Brief
Jon Watts tapped to direct new Skywalker trilogy as Disney weighs greenlight
Lucasfilm announced Jon Watts as director of a planned Skywalker saga trilogy, though Disney has not yet approved the project.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Lucasfilm has hired director Jon Watts to lead the first film of a new Skywalker saga trilogy, according to a report by The Guardian on Oct. 2, 2026. The project, written by Simon Kinberg, would continue the family‑centric storyline that has defined Star Wars for decades, and Daisy Ridley is reportedly being considered to reprise her role as Rey. The films have not yet received a greenlight from Disney, and details beyond the creative team remain scarce.
The Guardian notes that the move follows Watts’ success with Spider‑Man: No Way Home, a franchise film that revived interest in a long‑running series by bringing back familiar characters. The outlet suggests that Disney may be turning to Watts because the studio has struggled to find fresh directions for Star Wars without relying on the Skywalker family.
While the article acknowledges the lack of official confirmation on the trilogy’s budget or release schedule, it highlights that the decision reflects Disney’s broader strategy of leveraging high‑profile directors to reinvigorate legacy franchises. The piece also mentions that Ryan Gosling is slated to appear in an upcoming Star Wars movie unrelated to the Skywalker saga, underscoring the franchise’s expanding scope.
Earlier Felo coverage reported Watts’ attachment to the project on Sep. 27, noting that the screenplay will be penned by Kinberg and that the trilogy remains in development. The new report adds that Disney has not yet approved the venture, marking a key step in the saga’s uncertain future.
Key facts
- Jon Watts has been hired to direct the first film of a new Skywalker saga trilogy. (theguardian.com)
- Simon Kinberg will write the screenplay for the planned trilogy. (theguardian.com)
- Daisy Ridley is being considered to return as Rey. (theguardian.com)
- The project has not yet been greenlit by Disney. (theguardian.com)
- Ryan Gosling is set to appear in a separate Star Wars film unrelated to the Skywalker saga. (theguardian.com)
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “A new Skywalker trilogy for Star Wars? Going back to the same family-saga well is a waste of time”
