Simon Kinberg to Write and Produce New ‘Star Wars’ Trilogy

(Left) The cast of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'. Photo: Lucasfilm. (Right) 'Invasion' series creator Simon Kinberg.

Preview:

Simon Kinberg is reportedly developing a ‘Star Wars’ movie trilogy.
He’d write the movies and produce them with Kathleen Kennedy.
This trilogy is apparently about new characters.

Stop us if you’ve heard this one before.

A respected name in filmmaking (and particularly in this case, genre producing) has been hired by Lucasfilm to come up with new ‘Star Wars’ movies. Yes, it’s a story we’ve heard multiple times in the past –– more on that below –– with little to show for it so far.

Still, shoving cynicism aside for a moment, we’re certainly intrigued to learn Disney and Lucasfilm to develop, write and produce a new trilogy set in that galaxy far, far away.

And it’s not like Kinberg –– who has worked on a variety of projects in the past, including 20th Century Fox’s ‘Deadpool’ films and a host of others more as a writer/producer –– doesn’t also already boast ‘Star Wars’ bona fides.

Star Wars Rebels

"A spark of rebellion ignites..."

TV-Y74 Seasons October 13th, 2014

Watch Star Wars Rebels Online

He co-created animated series ‘Carrie Beck, with the show running for four seasons from 2014-2018, and certainly influencing the direction of the current live-action ‘Star Wars’ shows.

Kinberg was also a consultant on ‘J.J. Abrams-directed movie that kicked off Disney’s expansion of the galaxy after it bought Lucasfilm.

And talking of the companies, we must still take all of this with enough salt to sate a Sarlacc, since neither Disney nor Lucasfilm is officially commenting just yet. Deadline mentions that Kinberg’s deal has closed, but these things usually have to wait for more solid confirmation, often at an event such as Disney’s D23.

What would the Simon Kinberg ‘Star Wars’ movies focus on?

1977's 'Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.' Credit: Lucasfilm.

That question is, for now at least, largely a mystery.

While Deadline initially heard that it would continue the “Skywalker Saga” (AKA IX, which kicked off back in 1977 with the original ‘Star Wars’ before spawning the prequel and then sequel trilogies), that has since been shot down like a TIE Fighter by the Falcon, with focus now apparently on a new story with different characters (but with the door open for familiar faces to potentially appear).

Who else has been reported as involved with new ‘Star Wars’ movies?

(L to R) Director James Mangold, Dave Filoni, and director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy at Star Wars Celebration 2023.

The list for this is fairly long, with little to show for it thus far.

Right now, we have current co-overlord of the ‘Star Wars’ TV universe, Mandalorian and Grogu’ movie, which is scheduled to be on screens in May 2026.

Still in development are projects from Favreau’s main collaborator, Dave Filoni (who, like his colleague, would likely draw from their TV universe), Daisy Ridley’s Rey as she continues her own quest.

(L to R) Director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Daisy Ridley at Star Wars Celebration 2023.

That latter movie has been having some issues getting its script together, with ‘Steven Knight the latest writer to depart.

Then we have Disney+ series but currently appears to be a movie.

As for those who have been reported as developing ‘Star Wars’ output that has yet to see much forward movement? They include ‘The Three Body Problem.’