Director Identified For New Star Wars Trilogy

Reports suggest a filmmaker has been selected for Simon Kinberg’s upcoming science fiction film series.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Science Fiction

Graphic illustration of a glowing geometric monument floating in deep space, rendered in a bold retro-future sci-fi poster style. — Reports indicate a director has been chosen for Simon Kinberg’s upcoming science fiction film trilogy, which will expand the cinematic universe beyond the Skywalker Saga. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

A director has reportedly been identified for the new Star Wars trilogy being written by Simon Kinberg. The project was initially announced in late 2024 and is expected to follow the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga.

Why it matters

The development of a new trilogy signals Lucasfilm's intent to expand the Star Wars universe beyond the established Skywalker storyline. Fans are watching closely to see how this project fits into the broader timeline of upcoming releases.

Simon Kinberg has served as a screenwriter for various major projects, including Sherlock Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and multiple X-Men films. He also previously directed the films X-Men: Dark Phoenix and The 355.

The players

Simon Kinberg

He is an established screenwriter and producer who previously created the animated series Star Wars: Rebels.

Lucasfilm

This American film production company is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company and is the primary owner of the Star Wars franchise.

Shawn Levy

He is a prominent filmmaker and producer currently working on the upcoming Star Wars project titled Starfighter.

The details

While Lucasfilm has remained silent on the hiring, reports circulating on social media have identified a filmmaker for the upcoming trilogy. The new films, which follow the legacy of the Skywalker Saga, could potentially begin filming as early as 2027.

The new Star Wars trilogy was first announced in late 2024.
Shawn Levy's film Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled to open in May 2027.
Filming for the new trilogy could potentially start in 2027.

Industry Dynamics

This project represents a major strategic shift for Lucasfilm as it moves toward post-Skywalker content to maintain its dominance in the science fiction genre. The move aligns with wider Hollywood trends of leveraging established intellectual property to anchor future theatrical slates.

Viewers can expect updates on theatrical release dates as pre-production moves forward. These films will eventually determine the long-term streaming availability and theatrical schedule for the franchise.

The takeaway

The selection of a director marks a significant milestone in transitioning the franchise into its next era. Readers should monitor official announcements from the studio for confirmation on creative staffing and production timelines.