‘As a kid, my world fell apart’

As a lifelong Star Wars fan, I must say that the upcoming series, Skeleton Crew, has piqued my interest more than any other recent addition to the franchise. Having grown up with the original trilogy and watching my own children discover the magic of the galaxy far, far away, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia mixed with excitement for this new adventure.

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At the age of seven, Jude Law frequently played pretend at his school playground in Blackheath, London, mimicking Luke Skywalker from Star Wars. Recalling those days during the late 70s when Star Wars fever hit Britain, he said, “We had those large, bulky, and round lightsabers.” These toys didn’t make sounds or light up much, but we would pretend they did by making ‘pew-pew!’ noises and hitting them around!

It’s quite poetic, indeed, for the boy who used to play at being a Star Wars character to eventually become one in reality. But for Jaden, now 51 and starring in the new Disney+ series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, it signifies something deeper. “That leap of imagination,” he reflects. “Pretending as a child, having that bond with roles we aspire to replicate – it’s likely the reason I became an actor.

In the spirit of childhood enchantment, reminiscent of captivated children enthralled by starships, Jedi, and thrilling escapades, as seen in “Skeleton Crew,” the Star Wars tale that empowers kids to command, unfolds. This narrative revolves around four young protagonists who accidentally discover a puzzling spacecraft hidden amidst their seemingly ordinary, Earth-like neighborhood. The wide-eyed character Wim, portrayed by 13-year-old Ravi Cabot-Conyers from America, harbors the belief that this ship leads to a Jedi temple. However, inside they find not a Jedi sanctuary, but rather the remnants of an ancient pirate vessel – one that leaves them stranded in space, with no means of returning home.

Law plays the enigmatic rogue Jod Na Nawood, a swashbuckling space pirate who tags along with the kids in the hope that they will lead him to long-lost treasure, entering the story properly in the third episode of the series. “I took a little bit of Han Solo as inspiration,” he explains. “I adore that slightly cynical, world-weary swagger.”

Jude Law is no stranger to big, family-friendly franchises. In recent years he has popped up as villain Yon-Rogg in comic book movie Captain Marvel, and as the young Albus Dumbledore in the Fantastic Beasts films. Law is the father of seven children, most recently with psychologist wife Phillipa Coan in 2023. Is he seeking out roles that his offspring can watch? “Sure, sure,” he says, “but it’s also just my curiosity as an actor. I like that range of parts, of moods and worlds. I think the older I get, the more in touch I am with the child who was in awe of cinema. I am stepping into films that speak to that child.”

The series “Skeleton Crew” was strongly influenced by the Amblin films of the 1980s, particularly Richard Donner’s beloved 1985 film “The Goonies“. As stated by co-showrunner Jon Watts, who is famous for directing the Tom Holland Spider-Man movies, “During that time, films were being made with children as the main characters, and these children were treated seriously.” Jon also shared that he had a conversation with Richard Donner before his passing, and Donner explained that when casting children, it’s not about finding them to play a role, but rather choosing them for who they truly are.

I’ve been practising using the Force for 45 years

On the screen, the children form an assorted group of outcasts. Wim’s shy companion Neel, depicted as a blue alien elephant using visual effects by Robert Timothy Smith at 13 years old, is part of this group. Also present are Kyriana Kratter and Ryan Kiera Armstrong, who take on the roles (respective)y of the intelligent cyborg KB and the spirited, hoverbike-racing Fern.

In real life, the young actors are a whirlwind of teenage American enthusiasm, often erupting in fits of laughter and unexpected jokes. At one point, Smith spontaneously proposes, “What if they made a cereal called Neelios from Neel?” The production, combining practical sets with an advanced LED screen known as The Volume, had the feeling of being at a Star Wars summer camp, according to Cabot-Conyers, who was clearly exhilarated.

In a natural manner, Law found guiding four energetic children across the cosmos effortless. He shares that they taught him valuable lessons about relinquishing control and embracing playfulness. Prior to this, he admits that the key on set lay in finding the right equilibrium – ensuring they understood there were expectations, but also making them feel at ease.

As I found myself rubbing shoulders with the illustrious Jude Law on set, I couldn’t help but feel awe-struck! Caught up in the moment, I blurted out something along the lines of, “Wow, Jude Law is right here!” With his characteristic charm and grace, he maintained a professional demeanor yet managed to infuse moments of laughter. During downtime, we engaged in playful banter like thumb wars and other fun activities. To top it off, he exhibited an almost paternal care for the entire crew, earning himself the nickname “dad” among us.

There’s no doubt that the Star Wars universe has grown increasingly dangerous in recent times, with many actors from The Last Jedi (2017) facing misogynistic and racist attacks from dissatisfied fans. This trend persists across other projects too. So, when it comes to involving children in such an environment, there’s naturally some concern. Watts, however, is careful in his words, expressing that they want to ensure the kids are safe. He emphasizes that they’re closely monitoring everything to make sure they’re alright. Kratter, one of the kids involved, has decided to avoid social media altogether to shield themselves from potential harm.

Such a divided fanbase speaks to a larger question about the future of Star Wars, a Disney franchise in flux. Since the release of 2019’s
critically panned The Rise of Skywalker, an array of new films have been announced and cancelled. On Disney+, there is a scattershot feel to its range of Star Wars shows, many of which rely heavily on nostalgia. “I feel like Star Wars, for me, is something that I saw my parents really loving,” says Kratter, reflecting on what Star Wars means to kids her age. The hope from studio heads must be that Skeleton Crew can hook a whole new generation.

According to Watts, he wishes for a scenario where someone who has never watched “Star Wars” and someone who is deeply knowledgeable about it would watch it together. He believes that when “Star Wars” is done right, it can make anyone feel like a child, regardless of their actual age.

There’s a suggestion of Darth Vader in Law’s Jod and his enigmatic talent for wielding the Force. Law is hesitant to reveal his character’s hidden past, but is eager to discuss the opportunity to showcase his acting skills when it comes to using the Force. “I’ve been perfecting that for 45 years,” he says with a smile. “And finally, to have something move towards me – it was a long-cherished dream realized!

2024-12-04 00:39

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