Jon Watts Tapped for New Star Wars Trilogy
Director Jon Watts was selected to helm the first installment of a new Star Wars film trilogy.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Science Fiction
Live Poll
Would you watch a new Star Wars trilogy if it explores stories beyond the Skywalker saga?
Director Jon Watts has been signed to lead the first film in a new Star Wars trilogy developed by Simon Kinberg. The project is currently in the early stages of development and has yet to receive a formal green light from Disney.
Why it matters
The announcement marks a significant expansion for the Star Wars cinematic universe following the conclusion of the nine-numbered films. It signals a new chapter for the franchise that may either continue the Skywalker Saga or launch a separate narrative.
The franchise previously concluded its primary nine-numbered film run in 2019. The upcoming slate includes the release of Star Wars: Starfighter, which is currently scheduled to debut in May 2027.
The players
Jon Watts
He is a film director who previously directed episodes for the Star Wars series Skeleton Crew.
Simon Kinberg
He is a writer and producer who co-created the animated series Star Wars Rebels and served as a consultant on The Force Awakens.
Disney
This multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate oversees the production and distribution of the Star Wars film franchise.
The details
Jon Watts brings experience to the franchise after having directed episodes of the 2024 series Skeleton Crew. The project continues a long-term collaboration for Simon Kinberg, who previously co-created Star Wars Rebels and served as a creative consultant on The Force Awakens.
Timeline
The Rise of Skywalker concluded the main nine-film series in 2019.
Simon Kinberg began developing the new trilogy in 2024.
The Skeleton Crew series made its debut in 2024.
Star Wars: Starfighter is slated for release in May 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This development follows the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga in 2019, marking a transition toward new creative leadership for the franchise. The studio is balancing its streaming efforts with a need to define the future of its theatrical footprint.
Fans can anticipate further updates as the project moves from early development toward an official production green light. The production timeline suggests this new trilogy will be a primary focus of the studio's long-term theatrical release strategy.
The takeaway
The move suggests that the franchise is entering a period of narrative expansion following its legacy film cycles. Audiences should monitor future studio announcements for official confirmation of the project's release schedule.
Further reading
Explore more cinematic developments in our Science Fiction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WION.
Live Poll
Would you watch a new Star Wars trilogy if it explores stories beyond the Skywalker saga?
