Jon Watts Tapped to Direct Star Wars: Episode X for Lucasfilm
The Hollywood Reporter says Watts will direct at least the first film in Simon Kinberg's new Star Wars trilogy.
Jon Watts has signed on to direct at least Star Wars: Episode X, according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter. The film is part of a new Star Wars trilogy being written for Lucasfilm by Simon Kinberg.
Daisy Ridley's Rey is expected to return in the continuation of the Skywalker saga, though Lucasfilm has not confirmed a release date or further cast details.
Kinberg's Star Wars Roots
Kinberg is not new to the franchise. In October 2025, his prior Star Wars work includes co-creating and executive producing Star Wars Rebels with Dave Filoni. He wrote the two-part series premiere "Spark of Rebellion" with Filoni and Greg Weisman, and co-wrote the season 2 finale "Twilight of the Apprentice" with Steven Melching and Filoni. He also helped write the series finale "Family Reunion - and Farewell" and served as a story consultant on The Force Awakens alongside J.J. Abrams.
Watts recently served as co-creator, executive producer, showrunner, and director of the first and last episodes of 2024's Skeleton Crew.
Following The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, Lucasfilm shifted its focus to streaming series and standalone films. This new trilogy marks a return to the episodic Skywalker storyline.
Quick answers
Who is directing Star Wars: Episode X?
Jon Watts has reportedly signed on to direct at least Star Wars: Episode X, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Who is writing the new Star Wars trilogy?
Simon Kinberg is writing a new Star Wars trilogy for Lucasfilm.
Is Rey returning in Star Wars: Episode X?
Daisy Ridley's Rey is expected to return in the continuation of the Skywalker saga.