Recent news regarding the next mainline Star Wars film has ignited a significant backlash among the franchise's fanbase. Reports indicate that Jon Watts, known for directing the recent Spider-Man trilogy, is slated to direct the movie, which is intended to usher in a new phase of the Skywalker Saga. Simon Kinberg is reportedly writing the film, continuing his involvement with the previously rumored trilogy.
The fervor stems from multiple concerns. Primarily, many fans are reportedly frustrated that the story will once again focus on the Skywalker family, arguing that the expansive Star Wars universe offers ample opportunity for entirely new narratives. This desire for novelty comes after perceived attempts in recent entries, like Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, to heavily rely on established iconography and characters.
Further compounding the disappointment is the perception of Jon Watts as a director. While his work on the Tom Holland Spider-Man films was met with general approval, critics have characterized his style as workmanlike and visually uninspired, suggesting a safe but unexciting choice for a project of this magnitude. However, Watts has also been involved with the Star Wars universe, co-creating, co-writing, and directing episodes of the Disney Plus series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. His consistent delivery of successful blockbusters for Marvel Studios aligns with Lucasfilm's apparent strategy of enlisting directors capable of completing large-scale projects efficiently.
The selection of Simon Kinberg as writer has also drawn criticism. Kinberg's filmography includes several films that were poorly received by critics, such as Fantastic Four (2015), X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men: Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix, and Jumper. This has led some fans to question his continued involvement. On the other hand, Kinberg also wrote the well-regarded X-Men: Days of Future Past. Supporters point to his reputation in Hollywood as a capable producer and a generator of ideas.
This strategic direction, characterized by a reliance on familiar talent and concepts, appears to be a point of contention for a fanbase that seems to be craving fresh storytelling. The recent box office performance of Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu, which grossed $345.8 million and may struggle to recoup its budget, stands in stark contrast to the massive success of films like Star Wars: The Force Awakens over a decade ago. Fans are expressing a desire for innovation, yet the current approach suggests a return to established formulas.