Jon Watts to Helm Upcoming 'Star Wars' Cinematic Project
Entertainment

Jon Watts to Helm Upcoming 'Star Wars' Cinematic Project

authorBy Ta-Nehisi Coates
DateSep 27, 2026
Read Time2 min

Filmmaker Jon Watts, widely recognized for his successful 'Spider-Man' trilogy, is set to undertake a new cinematic endeavor within the expansive 'Star Wars' saga. His involvement marks a significant addition to the storied franchise, coming after his recent collaboration on the 'Skeleton Crew' television series. The screenplay for this highly anticipated project is being crafted by Simon Kinberg, known for his contributions to the 'X-Men' universe.

Celebrated Director Jon Watts Embarks on a New 'Star Wars' Journey

On September 26, 2026, it was officially announced that acclaimed director Jon Watts will take the helm for a forthcoming 'Star Wars' movie. Watts, whose cinematic prowess is well-demonstrated through his direction of Marvel's 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' (2017), 'Spider-Man: Far From Home' (2019), and 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' (2021), is now poised to bring his unique vision to a galaxy far, far away. Prior to his work with Marvel, Watts also directed features such as 'Cop Car' and 'Clown'. His continued relationship with Disney was solidified in 2024 when his production company, Freshman Year, along with producer Dianne McGunigle, secured a first-look feature deal with Walt Disney Studios.

Watts's entry into the 'Star Wars' directorial roster places him in esteemed company alongside filmmaking legends like Irvin Kershner, Richard Marquand, J.J. Abrams, Rian Johnson, and the franchise's visionary creator, George Lucas. The most recent theatrical release in the saga was Abrams's 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' in 2019.

Adding to his recent engagements within the 'Star Wars' universe, Watts co-created 'Skeleton Crew' in 2024 with Christopher Ford. This coming-of-age series, set during the New Republic era, follows the adventures of four young protagonists, featuring a cast including Jude Law as Jod Na Nawood, Ravi Cabot-Conyers as Wim, Ryan Kiera Armstrong as Fern, Kyriana Kratter as KB, and Robert Timothy Smith as Neel.

The screenplay for this upcoming 'Star Wars' film will be penned by Simon Kinberg, a name familiar to fans of the 'X-Men' franchise, where he served as a writer, producer, and director. Kinberg's selection for this pivotal role was met with some surprise upon its initial report by Variety in 2024. News of Watts's directorial assignment was first revealed by Knight Edge Media.

This announcement signifies an exciting new chapter for the 'Star Wars' franchise, bringing a director with a proven track record of blockbuster success and a fresh perspective to its rich narrative tapestry. Watts's ability to blend compelling storytelling with dynamic action sequences, as seen in his previous works, holds immense promise for the future of the beloved space opera. Fans can anticipate a fresh cinematic experience that both honors the legacy of 'Star Wars' and pushes its boundaries, driven by the creative talents of Jon Watts and Simon Kinberg.

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