Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, the upcoming Disney+ spin-off, isn’t just another entry in the Star Wars franchise—it carries a unique and intriguing source of inspiration: the 1990s LucasArts video game The Secret of Monkey Island. Co-creator Jon Watts has openly shared how this cult-classic game influenced the show, adding a layer of nostalgia and creativity that sets it apart from other Star Wars projects. As Watts puts it, the idea of blending Star Wars pirates with Monkey Island pirates is where he found the “sweet spot” for Skeleton Crew.
For fans of both Star Wars and The Secret of Monkey Island, this crossover of influences is a thrilling concept, hinting at a show that not only plays with Star Wars lore but also injects a playful, swashbuckling pirate energy reminiscent of the LucasArts adventure game.
What is The Secret of Monkey Island?
Before diving into how Skeleton Crew draws from The Secret of Monkey Island, it’s important to understand what the game is all about. The Secret of Monkey Island is an iconic 1990 point-and-click adventure game created by LucasArts, the same company behind many Star Wars games and originally known as Lucasfilm Games. The game follows the misadventures of Guybrush Threepwood, a young man determined to become a mighty pirate in the fictional Caribbean, all while trying to defeat the undead pirate LeChuck and win the love of the governor, Elaine Marley.
The game stands out for its quirky humor, clever puzzles, and memorable characters. It also features a whimsical take on pirate lore, blending classic pirate tropes with a touch of absurdity. The game’s humor, tone, and pirate adventures clearly left a mark on Jon Watts, influencing the creative direction for Skeleton Crew.
Jon Watts’ Inspiration: Blending Star Wars and Monkey Island Pirates
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Skeleton Crew co-creator Jon Watts revealed his deep love for The Secret of Monkey Island. He explained that the tone of the Star Wars spin-off was inspired by both the legendary Star Wars universe and the pirates of Monkey Island. This inspiration gave the show its distinct flavor—a mashup of space adventures with pirate-like escapades.
Watts described the balance between Star Wars and Monkey Island elements as a “sweet spot” for storytelling. While Star Wars often dives into galactic conflicts and Jedi lore, Monkey Island brings something lighter and more playful to the table. This blending of genres has the potential to create a show that is fun, adventurous, and filled with surprises.
Skeleton Crew’s Pirate Influence: What Can We Expect?
Based on Watts’ description, Skeleton Crew will feature space pirates that carry some of the playful, witty, and slightly chaotic energy seen in Monkey Island. This is particularly exciting, as it suggests the show will break away from the typical serious tone seen in Star Wars content and bring a more light-hearted and adventurous spin on the franchise.
While Skeleton Crew exists in the Star Wars canon, taking place during the New Republic Era after the fall of the Empire, its unique focus on pirates and a stranded group of children in space makes it stand out. Imagine a crew of young adventurers trying to navigate the dangers of space while evading space pirates and dealing with the mishaps that come with youth and inexperience—this premise feels ripe for humor and adventure, much like the early Monkey Island games.
How Pirates of the Caribbean Influenced Both Properties
Interestingly, both The Secret of Monkey Island and the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney World share a connection, with the ride being a major influence on the Monkey Island series. The parallels between these two pirate universes and Skeleton Crew continue to deepen as the show promises to feature some elements of pirate lore—though we probably won’t see any creepy pirate animatronics.
While Monkey Island may have derived inspiration from pirate stories and films, it’s likely that Skeleton Crew will deliver its own fresh take on the pirate genre within the Star Wars universe. The creators have an open playground to explore new storylines, characters, and worlds that are loosely inspired by both Monkey Island and Star Wars.
The Setting: Skeleton Crew in the Star Wars Timeline
Set during the New Republic era, Skeleton Crew is positioned in the same timeline as other popular Disney+ Star Wars shows like The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka. This era, just after the fall of the Empire and before the rise of the First Order, is a time of rebuilding and lawlessness—perfect for pirate adventures and chaotic space voyages.
The show will follow a group of kids who get stranded in the Star Wars galaxy, setting off on an adventure to find their way home. Along the way, they’ll face space pirates and navigate the dangers of an untamed galaxy. With the stakes high and the odds stacked against them, the tone promises to offer moments of light-heartedness amid the tension—something reminiscent of the humor and charm of Monkey Island.
Skeleton Crew’s Cast and Premiere
Headlined by Jude Law, Skeleton Crew boasts a talented cast that includes Nick Frost, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Kerry Condon, Tunde Adebimpe, Robert Timothy Smith, and Kyriana Kratter. The star power, combined with the adventurous premise, guarantees that this will be one of the most anticipated Star Wars releases.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew will debut on Disney+ on December 3, 2024, marking a new chapter in the ever-expanding Star Wars universe.
Conclusion: A Perfect Blend of Star Wars and LucasArts Magic
Skeleton Crew has all the ingredients for an epic adventure: a talented cast, a thrilling storyline, and an inspired mix of Star Wars and Monkey Island elements. With Jon Watts at the helm and the creative freedom to explore new territories within the Star Wars galaxy, the show is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of both franchises.
As Skeleton Crew explores uncharted space and pirate-themed adventures, it promises to bring the best of both worlds—Star Wars lore and the swashbuckling fun of Monkey Island—to life. Keep an eye out for this galaxy-spanning escapade coming soon to Disney+.
