Disney Taps Jon Watts to Launch New Star Wars Trilogy
Los Angeles, Sunday, 27 September 2026.
Director Jon Watts has been selected to helm the next installment of the Star Wars film franchise, written by Simon Kinberg, as Disney aims to extend the multi-billion dollar Skywalker Saga.
Strategic Directorial Appointment for Lucasfilm
Lucasfilm has officially attached director Jon Watts to helm the first installment of a new Star Wars movie trilogy, a move confirmed by multiple industry reports on September 26, 2026 [1][3]. The project is written by Simon Kinberg and is intended to act as the next chapter in the Skywalker Saga, continuing the stories featuring the multi-generations of the Luke Skywalker family [1][5]. This development marks a significant step for The Walt Disney Company (DIS) as the entertainment giant seeks to revitalize its flagship theatrical franchises and bolster future media revenues [1]. Watts brings proven box-office leverage to the franchise, having previously co-created the Star Wars series Skeleton Crew in 2024 [1][3].
The selection of Watts follows his successful tenure directing the multi-billion dollar Spider-Man trilogy for Sony and Marvel Studios [2][4]. His involvement is seen as a reliable choice for the franchise, which has occasionally struggled with directorial consistency in recent years [3]. Watts proved he could navigate the complexities of massive big-budget productions during his work on the Tom Holland-starring Spider-Man movies, which became progressively bigger productions and bigger hits at the box office [3][4]. This appointment signals Disney’s intent to stabilize the creative direction of the Star Wars cinematic universe following the conclusion of the previous nine-episode saga [4][5].
Financial Implications and Box Office Context
The financial stakes for this new trilogy are substantial, given the historical performance of the franchise and the director’s track record. Watts’ Spider-Man MCU trilogy grossed over $3.9 billion globally, demonstrating his capability to manage high-value intellectual property [4]. The 2021 film No Way Home held the record for the highest-grossing solo superhero movie until 2026’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day surpassed its gross, indicating the scale of revenue Disney aims to recapture with Star Wars [2][4]. By leveraging Watts’ experience, Disney aims to mitigate the financial risks associated with large-scale sci-fi productions.
Disney’s strategy appears focused on restoring confidence in the theatrical performance of the Star Wars brand. The previous theatrical release, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, concluded the nine-film Skywalker Saga in 2019, leaving a significant gap in theatrical output until the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter [4][5]. Analysts suggest that revitalizing the flagship theatrical franchises is crucial for bolstering future media revenues for the corporation [1]. The success of this new trilogy could influence stock performance and investor sentiment surrounding Disney’s content pipeline in the coming fiscal years [3].
Production Timeline and Development Status
Despite the announcement, sources indicate the project is still in development and has not yet been greenlit by parent company Disney [1][5]. It is currently considered the project furthest along the development track after Starfighter, which is scheduled to hit theatres on May 27, 2027 [1][3]. This upcoming release date coincides with the 50th anniversary of Star Wars, marking 50 years since the original film’s debut [3]. The gap between the last theatrical release in 2019 and the 2027 schedule represents a hiatus of 8 years for the franchise [5].
Lucasfilm development on the new trilogy featuring Watts is expected to commence only after the release of Star Wars: Starfighter in May 2027 [2]. The project had been in writing phases since late 2024, with Kinberg working on the script during that period [1]. While the project is further along than most other Star Wars projects, the lack of an official green light means timelines could shift based on studio priorities and budget approvals [5]. This cautious approach reflects a broader industry trend of scrutinizing big-budget commitments amidst changing market dynamics.
Narrative Continuity and Skywalker Saga
The new trilogy is rumored to be Episodes X through XII, continuing the numeric legacy of the Skywalker Saga [4]. Rey Skywalker, the Jedi played by Daisy Ridley in the last trilogy released from 2015 and 2019, would appear in some capacity in the new trilogy [1][5]. This continuity aims to bridge the gap for long-time fans while introducing new narratives within the established universe. The previous movies have been Episodes I through IX, making this the potential start of Episode X [1].
Kinberg has been working on writing a mystery trilogy since late 2024, aiming to deliver a story that satisfies the legacy of the franchise [1]. Former Lucasfilm leadership had discussed Kinberg’s writing progress in interviews published earlier in 2026, noting the detailed nature of the treatment provided [4]. As of September 27, 2026, the project remains a key focus for Lucasfilm as they navigate complex economic and financial landscapes in the entertainment sector [3][5]. The success of this initiative will depend on balancing fan expectations with commercial viability.