New Star Wars Movie’s Divisive Director Choice Can Save the Franchise

A new Star Wars movie has found its director, and despite the divisive decision, this filmmaker can save the franchise.

Jon Watts is heading to a galaxy far, far away. Watts is attached to direct the first movie in Simon Kinberg‘s new Star Wars trilogy. The movie is supposed to be the next chapter in the Skywalker Saga and will feature Daisy Ridley’s Rey in some capacity.

Watts is best known for directing the first three MCU Spider-Man movies starring Tom Holland. Watts has prior experience in Star Wars, having co-created the Disney+ show Skeleton Crew.

Since the report went live on Saturday, Lucasfilm‘s decision to bring on Watts has been polarizing. One X user described Watts as “mediocre,” while another user called it a “bigger swing than the show [Skeleton Crew].” However, Watts might be the right filmmaker to resurrect the Star Wars franchise.

Star Wars must take advantage of Jon Watts’ experience championing younger characters

It’s no secret that the Star Wars movies are in peril. The sequel trilogy, especially The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, created significant division within the Star Wars community. This past year, The Mandalorian and Grogu‘s underperformance did not relaunch Star Wars as a theatrical product. The pressure is on Star Wars: Starfighter to deliver next year.

Starfighter is only a standalone story, while Watts is directing the first movie in a new trilogy. Considering the divisiveness from the Skywalker Saga, Lucasfilm must start the new trilogy on a high note.

A lack of a unified vision is one reason why the sequel trilogy failed critically. Having multiple directors and writers for the three films without a true roadmap was a massive mistake. The three films lacked cohesion. It was as if the directors and writers didn’t talk to one another while making their films.

Regardless of Kinberg’s spotty track record, having one person write the three movies is a wise decision. That solves the unified vision problem.

Picking the right director to start a trilogy is a massive decision. Watts has shown he can successfully kick off a franchise in the director’s chair. Look at what he did with Spider-Man: Homecoming, a financial and critical success for Marvel. Watts went on to direct two more well-received Spider-Man movies, proving he can deliver multiple hits in a recognizable franchise.

Watts’ biggest strength might be his handling of younger characters. The Holland trilogy was praised for championing its coming-of-age roots. Watts channeled that same energy for Skeleton Crew, which predominantly had young children as the leads. Even though it will be a Skywalker Saga movie, it should introduce fresh, younger characters that fans can grow with over three movies. Lucasfilm would be silly not to let Watts do what he does best.

Star Wars movies must become theatrical events again. Watts did it with Spider-Man. I don’t see why he can’t do it with Star Wars.

Source: Comingsoon.net