Lucasfilm taps Jon Watts to direct new Star Wars trilogy

Jon Watts is set to direct the first installment of a new Star Wars trilogy written by Simon Kinberg, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This move marks a distinct creative direction for Lucasfilm, which is currently in post-production on its separate upcoming film, Star Wars: Starfighter.

Watts, known for directing the Tom Holland Spider-Man films, has prior experience with the franchise after co-creating the 2024 series Skeleton Crew. His attachment to this new project represents a shift in Lucasfilm’s strategy, transitioning from the action-heavy model of Starfighter to a "mystery" trilogy that is intended to serve as the next chapter of the Skywalker Saga. Kinberg has been developing this three-part mystery narrative since late 2024.

This creative leadership suggests a long-term push toward prestige-led storytelling and serialized character development within the Star Wars brand. By pairing Watts with Kinberg, the studio appears to be prioritizing grounded narratives and dramatic depth over traditional action-hero archetypes. For franchise fans, this signals a potential shift in narrative tone, with the Skywalker Saga branding evolving to accommodate more mystery-driven plots.

While the Starfighter film continues its production cycle independently, the new trilogy will likely define the future aesthetic and tone of the franchise. The success of this approach will depend on how well the "mystery" label resonates with audiences seeking a different kind of Star Wars experience.

Key Watch Points

• Casting Announcements: The lead actor for the first installment is expected to be announced within the next 6 to 12 months, which will clarify the dramatic direction of the project.
• Tonal Distinction: How Lucasfilm communicates the separate identities of the Starfighter and the new trilogy will be crucial in managing audience expectations for both films.
• Production Timeline: Any delays in the production start for the first installment could indicate creative friction between the two distinct production teams.