Lucasfilm is reportedly returning to the mainline numbered saga for its next major theatrical push, with director Jon Watts attached to helm the first installment of a new trilogy. According to industry reports, the project is being developed as Star Wars: Episode X, a move that signals a strategic pivot back to the primary Skywalker Saga sequence following years of focus on standalone features and streaming series.
The new trilogy is being written by Simon Kinberg, a veteran producer and writer who has reportedly been developing this specific project since 2024. While Lucasfilm has officially provided “no comment” regarding Watts’ attachment or the specific title, insiders indicate the production is now one of the most advanced in the studio’s pipeline.
The Shift Back to the Skywalker Saga
The decision to label the project as Episode X suggests a continuation of the narrative timeline established in the sequel trilogy. Reports indicate that Daisy Ridley is expected to reprise her role as Rey Skywalker, serving as a central figure in the new narrative arc. This development comes as Lucasfilm reportedly shelves the previously announced “New Jedi Order” film, which was set to be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
The shift in strategy follows a period of internal transition at Lucasfilm. Dave Filoni, who has long overseen the franchise’s creative direction, recently moved into a co-Presidential role. Observers suggest that returning to the “Episode” branding is an effort to recapture the gravity and scale associated with the core franchise entries.
Jon Watts’ reported promotion to a feature film director within the franchise follows his work on the Disney+ series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew (2024-2025). His successful tenure on that project is viewed as a primary catalyst for Lucasfilm entrusting him with the launch of a new theatrical trilogy.
Future Theatrical Schedule
While the Watts-led project is gaining momentum, it is not the first Star Wars film currently on the horizon. The next entry scheduled for theatrical release is Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter, which is currently slated for May 28, 2027. The Episode X project would likely follow Levy’s film, though no specific release date has been confirmed.
The involvement of Kinberg brings a long-term collaborator back into the fold. Having worked extensively on the franchise’s animated expansion and early development of several live-action concepts, Kinberg’s scripts for the new trilogy are expected to bridge the gap between the existing sequels and the next generation of Jedi stories. Questions remain regarding the potential return of other sequel trilogy stars, such as John Boyega or Oscar Isaac, though no official casting beyond the reports of Ridley’s involvement has been established.
