Star Wars Episode X looks set to continue the Skywalker Saga, though we're still not entirely sure what that's going to look like. Some early details were recently revealed for the movie that's going to be written by Simon Kinberg (Dark Phoenix) and directed by Jon Watts (Spider-Man: Homecoming), and we now have some additional insights.
Insider Daniel Richtman has weighed in, revealing that Lucasfilm intends to bring back more characters from the Star Wars sequel trilogy for future movies—including this one—potentially in smaller roles.
He also explains that the studio (now run by Dave Filoni following Kathleen Kennedy's departure) wants Episode X to feel more like the original Star Wars trilogy. This presumably means it will be more Skeleton Crew than The Acolyte in tone and approach.
Star Wars leaker @fiveswalker has also shared a few updates, reiterating that the movie's leads will be in their early 20s with a "heavy" focus on their romance. In fact, that will be one of the movie's "key definers." Apparently, it's very Young Adult-oriented, but "very good," so Lucasfilm may be looking to tap into the audience drawn to The Hunger Games, for example.
Of course, a casualty of Episode X is the long-delayed New Jedi Order movie revolving around Daisy Ridley's Rey Skywalker. Interestingly, it sounds like at least some of the ideas from that have carried over to this follow-up to The Rise of Skywalker...
It's not hugely surprising that the plot of a movie which was once going to bridge the gap between the two trilogies has now been incorporated into Episode X. It's also been reported by the trades that Ridley will be back in some capacity as Rey for this story. The question is, will scrapped plans for The Hunt for Ben Solo also be folded into the next trilogy?
The leaker later added, "So no, 'New Jedi Order' is no longer happening. It's been dead for quite a while. From what I know, I think we will get far more of the Rebels-quality Kinberg and not the Dark Phoenix Kinberg. I am excited."
Watts is no stranger to Star Wars. He developed and directed episodes of Disney+'s Skeleton Crew, which holds a 92% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The filmmaker also has blockbuster experience, having helmed Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and Spider-Man: No Way Home for Marvel Studios.
Kinberg's track record isn't quite as good. He wrote the Oscar-nominated Ridley Scott film The Martian, but is also responsible for duds like X-Men: The Last Stand, Fantastic Four, and Dark Phoenix.
Stay tuned for updates on Star Wars Episode X as we have them.