‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ Is a Blast to the Past in a Galaxy Far, Far Away

This spoiler-free review is made possible by advanced screeners of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Episodes 1-3, provided to Agents of Fandom by Walt Disney Studios Canada for review purposes.

Since its inception, writer-director George Lucas always meant for Star Wars to be a franchise for kids. Even with the darker themes of politics and war, the films and shows have highlighted the fun of space adventures through different lenses. Over 40 years later, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew successfully continues the universe’s roots by honoring Lucas’ original intention. Skeleton Crew is an absolute blast because it’s a series starring kids that is made for kids.

Series creators Jon Watts and Christopher Ford are no strangers to working on projects with a younger cast, as they previous collaborated on Spider-Man: Homecoming. The dialogue and chemistry between Tom Holland, Zendaya, and the rest of the Homecoming cast is one of the highlights of the Marvel Cinematic Universe film. Not only do Watts and Ford carry that prowess into Skeleton Crew, but they level it up. Each interaction between the main cast feels like a conversation that actual kids would have, while older viewers will be taken back to a simpler time from their youth.

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In addition to the mysterious Jod Na Nawood (Jude Law), the series follows a group of kids from the planet At Attin who accidentally get lost on the other side of the galaxy. The titular “Skeleton Crew” consists of Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) and Wim (Randy Cabot-Conyers), who act as the group’s leaders; KB (Kyriana Kratter), the team’s tech expert, and the ever-adorable Neel (Robert Timothy Smith) who functions as comedic relief and the heart of the squad. Their chemistry together is undeniable and the highlight of the Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.

Jude Law’s character goes by a few different names in the series, and it’s unclear whether or not he can be trusted. However, Jod Na Nawood has a specific charm only Law can provide, making it difficult for viewers not to root for him. Although he has some characteristics that make him a questionable role model for children, he has a great dynamic with the kids as they escape dangerous pirates while their newfound family comes together.

The first three episodes of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew focus primarily on these five characters, but the mysteries of their home planet, At Attin, create the most significant intrigue so far in the series. A common criticism among Star Wars fans is how such a vast galaxy can feel so small with the same planets, like Tatooine, always being the focus. However, that’s certainly not the case with Skeleton Crew as there’s an ongoing plot thread regarding At Attin that will keep fans interested week-to-week.

‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ Is Fun for the Whole Family

With star-studded directors like Jon Watts and David Lowery handling the first three episodes, it’s no surprise that Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is shaping up to be high-quality Star Wars television. Considering that Everything Everywhere All At Once directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Star Wars legend Bryce Dallas Howard, Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier, and Twisters director Lee Isaac Chung still have episodes to come, it’s safe to assume the series is just getting warmed up.

Although the focus on the younger audience may make it so Star Wars: Skeleton Crew isn’t for everyone, the first three episodes are certainly successful in creating a fun, family-friendly adventure. The new characters and corner of the universe present exciting new opportunities for younger fans to fall in love with Star Wars.

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is now streaming on Disney+. Check out the Agents of Fandom YouTube page for our breakdowns and theories immediately after each episode is released. Follow the Agents of Fandom socials for all the latest entertainment news and reviews.