At this year’s D23 event in Anaheim, California, Star Wars fans were treated to an exciting first look at the villainous pirate gang set to appear in Lucasfilm’s upcoming series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. While the major showcases from Disney’s studios were scheduled for later in the event, the early reveal of these intriguing characters has already generated significant buzz.
A Familiar Face Returns: Vane the Nikto Pirate
One of the key highlights of the reveal was the return of Vane, the Nikto pirate who previously appeared as a formidable adversary in Season 3 of The Mandalorian. Vane, who was last seen fleeing after the demise of his leader, Gorian Shard, is now back with a new crew of misfits. This time, Vane appears to have taken command of his own gang, signaling a more prominent role in Skeleton Crew.
Meet the New Pirate Gang
Vane’s new crew is as diverse and colorful as the Star Wars universe itself. Among the notable members is a peg-legged droid named SM-33, a character designed with a nod to the classic pirate archetype (Smee from Peter Pan). SM-33, described by series creator Jon Watts as “a rusty old, cranky droid,” serves as the first mate on a mysterious ship. Interestingly, while SM-33 starts off as part of Vane’s crew, it seems the droid may play a more complex role, with hints that it might end up reluctantly aiding the young protagonists of the series.
In addition to SM-33, Vane’s gang features other formidable members, including:
- A Shistavanen: An intimidating wolf-like alien, armed to the teeth with pistols, adding a ferocious edge to the crew.
- A Gran: Sporting a patch over one of its three eyes, this member adds to the motley crew’s menacing appearance.
This eclectic mix of characters suggests that Skeleton Crew will delve into the seedier, more dangerous side of the Star Wars galaxy, a theme that has resonated with fans in previous series like The Mandalorian.
Behind the Scenes: Creative Insights
During the event, series creator Jon Watts shared insights into the creation of these characters and the narrative direction of Skeleton Crew. According to Watts, SM-33’s character will evolve over the course of the series, with the droid’s initial loyalty to Vane possibly shifting as it interacts with the show’s young protagonists. This evolution hints at a storyline rich with unexpected alliances and character development.
Nick Frost, known for his roles in comedies like Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, has been confirmed as the voice behind SM-33. Frost’s involvement adds a layer of humor and charm to the otherwise gritty and perilous world that Skeleton Crew is expected to explore.
What to Expect Next
With the series set to debut with two episodes on December 3rd, anticipation is building rapidly. Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the official teaser trailer, which is expected to be unveiled during Lucasfilm’s panel at D23. This teaser will likely provide further glimpses into the plot and character dynamics of Skeleton Crew, giving fans a better idea of what to expect from this latest addition to the Star Wars saga.
Conclusion
The first look at the villainous pirate gang from Star Wars: Skeleton Crew has already set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and adventurous series. With the return of Vane, the introduction of new, intriguing characters like SM-33, and the creative minds behind the scenes, Skeleton Crew is shaping up to be a must-watch for Star Wars fans. As December approaches, fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on any further updates and reveals, eagerly awaiting their next journey into the galaxy far, far away.
