Skeleton Crew: Why This Oscar-Winning Pair Deserves Their Own Star Wars Movie

Overview

The Daniels, noted for their distinctive and emotive storytelling, direct a captivating episode of Skeleton Crew, further solidifying their cinematic prowess.
While Lucasfilm navigates a precarious landscape with postponed projects, directors such as the Daniels present an exciting opportunity for a rejuvenated Star Wars film.
The episode directed by the Daniels showcases impressive performances alongside the potential for exhilarating action in a future Star Wars narrative.

The latest addition to the Star Wars live-action television lineup, Skeleton Crew, premiered its fourth episode last week. “Can’t Say I Remember No At Attin,”Season 1, Episode 4, was uniquely directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, collectively known as the Daniels, who are celebrated for their refreshing and dynamic storytelling approach.

Known for crafting audacious, unique, and emotionally resonant films, the Daniels made a significant impact with their directorial debut, Swiss Army Man, back in 2016. This absurdist comedy starred Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe, and it was their subsequent release, Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022), that catapulted them into the spotlight, becoming A24’s highest-grossing film and clinching seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

The Star Wars Cinematic Drought

It has been five long years since Lucasfilm has graced theaters with a new Star Wars film. The last installment, The Rise of Skywalker, directed by J.J. Abrams, garnered over $1 billion globally yet received mixed reviews, culminating a controversial sequel trilogy. Had it not been for the premiere of The Mandalorian on Disney Plus in the same year, the franchise could have faced a dire outlook.

Since then, Disney Plus has emerged as the primary platform for Star Wars content, offering original series such as The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor, Ahsoka, The Acolyte, and Skeleton Crew. Although these shows have enriched the streaming service, Lucasfilm continues to grapple with the challenge of producing new films for the big screen. The Mandalorian and Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau, is set to mark the franchise’s cinematic return in 2026, nearly seven years after the last film.

Additional films are in the pipeline, including a project led by James Mangold, known for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which will explore the origins of the first Jedi. Furthermore, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the director of episodes from Marvel’s Ms. Marvel, is slated to create a film set 15 years post-The Rise of Skywalker, featuring Daisy Ridley reprising her role as Rey, who will spearhead the new Jedi Order.

Lucasfilm’s Hesitation

Despite the flurry of announcements, many casual fans may perceive an exciting future for Star Wars in cinema. However, core enthusiasts remain skeptical. The varying receptions of recent films and the plethora of announced projects that have failed to materialize have fostered cautious optimism.

Notably, Rian Johnson, who directed The Last Jedi, was initially set to lead a new film trilogy but has shifted focus to his own franchise with Knives Out. Similarly, the Game of Thrones creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, walked away from their planned series. A Rogue Squadron film directed by Patty Jenkins was expected to debut in 2023 but has since been shelved. Moreover, the project from Taika Waititi remains shrouded in mystery.

While Lucasfilm has produced a variety of captivating original series, several talented filmmakers—including Rick Famuyiwa, Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Rodriguez, Lee Isaac Chung, Jon Watts, David Lowery, and the Daniels—have contributed their creative flair to the franchise. The Daniels’ involvement in an episode of Skeleton Crew showcases their distinct storytelling abilities that could potentially lead to a mesmerizing Star Wars film.

The Force of The Daniels

The Daniels have a remarkable talent for eliciting powerful performances from their actors, as demonstrated in their previous works. From Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe in Swiss Army Man to the Academy Award winners Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, and Jamie Lee Curtis in Everything Everywhere All At Once, the caliber of performance is immense.

Their episode of Skeleton Crew featured particularly impressive performances from the child actors, with a poignant exchange between characters Neel (Robert Timothy Smith) and Hayna (Hala Finley) effectively conveying emotional depth while advancing the narrative.

Action sequences are a cornerstone of any Star Wars film, and the Daniels have proven they can execute thrilling action. Everything Everywhere All At Once is rich with dynamic martial arts fight scenes that could seamlessly translate to a galaxy far, far away. Imagine Ke Huy Quan’s iconic fanny pack battle replaced by a Lightsaber duel — casting him as a Jedi would undoubtedly excite fans.

The action moments in Skeleton Crew provide a glimpse of the unique, character-driven action the Daniels could create on a grander scale. For instance, the near-catastrophic rampage of the character SM-33 (Nick Frost) in their episode is indicative of the chaotic yet engaging action that could be harnessed in a feature film.

Ideal Directors for a New Era

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Everything Everywhere All at Once Daniels

Ultimately, granting the Daniels their own Star Wars film would be a daring and invigorating choice for Lucasfilm. They should be encouraged to craft their narrative within the franchise’s vast universe, introducing new characters and stories that would honor the legacy established by George Lucas.

Although the duo is currently engaged with a new five-year film deal at Universal Pictures, the momentum from their work on Skeleton Crew could inspire them to develop a unique pitch for a Star Wars film. Their contribution could reinvigorate the franchise through bold storytelling that resonates with both new audiences and long-time fans alike.

Source&Images