Jon Watts, the creative force behind Tom Holland's highly successful 'Spider-Man' trilogy—including 'Spider-Man: Homecoming,' 'Spider-Man: Far From Home,' and the record-breaking 'Spider-Man: No Way Home'—is stepping into a galaxy far, far away. Watts will take the helm of a new 'Star Wars' feature film currently in development, a move that signals a fresh direction for Lucasfilm's cinematic future.
Watts’s involvement with Disney and Lucasfilm is not entirely new. Prior to this announcement, he co-created the upcoming 'Star Wars: Skeleton Crew' series alongside Christopher Ford, a live-action show set in the New Republic era featuring Jude Law. Furthermore, in 2024, Watts and his production company, Freshman Year, inked a first-look feature deal with Walt Disney Studios, cementing his ties to the entertainment giant.
The director's journey to the 'Star Wars' universe follows a diverse filmography, which also includes the thrillers 'Cop Car' and 'Clown' before his Marvel Cinematic Universe success. His proven ability to balance large-scale action with intimate character moments makes him a compelling choice for the 'Star Wars' franchise, known for its epic scope and emotional depth.
Joining Watts on this new venture is screenwriter Simon Kinberg, who will pen the script. Kinberg is a familiar name to fans of cinematic universes, having served extensively as a writer, producer, and director for the 'X-Men' franchise. His selection for a 'Star Wars' project was noted by Variety as a somewhat surprising, yet intriguing, choice.
This upcoming film will join a storied lineage of 'Star Wars' movies, with Watts adding his name to a prestigious list of directors that includes George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Richard Marquand, J.J. Abrams, and Rian Johnson. The last 'Star Wars' film to grace theatrical screens was J.J. Abrams' 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' in 2019. The announcement of Watts's involvement brings renewed anticipation for the franchise's return to cinemas, promising a fresh vision from a director with a track record of delivering both critical acclaim and box-office success.