Director Jon Watts has been attached to helm the next feature film in the Star Wars franchise, Variety reports. The announcement marks a significant addition to the galactic saga’s lineup of filmmakers.
Watts gained widespread recognition for directing the Spider-Man trilogy starring Tom Holland, which includes 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming, 2019’s Spider-Man: Far From Home, and 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home. Prior to his work on the superhero series, he directed films such as Cop Car and Clown. In 2026, Destin Daniel Cretton directed Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
The director’s connection to Disney intensified in 2024 when it was reported that Watts, along with his production company Freshman Year and producer Dianne McGunigle, signed a first-look feature deal with Walt Disney Studios.
Also in 2024, Watts co-created the Star Wars series Skeleton Crew alongside Christopher Ford. The coming-of-age show, set during the era of the New Republic, follows four young characters on an adventure. Jude Law portrayed Jod Na Nawood, while the young cast included Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Kyriana Kratter, and Robert Timothy Smith.
With this appointment, Watts joins a prestigious list of Star Wars directors that includes George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Richard Marquand, J.J. Abrams, and Rian Johnson. The most recent theatrical release in the franchise was Abrams’ Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which debuted in 2019.
Simon Kinberg is set to write the screenplay for the upcoming film. Kinberg is widely known for his work as a writer, producer, and director on the X-Men franchise. His selection was noted as a surprising choice at the time of the initial announcement.
Knight Edge Media was the first to break the news of Watts’ involvement.
Skeleton Crew was solid. If he brings that same energy to the big screen, I’m in.
Finally something new after Rise of Skywalker! When is this dropping?
Simon Kinberg writing? That’s bold. The X-Men tracks were hit or miss. Let’s hope he brings his A-game here.
Watts did a great job with the Spider-Man trilogy. Excited to see his take on the Star Wars universe!