‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ Creators Talk About the Show’s Original Idea and Influences

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As a child of the ’80s, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia when I hear about shows like “The Mandalorian” that seamlessly blend the adventure and excitement of classic films like Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T., and The Goonies with the modern appeal of Star Wars. Having grown up watching these timeless tales, it’s both fascinating and heartening to see how they continue to inspire new generations of storytellers.

Moving forward with its live-action projects, Star Wars is set to debut Skeleton Crew. After successful runs with Ahsoka and a somewhat controversial period with The Acolyte, this new series is on the horizon. The premiere episodes of Skeleton Crew are scheduled to release on December 2, 2024, with subsequent episodes airing weekly after that date.

In light of the recent uproar about “The Acolyte”, Lucasfilm and Disney are optimistic that their upcoming “Star Wars” pirate series, inspired by “The Goonies”, will prove successful. However, various reports over the past few weeks suggest a mixed response; while some have lauded the show, others have criticized it as another potential problem for the companies.

Tomorrow marks the reveal of whether the series will prove to be a hit or miss, but here’s crossing our fingers that it becomes a triumph for both involved companies. This isn’t just about them; it’s also about the strength of the franchise and the intriguing concept that has us excited!

Due to the forthcoming debut, TV Line magazine recently conducted an exclusive interview with Jon Watts and Chris Ford, the creators of the show. They shared insights on the original concept for the production – it was initially planned as a movie, but later changed when Disney+ was launched. The conversation also delved into other aspects of the series. To start off, they discussed how the project evolved into what we will soon see.

Was there a specific trigger that sparked this concept? Who discovered their children confusing their Indiana Jones and Star Wars action figures? (In other words, who noticed the mix-up between their children’s Indiana Jones and Star Wars action figures?)

Initially, the idea was a straightforward one: portraying a band of children unaware they’re in the Star Wars universe, becoming lost within it, and attempting to return home.

CHRIS FORD: We began by exploring the consequences of that initial event, imagining various scenarios, characters, and encounters we’d encounter in our tale. Yet, we simply initiated with that concept and allowed it to guide our narrative development.

Back then, I presented the idea not long after the release of the first Spider-Man: Homecoming. At first, I proposed it as a movie to Lucasfilm, but subsequently, I found myself working on two Spider-Man films due to the decent performance of the initial one.

Gradually, Jon Favreau developed “The Mandalorian”, which subsequently led to the establishment of Disney+. As the Spider-Man films were in production, it transformed into a television series, allowing for a deeper exploration of the galaxy and a more playful engagement with piracy. After completing the third Spider-Man movie (“No Way Home”), we were finally able to dive into creating it.

Source: TV Line

If you’ve watched the preview, you might have realized that “Skeleton Crew” deviates significantly from the standard “Star Wars” series, and TV Line delved into this unique characteristic.

TVLINE: While scrolling through comments on YouTube regarding the released trailer, many viewers mentioned they wouldn’t have recognized it as a Star Wars project if you hadn’t told them. Is this comment a sign of success – implying the new content is blending seamlessly with the Star Wars universe – or a concern – suggesting the production may not be instantly identifiable as Star Wars?

As a devoted Star Wars fan, I believe the tone of Star Wars might be more expansive than many fans realize. While some scenes, like intense lightsaber battles, can seem quite focused, it’s crucial to remember that moments such as entering the cantina are cherished by many. The eclectic jazz band playing an unusual tune there is just one example of how Star Wars invites us all into this vast galaxy, making room for a multitude of experiences.

WATTS | What I like about Star Wars — and Andor did so much with this, which I really loved — is you can take any moment or any character in Star Wars, and because it feels like such a dense, complex, real galaxy, you can follow them home. Like, I’m so curious to know the life of everyone in the cantina band. Where did they come from? How did they meet? Do they play any other gigs? Are they there all the time?

FORD | Are they touring?

TVLINE suggests that a typical stormtrooper, when not on duty, probably resides in a small, one-room apartment.

WATTS | Yeah, yeah, with, like, those vertical blinds.

TVLINE | He probably has two roommates.

Absolutely! The world we live in is so intricate and multifaceted, it seems endless the fascinating tales that can be spun from exploring even just one of its many threads.

Source: TV Line

In the interview, they delved into how the series relates to the overall Star Wars storyline. Interestingly, it’s not necessary for viewers to be well-versed in Star Wars history to enjoy this show.

TVLINE: In an interview, you stated that viewers can’t really know anything about Star Wars and still appreciate this series. Are there any subtle hints or Easter eggs we should look out for aside from the occasional Jedi reference throughout a few episodes?

Absolutely! Just like the main characters in the show, you too are embarking on this adventure without any prior knowledge of the Star Wars universe. Yet, if you happen to be a Star Wars aficionado, you’ll find yourself one step ahead of the kids, spotting familiar elements and references along the way.

With a deeper understanding of the galaxy, you can appreciate the spectacle in a unique manner compared to someone unversed in its mysteries. We aspire for both the ignorant and the knowledgeable viewers to be immersed in the same show, engaging in separate yet enriching discussions.

Source: TV Line

Finally, the influences behind the show were discussed:

TVLINE: I mentioned to your young cast members that our series draws influence from iconic movies like The Goonies, E.T., and Raiders of the Lost Ark. While these classics hold significant value for me and you both, it might not resonate with them as they may not have watched those films. Do you consider this a challenge when targeting a younger audience who might be unfamiliar with The Goonies?

In my opinion, we didn’t intentionally draw from those movies, as they are deeply ingrained in us, similar to how childhood adventures like seeking pirate treasure are part of our very essence. I believe it’s more about capturing the spirit of being a child, which is all about embarking on exciting journeys and exploring the unknown.

Sure thing!

WATTS | Hopefully, there’s something more universal at play than just ‘80s nostalgia.

Source: TV Line

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2024-12-01 17:44