Having formed this universe based on his own childhood dreams, Lucas knew exactly what he was tapping into - and it was a stroke of genius. It’s with all of this in mind that it delights me to no end that it’s this particular strand ofStar Wars’ magic thatSkeleton Crewcreators Jon Watts and Christopher Ford have isolated, weaving a heartwarming tale that forms a wonderful ode to growing up. Yes, this isn’t the first coming-of-age tale to exist but it is the first coming-of-age tale to exist in the Star Wars franchise - a franchise I grew up alongside.
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We sat down withSkeleton Crew’s Jude Law, Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Kyriana Kratter, Robert Timothy Smith, Jon Watts, and Christopher Ford.
While there’s a lot aboutStar Wars: Skeleton Crewthat’s filled my heart with joy, one major contributing factor is the show’s dedication to practical sets and effects, providing the series with a tangibility that’s missing in some fellow modern Star Wars stories. Please don’t get me wrong, I adoreThe Mandalorianand the so-called ‘volume’ works in certain scenarios, but when a set has been extensively and lovingly created, there’s a magic to it that oozes through the screen. You can feel the astonishment and sense of marvel of the series’ younger characters radiating out, and I’m not sure that feeling would’ve been so prevalent if these actors hadn’t had been gifted the experience of playing within such immense sets.
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Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is available now, exclusively on Disney+
There’s also the benefit of improving interactivity. I can’t imagine an iteration of this show where Neel was brought to life purely via motion capture and voice recording. Robert Timothy Smith has excellent camaraderie and chemistry with his fellow adventurers as the character, and that clearly comes from the fostering of those relationships on set. And I have to say, the young cast is the jewel in the crown of what is shaping up to be a charming show. Each of the four main actors bring a relatability and depth to their character that transcends age.
Fern is fearsome, but perhaps a little standoffish. KB is logical and knowledgeable, but lacking strength in her sense of voice. Wim is joy personified, but requires a sense of grounding, while Neel is the amusing people-pleaser who perhaps needs to find some bravery hidden within. You don’t have to be young to identify with any of those above struggles and so I feel quite confident that Star Wars fans of all ages are really going to find something to emotionally latch onto here.
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Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is available now, exclusively on Disney+
Of course, I can’t omit mentioning Jude Law’s Jod Na Nawood, or Crimson Jack as we’re at one point informed. There’s a great sense of freedom with this character, one in which it’s clear to see that Law relished the opportunity to take on. Jod is a true chameleon and in those opening three episodes, it’s hard to pin down what actually makes up the core of this man. Beyond partaking in piracy, it all becomes a question of what’s real and what’s a facade? He provides the illusion of being a Jedi to our young crew, but there’s a glisten in Jod’s eye that almost reads as ‘That’s what I know you want me to be’.
Jod is a true puzzle and that’s a really compelling thread that I look forward to seeing unravel as the series progresses past those opening three episodes. In fact, that intrigue applies toSkeleton Crewas a whole. Beyond knowing that it’s the desire of Wim, Fern, KB, and Neel to return home, there’s no real indicators of how they might get there, and with Jod also being a complete mystery to the viewer,Skelton Crewis a true journey into the unknown - and that’s exactly what we all want to see.
Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is available now, exclusively on Disney+
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Naturally, it awaits to be seen ifStar Wars: Skeleton Crewsustains the palpable sense of adventure and awe it fosters in those opening three episodes, in large part thanks to its talented young cast, in the remaining five instalments of its run, but I have a feeling it will. For a franchise that for many of us formed the backdrop of our childhoods, and has allowed us to escape to other worlds in the years since, it feels only right that it’s now taking us on a coming-of-age adventure. It may be a genre that reflects the experience of going from a child to an adult, but there’s no expiry date on feelings on finding oneself, something thatSkeleton Crewunderstands and taps into. This is a brand new take on Star Wars, but one that’s so fitting that it feels long overdue.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew launches on 2 December at 6pm PT with the first two episodes, exclusively on Disney Plus. UK viewers can tune in from 2am GMT on 3 December.
Topics:Star Wars,TV And Film,Disney,Reviews
