Jon Watts Assigned to Direct Unnamed ‘Star Wars’ Episode X with Simon Kinberg Penning Script

Disney's Lucasfilm has confirmed that director Jon Watts, best known for steering the recent Marvel Spider‑Man movies, will helm the next installment in the space saga, provisionally referred to as "Star Wars Episode X." The screenplay is being written by veteran franchise writer Simon Kinberg, according to a report first published by Gizmodo.

Watts' involvement marks a notable shift for the franchise, as his previous work has been characterized by a blend of kinetic action and character‑driven humor. Those qualities, demonstrated across the three‑film Spider‑Man series, are expected to influence the tone and pacing of the upcoming Star Wars chapter, potentially offering a fresh visual style within the galaxy far, far away.

Simon Kinberg brings a different set of credentials to the project. He has spent more than a decade shaping the modern X‑Men film series and has contributed to a range of high‑profile franchise scripts. His experience with large ensemble casts and long‑running mythologies suggests he will be tasked with weaving new narrative threads while respecting the established lore that longtime fans expect.

The appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for the franchise. Since the conclusion of Episode IX in 2019, Lucasfilm has been rebuilding its slate, balancing legacy content with new stories. The studio has signaled a desire to keep the brand evolving, and the pairing of Watts and Kinberg appears to be part of a broader strategy to inject fresh creative energy while maintaining continuity.

Early reactions from the fan community and industry watchers have been mixed but largely attentive. Some observers point to Watts' proven box‑office track record as a positive indicator for the commercial prospects of the next film, while others note that Kinberg’s recent projects have received varied critical reception. The combination, however, has sparked speculation about whether the upcoming episode will lean toward a more adventure‑centric approach or explore deeper thematic material.

Lucasfilm has not disclosed a production schedule or release window, but the development phase typically involves script drafts, concept design, and preliminary casting before a formal green light. As the studio continues to outline its long‑term roadmap for the Star Wars universe, the involvement of Watts and Kinberg will likely shape both creative decisions and marketing narratives as the franchise moves toward its next major theatrical outing.