Jon Watts’ ‘Star Wars’ Movie Will Reportedly Center on Two New Leads With Rey as Their Mentor

Lucasfilm’s big-screen future has been the subject of endless speculation since ‘The Rise of Skywalker’ closed out the Skywalker Saga. The next film to hit theaters is Shawn Levy’s ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’, starring Ryan Gosling, which arrives on May 28, 2027, as the first canon film or series set after the events of ‘Episode IX’.

Beyond that, the studio’s plans have been in flux. Taika Waititi’s long-gestating ‘Star Wars’ movie has reportedly been put on ice, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s ‘New Jedi Order’ film, announced at Star Wars Celebration in April 2023, has reportedly been set aside.

In its place, a new project has emerged as the frontrunner. In September, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and Deadline reported that Jon Watts is attached to direct the first installment of a new trilogy written by Simon Kinberg, who has been developing the story since 2024.

Watts is no stranger to major franchises. He directed the MCU’s ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy and co-created the Disney+ series ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’, while Kinberg’s credits include ‘Star Wars Rebels’ and ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’.

Now a fresh detail has surfaced about the film’s direction. According to insider DanielRPK, the upcoming Watts-directed ‘Star Wars’ film will feature a pair of leads, with Daisy Ridley’s Rey serving as a mentor figure to them.

Reportedly The upcoming Jon Watts ‘STAR WARS’ film will have two leads !! Rey will be a mentor figure to them. Via @DanielRPK https://t.co/Hgw6tZZC5W

— TheMysticCut (@TMCXS7) October 26, 2026

The report lines up with earlier scoops about the project. Knight Edge Media previously reported that Lucasfilm was searching for unknown actors to play the film’s male and female leads. That same outlet reported that Ridley is expected to return as Jedi Master Rey, but in a minor role. Her part could reportedly expand in later installments of the trilogy.

The mentor angle would continue a direction long associated with the character. The previously planned Obaid-Chinoy film was set to follow Rey as she took on the role of a Jedi Master guiding a new generation of Padawans.

If the latest report is accurate, Watts’ film would shift the spotlight toward fresh faces while keeping Rey as a connective thread to the sequel trilogy. That approach could allow Lucasfilm to introduce new heroes without abandoning a familiar character.

Star Wars returns to the big screen with The Mandalorian and Grogu. Watch the trailer now and experience the film, starring Pedro Pascal, only in theaters and IMAX May 22. https://t.co/0S31W8kRfq

— Star Wars (@starwars) February 17, 2026

Some insiders have suggested the film could be titled ‘Episode X’ and serve as the next chapter of the Skywalker Saga. Others have speculated it could instead launch a standalone new saga.

Lucasfilm has not officially announced a film called ‘Episode X’ and has not commented on the reports. It also remains unclear how Watts’ project would relate to the events of ‘Starfighter’.

Fans should keep expectations in check for now. THR’s sources indicated that Disney has not yet officially greenlit the project, though it appears to be the furthest along of Lucasfilm’s films in development after ‘Starfighter’.

There is no title, release date, or production schedule attached yet. Until the studio confirms details, the reported story structure remains part of a developing project rather than a locked-in plan.

The news has drawn mixed responses online. Some fans are excited to see new leads and a mentor role for Rey, while others remain skeptical about continuing her story at all. Either way, the prospect of Watts bringing his blend of heart and adventure to the big screen has given ‘Star Wars’ fans plenty to discuss as Lucasfilm charts its next era.

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