Thescreescore – Whispers from within the industry suggest Lucasfilm has identified a prime candidate to helm Star Wars: Episode X, signaling a major push for the future of the beloved saga. Following the cinematic conclusion of the venerable Skywalker Saga with 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker, and a subsequent brief hiatus from the big screen, the galaxy far, far away is once again charting a course for its future. While the theatrical landscape saw the return of Star Wars earlier this year with The Mandalorian & Grogu and anticipates Star Wars: Starfighter in 2027, attention is now firmly fixed on the next mainline chapter, with sources indicating Lucasfilm is reportedly "circling" a familiar creative force to direct Episode X.
According to Knight Edge Media, filmmaker Jon Watts is the name currently in contention to direct the inaugural installment of what is understood to be a new Star Wars film trilogy, with Simon Kinberg attached as writer. Watts, who previously inked a first-look deal with Disney in 2024 to produce live-action features, is widely recognized for his successful stewardship of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s first three Spider-Man films, a collaboration between Disney-owned Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures. This new report suggests that while Watts is primarily being considered for Episode X at this juncture, the possibility remains open for him to direct the subsequent two installments of the trilogy.
Watts is no stranger to the intricate tapestry of the Star Wars universe. He co-created the upcoming Disney+ series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew alongside Christopher Ford, even directing both its premiere and finale episodes. This experience provided him with valuable insights into the franchise’s unique storytelling, including direct collaboration with executive producer Dave Filoni, who now serves as Lucasfilm’s President and Chief Creative Officer. Given his proven track record with major franchises and his existing rapport within the Lucasfilm ecosystem, Watts emerges as a compelling choice for one of the many Star Wars cinematic projects currently in development.
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Intriguingly, Episode X is rumored to serve as a direct continuation of the events depicted in the Sequel Trilogy. Previously, Lucasfilm announced a film to be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, which would see Daisy Ridley reprise her role as Rey, chronicling her efforts to establish a new Jedi Order approximately 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker. While that project was officially stated to be in active development, the recent report concerning Watts’ potential involvement in Episode X suggests that the Obaid-Chinoy film may have been put on hold. Should Episode X indeed pick up from the 2019 film, Ridley’s role as Rey is reportedly expected to be minor, and it remains uncertain whether fan-favorites John Boyega and Oscar Isaac will return as Finn and Poe Dameron, respectively.
It’s important to differentiate Episode X from Star Wars: Starfighter, which is confirmed for a May 28, 2027 release and is set five years after The Rise of Skywalker, focusing on new characters in a standalone narrative. Watts’ most recent directorial endeavor, Wolfs, premiered on Apple TV in 2024, and he also contributed as a producer to 2025’s Final Destination: Bloodlines and this year’s Never Change. Thescreescore.com has reached out to Disney and Lucasfilm for official comment regarding the Star Wars: Episode X report. Meanwhile, fans can look forward to Ahsoka season 2 premiering on Disney+ on January 20, 2027, as the television side of the Star Wars franchise continues its expansion.
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