Jon Watts

Jonathan Watts (born June 28, 1981) is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer whose career has spanned over two decades, beginning with commercial work and evolving into major blockbuster franchises. Raised in Fountain, Colorado, Watts discovered his passion for visual storytelling early, creating the claymation short Clay Pride: Being Clay in America, a satirical take on LGBTQ+ cinema that demonstrated his willingness to blend humor with social commentary. After studying film at New York University, he honed his craft directing music videos for artists such as Fatboy Slim, Death Cab for Cutie, and Swedish House Mafia, developing a reputation for inventive visuals and a keen sense of rhythm. His first feature film, the horror Clown (2014), emerged from a viral fake trailer that caught the attention of producer Eli Roth, showcasing Watts' ability to turn internet phenomena into full‑length productions. The following year he delivered the tense thriller Cop Car (2015), a story inspired by a childhood dream, which earned critical praise and solidified his talent for suspenseful storytelling. In 2017 Watts made a landmark leap into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Spider‑Man: Homecoming, a film he famously secured by sending Marvel a homemade trailer, proving his tenacity and vision. He continued to shape the Spider‑Man saga with Far From Home (2019) and the record‑breaking No Way Home (2021), where he also performed motion‑capture for Sandman, illustrating his hands‑on approach to filmmaking. Beyond Marvel, Watts has ventured into high‑profile projects such as the thriller Wolfs (2024) starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, an upcoming Star Wars series Skeleton Crew for Disney+, and a first‑look deal with Walt Disney Studios, confirming his status as a versatile director capable of handling both franchise blockbusters and auteur‑driven cinema. His personal life includes a marriage to former talent agent Dianne McGunigle, and together they run the production company Freshman Year, further expanding his influence in contemporary Hollywood.