‘Star Wars’ Embraces ‘Stranger Things’ in a Kid-Centric Galactic Adventure

Strap in, hold tight, and blast off because a new entry into the “Star Wars” universe is on approach. The latest project from Lucasfilm and Disney+, “Skeleton Crew,” is set to take four young characters on an unexpected adventure. These younglings will depart from the safety of their home planet and embark on a mystifying journey through unexplored corners of the galaxy. A trailer for the series debuted at D23 on Friday, August 9, and has generated significant buzz.

The child cast is led by fresh faces including Ravi Cabot-Conyers as Wim, Kyriana Kratter as KB, Robert Timothy Smith as Neel—a character of the same species as Max Rebo from “Return of the Jedi”—and Ryan Kiera Armstrong as Fern. Adding star power, Academy Award nominee Jude Law appears as Jod Na Nawood, a Force user the children meet while in prison. Whether he aligns with the light or dark side remains uncertain, but the narrative unfolds in an era where Jedi are sparse. Additional cast members include Tunde Adebimpe and Kerry Condon in undisclosed roles, with Nick Frost providing the voice for a droid named SM 33.

“Skeleton Crew” heralds the arrival of Disney and Marvel favorite Jon Watts, known for “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” to the Lucasfilm family. Watts created the series alongside frequent collaborator Christopher Ford, with whom he co-wrote “Cop Car” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” The project also boasts the producing talents of Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, drawing from their experiences on “The Mandalorian” and “The Book of Boba Fett.” The directing roster is equally impressive, featuring Academy Award winners the Daniels (“Everything, Everywhere, All at Once”), Bryce Dallas Howard, Jake Schreier, David Lowery, and even Lee Isaac Chung.

Much like Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” the series draws inspiration from the Amblin films of the 1980s. The official synopsis teases a thrilling adventure: “When four kids make a mysterious discovery on their seemingly safe home planet, they get lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy. Finding their way home, meeting unlikely allies and enemies will be a greater adventure than they ever imagined.” The storyline is set to unfold after the events of “Return of the Jedi,” situating it within the same timeline as “The Mandalorian.”

“Skeleton Crew” wasn’t the only highlight at D23 on Friday. Attendees were also treated to an exclusive first look at “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” a feature-length film spun off from the popular Disney+ series. Although that trailer hasn’t made its way online yet, anticipation is already building.

The excitement around “Skeleton Crew” continues to grow, promising fans of all ages an exhilarating journey through the ever-expanding “Star Wars” universe.

Source: Particle News, D23