Editorial: Why ‘Skeleton Crew’ Is the ‘Star Wars’ Series To Keep Your Eye On in 2024
2024 could serve as a pivotal year for Star Wars. With The Mandalorian Season 3 and Ahsoka both airing last year to mixed reception and with leadership changes at Lucasfilm, it seems that Star Wars could be in the midst of a transitional period. Not to mention the slew of future films set to premiere over the next few years, and conversely, Disney CEO Bob Iger said he wanted to “pull back” certain franchises, there are a lot of changes going on. While the next few years of Star Wars do look hopeful, that future isn’t here yet.
So Star Wars is in a bit of a bind at this point. With a larger emphasis put on movies, and Disney seeming to take fewer risks, there are undoubtedly going to be a few projects that fall between the cracks. And now in 2024, it could be that the performance of this year’s slate of projects could affect Lucasfilm’s Star Wars strategy for the future. The success of this year’s Star Wars’ TV shows, especially Skeleton Crew, could impact Lucasfilm’s TV strategy going forward.
Skeleton Crew and Its Creative Risk
When Skeleton Crew was originally pitched, it seemed like a surefire success. The original pitch was “Stranger Things in Space” with Spider-Man: Homecoming director Jon Watts at the helm. Later, they’d refine the pitch comparing it to “Amblin Entertainment,” “coming-of-age stories” from the ’80s. Actor Jude Law was attached to it from the start. Acclaimed directors “The Daniels” and David Lowery would step in to direct a few episodes. The names attached are certainly impressive, but may not be huge “blockbuster” draws. Nonetheless, it looked like Skeleton Crew would be a hit. But within a few years, audiences’ feelings surrounding Star Wars, Disney+, and streaming services began to change.
As time went on “superhero fatigue” became more prevalent. More and more audiences grew tired of established franchises and sequels and sought something else. Even huge blockbuster franchises like Marvel, DC, and even Indiana Jones were not invulnerable to a few financial blows. One can debate how well Star Wars has fared. The last few years have undoubtedly delivered a lot of fan-pleasing shows such as Ahsoka and The Mandalorian, but take a look at some of the responses from casual fans and critics, and it might tell a different story. But perhaps one of the biggest blows was Andor and its lower-than-expected viewership numbers.
Keep an Eye on Skeleton Crew’s Numbers
Andor is one thing. It’s a series tied to a well-received Star Wars film. It boasted great critical acclaim and awards reception. It also has a clear ending with Season 2 being its last. This is completely my opinion, but if Skeleton Crew were to receive the same viewership numbers as Andor, it might not be a good look.
I do not wish for Skeleton Crew to fail whatsoever. In fact, I’m extremely looking forward to it, with Jude Law as one of my favorite actors. But Skeleton Crew’s viewership numbers will most likely affect Lucasfilm’s TV strategy moving forward. If it does well — which I hope it does — I hope that Lucasfilm will continue to green-light big creative endeavors like this that support strong writers and creators. But if it doesn’t draw big enough audiences, Skeleton Crew might be Disney’s evidence pointing to why they should downsize and take safer risks (which I hope is not the case).
Skeleton Crew Finally Arrives in 2024
The entertainment industry is currently at a crossroads. On one hand, one could argue that the quality and quantity of content out there — from movies, TV, and streaming services — has never been higher. On the other hand, one could point to the number of layoffs, strikes, closures, and financial failures as a sign of a declining industry.
It’s impossible to know which direction this industry will swing in. It can shift just as easily as the wind. Nevertheless, we here at Star Wars News Net will watch with anticipation all of Star Wars’ upcoming projects, including Skeleton Crew. I certainly hope the show does well as I’d like to see the franchise take on more creative risks and endeavors. But we’ll have to wait and see whether audiences and Lucasfilm agree as well.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Jay Goodearl runs the YouTube Gaming channel “Good Games, Dude” His channel aims to open up video games to beginners and immediate players and help them understand what makes games the art form that it is.
