While industry outlets have characterized the undertaking as a continuation of the Skywalker Saga—potentially serving as Episode X following the 2019 release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker—other internal reports describe it as a standalone narrative arc. Daisy Ridley is expected to reprise her role as Rey Skywalker in some capacity, alongside new male and female leads currently undergoing the casting process, as reported by Knight Edge Media. Parent company Disney has not yet officially greenlit the project, which remains in active development behind the studio’s upcoming Starfighter feature directed by Shawn Levy.
Building a Streamlined Creative Pipeline
The pairing of Watts and Kinberg underscores Lucasfilm’s evolving production strategy under executive leadership and Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni. Rather than relying on sporadic, isolated filmmaker pitches that have historically led to creative departures, the studio is prioritizing dependable directors with proven experience navigating major studio pipelines. Kinberg, who co-created Star Wars Rebels alongside Filoni, has spent years mapping out interconnected narratives and brings extensive franchise experience from his work on Fox’s X-Men universe.
For Watts, the assignment offers an opportunity to cement a long-term relationship with Walt Disney Studios following a 2024 first-look deal under his production banner, Freshman Year. Watts earned industry trust by successfully managing the scale and commercial ambitions of Marvel’s Tom Holland-led Spider-Man trilogy, encompassing Homecoming, Far From Home, and No Way Home. Although subsequent theatrical efforts like Apple’s Wolfs faced distribution hurdles, his work on Skeleton Crew demonstrated an ability to blend character-focused storytelling with sprawling sci-fi world-building.
Franchise Stakes and Production Timelines
Lucasfilm is currently navigating a pivotal transitional phase for its theatrical division. Following the 2019 conclusion of the sequel trilogy, the studio focused heavily on streaming television properties such as The Mandalorian, Andor, and Ahsoka. Bringing high-profile cinematic projects back to the big screen has proved complex, making the execution of both Shawn Levy’s Starfighter—slated for May 2027 to coincide with the franchise’s 50th anniversary—and Kinberg’s trilogy vital for future momentum.
Production timelines for Watts’ film remain flexible, with industry sources indicating that filming could commence as early as next year if casting and script finalization proceed smoothly. However, because the film lacks an official release date and has yet to receive a formal greenlight from Disney corporate leadership, observers note that timelines could shift as development progresses through 2026.