The next chapter of the Star Wars universe is beginning to take shape, with Spider-Man filmmaker Jon Watts attached to direct a new movie in the legendary sci-fi franchise.
The project is currently in development, marking another major collaboration between Watts and Disney after his work on Marvel’s hugely successful Spider-Man trilogy and the Star Wars series Skeleton Crew.
From Spider-Man to a galaxy far, far away
Watts is best known for directing all three films in Tom Holland’s original Spider-Man trilogy: Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017, Spider-Man: Far From Home in 2019 and the blockbuster Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021.
The filmmaker did not return to direct 2026’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which was instead helmed by Destin Daniel Cretton.
Before entering the Marvel universe, Watts directed smaller projects including Cop Car and Clown, before his career expanded dramatically with the success of Spider-Man.
In 2024, Watts, his production company Freshman Year and producer Dianne McGunigle signed a first-look feature deal with Walt Disney Studios, strengthening his relationship with the company.
Watts already knows the ‘Star Wars’ universe
The upcoming movie will not be Watts’ first experience working in the galaxy created by George Lucas.
In 2024, he co-created the Disney+ series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew with Christopher Ford.
Set during the New Republic era, the series followed four young characters who become caught up in an unexpected galactic adventure.
The cast included Jude Law as Jod Na Nawood, alongside Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Kyriana Kratter and Robert Timothy Smith.
That experience now appears to be leading Watts from the streaming side of Star Wars into its theatrical future.
Simon Kinberg is writing the screenplay
The screenplay for the upcoming film will be written by Simon Kinberg, whose career has been closely associated with the X-Men franchise as a writer, producer and director.
Details about the story, characters, setting and release date have not yet been revealed.
It is also unclear how the project will connect to other Star Wars films and series currently in development.
For now, Watts’ involvement is the biggest indication of the creative direction behind the movie.
A major addition to the franchise’s directing history
By taking on the project, Watts joins a long list of filmmakers who have shaped Star Wars on the big screen.
Previous directors include George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Richard Marquand, J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson.
The franchise’s most recent theatrical release remains Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, directed by Abrams and released in 2019.
After several years in which the franchise expanded primarily through television and streaming series, the confirmation of another theatrical project adds further momentum to Lucasfilm’s plans for the future of Star Wars.
With Watts behind the camera and Kinberg writing the screenplay, the next Star Wars movie is beginning to assemble its creative team — even if the story itself remains firmly under wraps.
