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The galaxy far, far away has officially found its next major filmmaker. Reports have confirmed that director Jon Watts—who shepherded Tom Holland’s mega-blockbuster Spider-Man trilogy at Marvel and co-created Disney+’s Star Wars: Skeleton Crew—has been attached to direct the next mainline Star Wars feature film.
Written and produced by veteran screenwriter Simon Kinberg (Star Wars Rebels), the project is being developed as the first chapter in a planned film trilogy. The news gives Lucasfilm its strongest big-screen momentum in years.
However, as fan excitement reaches a fever pitch across social media, observers should keep one critical detail in mind: Disney and Lucasfilm have not officially confirmed any plotline, character return, or narrative direction.
While internet theories are running wild, every discussion about where the story is headed remains purely speculative. Here is what we actually know about Jon Watts’ hiring and why fans should treat plot rumors with caution.
Why Jon Watts Is a Safe Bet for Lucasfilm
From a studio standpoint, bringing in Jon Watts is a calculated, strategic win. Watts achieved unprecedented success directing Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). His MCU trilogy generated nearly $3.9 billion worldwide, proving his ability to manage massive IP, high-stakes ensemble storytelling, and intense fan expectations.
Watts also brings direct experience within Lucasfilm’s creative pipeline. Alongside Christopher Ford, Watts developed, executive-produced, and directed episodes for Skeleton Crew. Having signed a first-look deal with Walt Disney Studios through his Freshman Year banner, Watts provides Lucasfilm with a battle-tested, studio-friendly director capable of delivering a tentpole event on schedule.
Separating Fact From Fan Speculation
While Watts’ attachment to Kinberg’s script is confirmed, headlines have conflated director news with unverified leaks of the storyline quickly.
Industry trade reports and insider chatter suggest Kinberg’s script is intended as Episode X—a continuation of the Skywalker Saga following 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. Speculation has heavily teased the return of Daisy Ridley as Rey Skywalker, alongside rumors that casting calls are underway for new male and female leads.
However, none of these narrative elements has been validated by Lucasfilm. Neither the studio nor Lucasfilm leadership has released an official logline, cast list, or timeline placement. Until official press releases are issued, all story details—from Jedi Order rebuilds to character cameos—remain entirely unconfirmed.
The Big Picture for Lucasfilm’s Theatrical Slate
The hiring comes as Lucasfilm refines its big-screen roadmap. The franchise will return to theaters with Star Wars: Starfighter, an original film directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, slated for May 28, 2027.
Reports indicate the Kinberg-Watts project is currently the most advanced feature in Lucasfilm’s pipeline behind Starfighter. While fans have every reason to be excited about Jon Watts taking the reins, the true shape of his story remains locked inside the Lucasfilm vault.
