The cast of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew shared their thoughts on how the series appeals to younger audiences through its self-contained story, which avoids reliance on legacy Star Wars characters.
Drawing comparisons to Stranger Things, they highlighted the show’s unique tone and production style.
Kyriana Kratter expressed excitement about seeing herself on the big screen for the first time during the premiere. “It was really special,” she said, recalling reactions from her family and audience members. “People coming up to me saying, ‘Congrats on being an Asian and Star Wars alum,’ has been really exciting. It’s all coming alive now.”
Robert Timothy Smith also emphasized the surprising practicality of the production, which differed from his expectations of heavy green-screen usage. “I honestly thought it would be green screen the whole time, but it was mostly practical effects,” he explained. “As an actor, that made a huge difference because you didn’t have to imagine everything. Watching it on the big screen, I realized it looked exactly like it did on set.”
Kyriana Kratter described episode six as a pivotal moment for both herself and her character. “It was a big moment for me,” she shared, highlighting her excitement about working with Bryce Dallas Howard, who directed the episode. Kratter noted that the episode marked a significant turning point for her character’s development. “It’s the moment where she learns everything, I guess,” Kratter explained.
She also reflected on her own growth during the episode, crediting Howard for giving her the creative freedom to shape her character’s arc. “Bryce Dallas Howard gave me the space to create that arc, which was really nice,” Kratter added
Tunde Adebimpe discussed the show’s ability to serve as an entry point for younger viewers. “Anytime you can bring a younger generation into this world, it’s a great thing,” he said. As a lifelong Star Wars fan, Adebimpe described Skeleton Crew as an opportunity to explore new worlds and aspects of the universe without requiring extensive knowledge of the franchise’s backstory.
He also praised the show’s cross-generational appeal. “There are enough things in this series that older fans can recognize and explain to younger viewers, creating a shared experience,” Adebimpe noted. He highlighted Lucasfilm’s success in crafting offshoot stories that resonate with younger audiences while still offering depth for longtime fans.
The cast acknowledged similarities to Stranger Things due to the show’s youthful focus and adventurous tone. Like the popular Netflix series, Skeleton Crew blends coming-of-age themes with fantastical elements, making it engaging and relatable for a younger audience. The use of practical effects and immersive settings further enhances its authenticity, drawing viewers into its standalone story.
With its fresh perspective and focus on introducing new audiences to the Star Wars galaxy, Skeleton Crew delivers a modern, accessible take on the beloved franchise while honoring its storied legacy.