Jon Watts to direct new Skywalker Saga film; Daisy Ridley eyed to return as Rey

Lucasfilm has tapped Jon Watts to direct the first film in a new trilogy set within the Skywalker Saga, Deadline reports. Watts, known for directing Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and Spider-Man: No Way Home, also co-created the streaming series Skeleton Crew, and is now attached to helm what is described as the opening installment of a fresh Skywalker-era arc.

The screenplay is being written by Simon Kinberg, a veteran Star Wars contributor who has previously co-created the Disney XD animated series Star Wars Rebels and has been developing the new trilogy since 2018. The report indicates Daisy Ridley is eyed to reprise her role as Rey, positioning her as part of this next chapter of the saga.

Deadline notes that the project has not yet received a greenlight from Disney. Lucasfilm declined to comment on the report.

Context for fans: the Star Wars film slate has continued to expand beyond the Skywalker line, and the franchise’s upcoming live-action feature Star Wars: Starfighter is set for a May 28, 2027 premiere. The Watts project is presented as a separate pathway for future Skywalker storytelling rather than an immediate successor to Starfighter, at least in its current reporting.

As with any high-profile franchise plan, details—including cast, release timing, and production start—could shift before formal confirmation. The Deadline piece frames this as a strategic move by Lucasfilm to re-energize the Skywalker legacy while broadening the universe for ongoing storytelling across films and related media.

Source: Deadline

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