Set in the era of the New Republic, Skeleton Crew follows Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers), Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), KB (Kyriana Kratter), and Neel (Robert Timothy Smith) as they attempt to find their way home. Jude Law stars as Jod Na Nawood, a mysterious figure who offers to help, telling the young travellers, “I’ll get you home… we’ll make a partnership.” Of course, their journey is anything but straightforward; cue space pirates, alien worlds, and creatures.

In a recent interview with StarWars.com, Watts explained his unique approach to casting the young leads, taking cues from the late Goonies director Richard Donner. “When you’re looking at a 10-year-old kid, you’re not [just] casting an actor to play a role,” Watts said. “You’re looking for someone that embodies the spirit of the character.” The casting team sought actors whose personalities matched the characters’ traits, capturing a natural dynamic. “Wim is like a total starry-eyed dreamer,” Watts said, describing Ravi Cabot-Conyers’ performance. “He gets so excited, and that’s Wim.”

Ford described the heart of Skeleton Crew as an exploration of the galaxy from a child’s perspective, tapping into the curiosity and wonder of youth. “We’ve all pondered our place in the universe, and this story explores the galaxy through a unique perspective, which is the curious mind of the child in all of us,” Ford said. “In this case, an imaginative daydreamer, a risk taker, a loyal best friend, and a tech wiz. These kids are in danger. They’re in over their heads.”

The series features an impressive roster of directors, including Bryce Dallas Howard (The Mandalorian), the Daniels (Everything Everywhere All at Once), David Lowery (The Green Knight, Pete’s Dragon), Jake Schreier (Marvel’s upcoming Thunderbolts), Lee Isaac Chung (Minari, Twisters), and series creator Watts.

Skeleton Crew will launch with a two-episode premiere on Disney+ on December 3rd. The season will run for eight episodes.