Filmmaker Jon Watts has been tapped to direct the first installment of a new Star Wars movie trilogy penned by screenwriter Simon Kinberg, as reported by Knight Edge Media and The Hollywood Reporter. This coming cinematic venture intends to push the Skywalker Saga further than the 2019 film The Rise of Skywalker, possibly acting as Episode X within the primary franchise.
Development of the New Skywalker Saga Chapter
According to industry reports, this venture is the most advanced of the Star Wars films currently in development, even though Disney has not yet provided a formal greenlight. “Kinberg has been working on writing a mystery trilogy since late 2024,” reported Borys Kit of The Hollywood Reporter. Kit detailed the structural goals of the creative team’s ongoing development work for the studio, noting that the story focuses on multi-generational narratives connected to the Luke Skywalker family line.
Both creatives bring established franchise experience to the new trilogy. Jon Watts co-created and directed the series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, while Simon Kinberg co-created the animated show Star Wars Rebels. Actress Daisy Ridley is expected to return as Rey Skywalker in some capacity, though the exact extent of her involvement remains undisclosed by the studio.
Franchise History and Theatrical Slate
Despite the high-profile attachments, the unannounced trilogy faces an uncertain path to production because of Disney’s recent trend of cancelling various Star Wars feature films. The next theatrical release from Lucasfilm is Star Wars: Starfighter, which stars Ryan Gosling, is directed by Shawn Levy, and is slated for a May 28, 2027, debut.
Production Questions About Episode X
While industry tracking places Kinberg and Watts’ project furthest along in development, the studio has maintained caution regarding official greenlights. Previous development cycles at Lucasfilm have seen several high-profile features stalled or cancelled before reaching principal photography.
Simon Kinberg writing the new Star Wars trilogy
Who is writing the new Star Wars trilogy?
Screenwriter Simon Kinberg is writing the trilogy, having developed the project since late 2024.
Is Jon Watts directing the entire trilogy?
Reports indicate Jon Watts has been tapped to direct the first installment of the new trilogy.
Will Daisy Ridley return as Rey?
Daisy Ridley is expected to appear as Rey Skywalker in some capacity, though the extent of her involvement has not been formally detailed.
Where does this project fit in the timeline?
The films aim to expand the Skywalker Saga beyond 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, potentially serving as Episode X.