Spider-Man’s Jon Watts Set to Direct First Film in Disney’s New Star Wars Skywalker Saga Trilogy

Disney has reportedly tapped Spider-Man director Jon Watts to helm the first installment of a new Star Wars trilogy that would reignite the Skywalker Saga, marking a notable pivot for the blockbuster filmmaker as the studio charts its next chapter in the galaxy far, far away. The announcement surfaces as the project remains in early development, with Disney still withholding an official green light while foundational work continues. Information about the new slate of Lucasfilm films was first reported by a trade outlet and later corroborated by The Hollywood Reporter, which noted that Watts would direct only the opening film of the trilogy at this stage.

Watts, who has built his reputation as the director behind Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Tom Holland Spider-Man trilogy, would be returning to the science-fiction genre for the first time since co-creating the Apple TV+ series Skeleton Crew in 2024. His involvement signals a fresh creative direction for a franchise that has struggled to recapture the magic of George Lucas’ original vision in recent years. According to the report, the project is already further along in development than most other Star Wars films in the works, though it trails only one other title.

A Director’s Return to Sci-Fi

Watts broke onto the blockbuster scene with Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017, and he returned to the superhero genre with follow-ups Far from Home in 2019 and No Way Home in 2021. He subsequently handed over the reins on future Holland films to Destin Daniel Cretton, with his most recent feature, Wolfs, premiering in 2024. This Star Wars assignment would represent a significant departure from his usual fare, placing him squarely in the sci-fi arena where he has not directed since his television work.

“[Kinberg] wrote something that we read in August, and it was very good, but not there,” she said in January. “We’ve pretty much upended the story, and then spent a great deal of time on the treatment, which he finished literally about four weeks ago. And it’s a very detailed treatment, like 70 pages. And so he is expected to give us something in March.”

Kathleen Kennedy, former Lucasfilm boss

The writing duties for the trilogy belong to Simon Kinberg, who was first floated as a candidate to pen a new Star Wars saga back in 2024, though conflicting reports at the time left fans uncertain whether the next run of films would continue the Skywalker Saga or tell an entirely new story. The Hollywood Reporter’s latest reporting suggests Kinberg has settled on reviving the original dynasty, though the project’s youth means that narrative could still shift. Former Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy offered an update on Kinberg’s progress when speaking to Deadline earlier this year, painting a picture of a story that has been substantially reworked.

As of now, Watts has been named only to direct the first film of the trilogy, and the timing of the next chapter remains unclear. Disney has not yet granted the project the official green light, and the franchise’s slate is crowded with competing priorities. The only project reportedly ahead of Kinberg’s trilogy is Shawn Levy and Ryan Gosling’s Star Wars: Starfighter, which carries a May 28, 2027, release date.

Star Wars at a Crossroads

Talk to most Star Wars fans and they’ll tell you the same thing: the franchise is not in its best shape at the moment, at least when it comes to its movies. The Skywalker Saga concluded a massive nine-film arc with its sequel trilogy ender, Episode 9 – The Rise of Skywalker, in 2019, but the project capped the story with more of a whimper than a bang. The film emerged with disappointing critical reception, earning an IGN score of 7/10, a rating rivaled only by 1999’s Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace.

Disney eased off the theatrical pedal after that, with this year’s The Mandalorian and Grogu bringing an end to a seven-year drought without new Star Wars movies. Even that project found its own trials to overcome, landing on so-so critical reception with an IGN review of 5/10 and underwhelming box office returns that led Disney to deem it a disappointment in theaters. It is not all doom and gloom, though. While the films have, for many, struggled to recapture the magic of George Lucas’ original vision, some of its TV outings have managed to keep audiences coming back for more.

Seasons 1 and 2 of Disney’s Rogue One prequel, Andor, earned the franchise critical acclaim. Meanwhile, although not everyone was sold on 2024’s The Ahsoka, shows like Maul – Shadow Lord and Skeleton Crew did manage to find dedicated audiences. Star Wars is going through some growing pains as leadership shifts behind the scenes, but Disney has made it clear it still has plenty of stories to tell.

Looking Ahead

Disney has confirmed there are plenty of other movies and shows in various forms of development, including Maul – Shadow Lord Season 2 and Ahsoka Season 2, both expected to premiere next year. While fans are still campaigning to see Adam Driver reprise his role as Kylo Ren in the canceled Hunt for Ben Solo film, Lucasfilm head Dave Filoni has signaled a bright future ahead when it comes to Star Wars movies. If Kinberg’s treatment lands and Watts’ first film moves forward, the Skywalker Saga could finally find its footing once more.

For now, the path to a full green light remains uncertain, but the appointment of a director as accomplished as Watts suggests the studio is taking the project seriously. Fans will be watching closely to see whether this new trilogy can restore the sense of wonder that defined the original films and set the stage for the next era of Star Wars storytelling.