The landscape of the "Star Wars" galaxy is preparing for a significant expansion as Lucasfilm moves forward with a new theatrical project helmed by director Jon Watts. The filmmaker, who became a household name within the industry for his stewardship of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s "Spider-Man" trilogy, has officially been attached to direct a new installment in the long-running sci-fi saga. This development marks a major step in the franchise’s return to the big screen, as Lucasfilm continues to curate a new era of cinematic storytelling following a multi-year hiatus from theatrical releases.
Watts is not the only high-profile creative attached to the project. As previously reported, Simon Kinberg is set to write the screenplay. Kinberg’s involvement brings a wealth of experience in the realm of big-budget franchise filmmaking, though his selection was initially viewed by some industry insiders as a surprising choice given his extensive history with other major properties. Together, the pairing of Watts and Kinberg represents a concerted effort by Lucasfilm and Walt Disney Studios to leverage proven blockbuster talent for the next chapter of the "Star Wars" mythos.
A Proven Track Record with Blockbuster Franchises
Jon Watts’ transition into the "Star Wars" universe follows a nearly decade-long run of immense commercial and critical success. He is best known for directing the "Spider-Man" trilogy starring Tom Holland, a series that revitalized the character within the context of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His work began with 2017’s "Spider-Man: Homecoming," which was praised for its youthful energy and grounded approach to the superhero genre. He followed this with 2019’s "Spider-Man: Far From Home" and the 2021 global phenomenon "Spider-Man: No Way Home."
The latter film, "No Way Home," became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time, navigating a complex multi-verse narrative that brought together three generations of "Spider-Man" cinema. Watts’ ability to manage massive production scales while maintaining a focus on character-driven storytelling made him one of the most sought-after directors in Hollywood. While Watts was the architect of the first three Holland-led films, the franchise is set to move in a new direction for its next chapter; the 2026 release "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" will see Destin Daniel Cretton take over the directorial reins, freeing Watts to focus on his burgeoning relationship with Lucasfilm.
Before he was synonymous with the webslinger, Watts built his reputation through smaller, atmospheric projects that showcased his versatility. His 2015 thriller "Cop Car," starring Kevin Bacon, was a critical darling that demonstrated his skill in directing young actors and building tension. Prior to that, he helmed the horror film "Clown." This background in both intimate indie filmmaking and massive studio spectacles has defined his career trajectory, leading to a major professional milestone in 2024. It was reported that Watts, along with his production company Freshman Year and producer Dianne McGunigle, had signed a first-look feature deal with Walt Disney Studios. This agreement solidified Watts’ position as a key creative partner for Disney, paving the way for his involvement in their most prestigious brands.
