Lucasfilm has tapped director Jon Watts to direct the first film in a new Star Wars trilogy, according to Deadline, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. The project is described as continuing the Skywalker Saga.
Watts is best known for directing the Tom Holland-led Spider-Man trilogy, including 2017's "Spider-Man: Homecoming," 2019's "Spider-Man: Far From Home" and 2021's "Spider-Man: No Way Home," according to Variety and Deadline. Deadline also notes Watts co-created the series "Skeleton Crew."
Simon Kinberg is writing the new trilogy, according to The Hollywood Reporter and Independent Journal Review, which cited The Hollywood Reporter's September 26, 2026 report.
Deadline notes the announcement comes eight years after Star Wars last focused on the Skywalker family onscreen.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Daily Beast and Variety reported Jon Watts as the new director attached to a Star Wars project.
- Variety detailed Watts's Spider-Man trilogy credits, including Homecoming, Far From Home and No Way Home.
- The Hollywood Reporter noted Simon Kinberg is writing the new trilogy, described as continuing the Skywalker Saga.
“Jon Watts to Direct Next ‘Star Wars’ Movie” — Variety
Center
- Deadline reported Lucasfilm tapped Jon Watts to direct the first installment of a new Star Wars project continuing the Skywalker Saga.
- Deadline noted the project comes eight years after Star Wars last centered on the Skywalker family onscreen.
- Deadline highlighted Watts's role as Skeleton Crew co-creator alongside his Spider-Man directing credits.
“‘Star Wars’ Is Continuing Skywalker Saga With ‘Spider-Man’ Director Jon Watts” — Deadline
Right
- Independent Journal Review reported Watts is attached to direct the trilogy's opening film.
- The outlet attributed the writing credit for the trilogy to Simon Kinberg, citing a September 26, 2026 Hollywood Reporter report.
“Jon Watts Attached to Direct Star Wars Trilogy Opener” — Independent Journal Review
Questions readers ask
Who is directing the new Star Wars trilogy?
Jon Watts, known for directing the Tom Holland Spider-Man trilogy, is attached to direct the first film in a new Star Wars trilogy for Lucasfilm.
What is the new Star Wars project about?
According to Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter, the new trilogy continues or revisits the Skywalker Saga, though further plot details were not provided by the sources.
Who is writing the new Star Wars trilogy?
Simon Kinberg is writing the new trilogy, according to The Hollywood Reporter and Independent Journal Review.
What else has Jon Watts directed?
Jon Watts directed Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), and co-created the series Skeleton Crew, according to Variety and Deadline.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- The Daily BeastLeft-leaningNew ‘Star Wars’ Trilogy Director Revealed
- The Hollywood ReporterLeft-leaning‘Star Wars’: Jon Watts to Direct Next Movie for Lucasfilm
- VarietyLeft-leaningJon Watts to Direct Next ‘Star Wars’ Movie
- DeadlineCenter‘Star Wars’ Is Continuing Skywalker Saga With ‘Spider-Man’ Director Jon Watts
- Independent Journal ReviewRight-leaningJon Watts Attached to Direct Star Wars Trilogy Opener