next chapter of the Skywalker saga, continuing the story past 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker (the finale of the nine-film arc). Some insiders expect the project could be positioned as Episode X, though that numbering has not been officially announced or confirmed by Lucasfilm or Disney.
Rey’s return — but in what role?
Daisy Ridley’s Rey is expected to appear in some capacity, according to the reports, though how she fits into the story is currently unclear. Knight Edge Media’s report suggested Ridley could serve more as a mentor figure rather than the main character, with unknown actors being sought for new male and female leads. All of those casting details remain unconfirmed.
Where the project stands
Crucially, the film has not been greenlit by Disney/parent company, and Lucasfilm declined to comment. The reports describe it as the “furthest along” of the franchise’s many in-development films after Star Wars: Starfighter, which — directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling — remains the only officially confirmed Star Wars film on the schedule, expected in May 2027 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Star Wars.
Why Watts and Kinberg Are a Tantalizing Pair
On paper, this is one of the strongest director-writer pairings the franchise has assembled in years. Kinberg wrote and co-created the beloved animated series Star Wars Rebels, and his blockbuster bona fides run deep — he’s an X-Men and Marvel alum with a long résumé of big-screen spectacle.
Watts, meanwhile, has quietly become Hollywood’s most reliable universe-builder. The Spider-Man trilogy he directed grossed billions and earned raves from critics and fans alike, and his work on Skeleton Crew earned him the goodwill of Star Wars fans who praised the series’ warm, Amblin-style charm. A Gizmodo report notes the trade press is treating the story with appropriate caution — it’s a report, not a Lucasfilm announcement — while outlets like The Direct are likewise framing it as a rumor rather than a confirmation.
If the trilogy moves forward, it would mark the franchise’s first big-screen return to the core Skywalker lineage since the sequel trilogy concluded seven years ago — a decision that has clearly been weighing on Lucasfilm as it rebuilds its theatrical slate.
A Crowded Galaxy of Star Wars Projects
Part of why this report has set fandom buzzing is the sheer size of the Star Wars development pipeline. Lucasfilm has had numerous films in various stages of development, but very few have actually made it to production — a stop-start pattern that has frustrated fans and made every credible report feel like an event.
The Kinberg trilogy reportedly leads that pack after Starfighter, which puts real pressure on Disney to finally pull the trigger. Whether the Jon Watts installment becomes Episode X in name or simply the next chapter of the saga in spirit, the intent is clear: the Skywalker story isn’t done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Disney greenlit the movie?
No. The project has not been greenlit by Disney/parent company, Lucasfilm had no comment, and the story remains a report — not an official announcement.
Will it officially be called Episode X?
That is unconfirmed. Some insiders expect it could be Episode X, but Lucasfilm has not announced any numbering for the project.
Is Daisy Ridley coming back?
Ridley’s Rey is expected to appear in some capacity, according to the reports, possibly as a mentor figure. How — and for how much screen time — is currently unclear and unconfirmed.
Who is writing the trilogy?
Simon Kinberg, who wrote and co-created Star Wars Rebels and is an X-Men/Marvel alum, is penning the trilogy’s scripts.
Bottom line: treat this as one of the most credible Star Wars reports in a long time — THR’s involvement gives it real weight — but until Disney or Lucasfilm make it official, it’s still a rumor with a very bright future. Keep watching the skies.
