What we know about Star Wars: Skeleton Crew

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is the latest live-action series to join the likes of Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and The Mandalorian on Disney+.

Much like how the Marvel Cinematic Universe has pivoted from movies to Disney+ series, there’s a bright future ahead for the world of Wookiees and Wampas. Alongside The Acolyte and Ahsoka, Skeleton Crew promises to tell a new story away from the Skywalker Saga.

Spider-Man’s Jon Watts is reuniting with Homecoming writer Christopher Ford to assemble a rag-tag crew of heroes and villains, with a typically diverse cast set to make their mark on the franchise.

Telling a story concurrent to Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian and following the fall of the Empire, eagle-eyed fans are looking for our first tease of the Skeleton Crew potentially rubbing shoulders with Din Djarin. Here’s everything we know about Skeleton Crew so far...

When will Skeleton Crew be released?

The first two episodes of Skeleton Crew will be released on Disney+ from Tuesday, 3 December, with the following episodes arriving each Tuesday. Production on the series started in September 2022 with filming wrapping up in January 2023.

Is there a trailer for Skeleton Crew?

Yes. The first trailer for Skeleton Crew was released during Disney’s D23 fan event in August, giving Star Wars fans their first look at the new Disney+ show. Watch it below.

Who is in the Skeleton Crew cast?

There’s been an influx of household names joining the galaxy, with everyone from Laura Dern to Woody Harrelson, Rosario Dawson to Lupita Nyong’o practising their lightsaber skills. Skeleton Crew is no exception, with Jude Law stepping up as its lead. The Closer star plays Jod Na Nawood, a quick-thinking Force-user.

Discussing what it’s like to add his name to the franchise, Law told People: “It is a fun place to be, the universe of Star Wars. And there are great references to old films and recent episodes and series. There’s a lot of originality and I hope that will bring the feeling of fun to those who watch it.”

The cast of child stars includes Encanto’s Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Kyriana Kratter, Robert Timothy Smith and American Horror Story star Ryan Kiera Armstrong.

Hot Fuzz’s Nick Frost voices “cranky” droid SM-33 who “reluctantly helps the kids along the way.” Other familiar faces include Better Call Saul actor Kerry Condon, Family Matters star Jaleel White and TV on the Radio musician Tunde Adebimpe.

Speaking at a press event in 2023, Favreau said (via Seif Zaki) there could be a crossover with other shows, suggesting that characters from The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and the wider franchise could be stopping by.

Read more: Every new Star Wars movie and TV show

But Watts told People that “you don’t have to know everything about Star Wars” to enjoy Skeleton Crew. He said: “You can come into it completely fresh and enjoy the story. But if you do happen to be a Star Wars super fan, there’s a lot for you.”

What will happen in Skeleton Crew?

The official synopsis for Skeleton Crew reads: “Skeleton Crew follows the journey of four kids who make a mysterious discovery on their seemingly safe home planet, then get lost in a strange and dangerous galaxy, crossing paths with the likes of Jod Na Nawood, the mysterious character played by Law. Finding their way home—and meeting unlikely allies and enemies—will be a greater adventure than they ever imagined."

There’s been an influx of stories set in the New Republic era, and with a 30-year gap between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, this sweet spot of storytelling can unite the original and sequel trilogies.

Ford says Skeleton Crew has been inspired by Amblin’s coming-of-age films of the ‘80s, which was backed up by Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy saying The Goonies has been a major influence.

Despite the central children, he has reiterated Skeleton Crew is not a kid’s show and it’ll explore darker themes. He told Entertainment Weekly: “We wanted it to be a lot of fun. But of course, along with adventure comes the downside of it, which is danger. And when the kids are in danger, it’s extra fraught.”

Law said this of its light and dark shades: “At times there’s a sort of goofy nature and a goofy relationship between the kids and the adults. And then other times it’s really quite dark and quite scary, which I guess is what the world probably looks like to an awful lot of 11-year-olds.”

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew premieres on Disney+ on 3 December