AceShowbiz - Jon Watts is set to direct the first installment in a new Star Wars trilogy, TheWrap reports. The upcoming project will mark Watts’ return to the franchise after his work on the Star Wars series Skeleton Crew, which he co-created in 2024.

TheWrap notes that the script for this new film is being penned by Simon Kinberg, who also serves as producer on the trilogy. Per The Hollywood Reporter, Kinberg has been developing this trilogy since late 2024, with the first movie intended to be Episode X, continuing the Skywalker Saga beyond the ninth episode. Murphysmultiverse adds that this creative partnership between Watts and Kinberg aligns with Lucasfilm’s current strategy of selecting directors familiar with the studio system, reflecting an emphasis on stable franchise stewardship under Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni.

The Star Wars franchise, which began with its groundbreaking 1977 release, has seen various expansions across film and television. Watts previously directed the successful Tom Holland-led Spider-Man trilogy before co-creating and directing episodes of Skeleton Crew. This new trilogy follows a series of announced but unproduced Star Wars projects, including films by Taika Waititi and a Lando Calrissian movie. Meanwhile, the next Star Wars movie, Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, is slated for a 2027 release to mark the franchise’s 50th anniversary.

This new trilogy is significant as it signals Lucasfilm’s commitment to continuing the Skywalker narrative while leveraging proven talent behind the camera. Watts’ appointment suggests a focus on balancing character-driven storytelling with large-scale spectacle, aiming to build on the franchise’s rich legacy and maintain audience engagement in a competitive cinematic landscape.

This article is based on reporting originally published by TheWrap.