Jude Law, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Alia Shawkat at Star Wars: Skeleton Crew launch as critics praise series

The star-studded launch of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew at Disneyland on Monday night was nothing short of spectacular, with Jude Law, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Alia Shawkat leading the way on the red carpet.

The Disney+ series follows four children on a thrilling, unexpected galactic adventure, drawing comparisons to the beloved 1985 classic The Goonies and being hailed as a triumphant return to form for the Star Wars franchise.

Jude Law, who portrays the mysterious Jedi Jod Na Nawood, brought effortless charm to the evening, donning a light blue cardigan paired with an oversized striped scarf that added a touch of whimsical sophistication.

Bryce Dallas Howard, who directed the first two episodes, turned heads in a striking black gown, exuding elegance and grace.

Alia Shawkat, dressed in a sleek white ensemble, presented a striking contrast to her character in the series- a unique alien hybrid of owl and cat.

The show, created by Jon Watts and Christopher Ford, boasts a talented young cast, including Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Kyriana Kratter, and Robert Timothy Smith, who portray the four adventurous children at the heart of this thrilling new chapter in the Star Wars universe.

The star-studded premiere of Star Wars : Skeleton Crew at Disneyland on Monday night was nothing short of spectacular, with Jude Law leading the way on the red carpet

The star-studded premiere of Star Wars : Skeleton Crew at Disneyland on Monday night was nothing short of spectacular, with Jude Law leading the way on the red carpet

Bryce Dallas Howard dazzled in a black gown
Alia Shawkat rocked a white ensemble

Bryce Dallas Howard dazzled in a black gown as Alia Shawkat rocked a white ensemble

The Hollywood Reporter called the show 'lively and fun.' 

'The generally low-stakes, thematically light, young-skewing romp takes us into under-explored corners of the seemingly boundless galaxy while feeling pleasantly familiar,' Daniel Fienberg wrote.

'Skeleton Crew boasts a lot of space piracy, which very young viewers will compare to the Pirates of the Caribbean, viewers my age will compare to The Goonies and more seasoned viewers will compare to vintage swashbucklers like The Sea Hawk or Captain Blood,' he added.

Rolling Stone's review of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew highlights the series' attempt to explore the Star Wars universe through the eyes of its youthful protagonists. 

As the franchise approaches its 50th anniversary, the show seeks to find new narratives within familiar territory, focusing on four children who inadvertently embark on a galactic adventure instead of attending science class, per the outlet. 

The review notes that while the premise may feel reminiscent of classic children's adventure films, it successfully captures a sense of wonder and excitement. 

The review concludes that while the show may not break new ground in terms of innovation, it manages to deliver an enjoyable experience that could resonate well with audiences, potentially becoming one of the most beloved entries in the Star Wars canon since The Mandalorian.

Variety's review notes that, despite the absence of significant galactic stakes or a sense of fatal danger, this light-hearted series successfully caters to its young audience. 

Bryce directed episodes of the new series

Bryce directed episodes of the new series

Ryan Kiera posed in a red ensemble

Ryan Kiera posed in a red ensemble 

Jon Favreau was all smiles at the red carpet

Jon Favreau was all smiles at the red carpet

Ravi Cabot-Conyers took over the red carpet
Kyriana Kratter

Ravi Cabot-Conyers and Kyriana Kratter took over the red carpet 

The two young stars posed together during the fun evening

The two young stars posed together during the fun evening

Dallas Howard and Ryan Kiera Armstrong wrapped their arms around each other

Dallas Howard and Ryan Kiera Armstrong wrapped their arms around each other 

 

Nick Frost cut a dapper figure

Nick Frost cut a dapper figure 

Robert Timothy Smith, Kyriana Kratter, Jude Law, Ravi Cabot-Conyers and Ryan Kiera Armstrong attend the Star Wars: Skeleton Crew launch event

Robert Timothy Smith, Kyriana Kratter, Jude Law, Ravi Cabot-Conyers and Ryan Kiera Armstrong attend the Star Wars: Skeleton Crew launch event

The narrative centers around four children who find themselves navigating the galaxy instead of attending science class, reminiscent of classic adventure films like The Goonies.

While there is no immediate connection to well-known Star Wars stories, the review anticipates that such links may develop as the eight-episode season progresses.

The screening comes after Star Wars actress Kelly Marie Tran revealed she is queer.

The 35-year-old star, who made her Star Wars sequel series debut as Rose Tico in The Last Jedi, came out while promoting her forthcoming rom-com The Wedding Banquet.

Speaking with Vanity Fair, she confessed, 'I haven't said this publicly yet, but I'm a queer person.'

About working on the film — which also stars Bowen Yang and Lily Gladstone — Tran recalled: 'I'm here doing this amazing movie with these amazing people. I've never been in a queer space before. I've never truly felt this accepted before.' 

She added, 'The thing that really excited me about it was I got to play a person that I felt like I knew. I don't feel like I'm acting at all in this movie.'

In 2021 Kelly Marie said she is 'so much happier' without social media, and doesn't believe she will ever go back on it.

She spoke as she graced the cover of The Hollywood Reporter and discussed being cast in Star Wars as well as her new Disney film Raya And The Last Dragon.

When she was cast in 2017's The Last Jedi, internet trolls bombarded her with racist vitriol and harassment, forcing her to delete social media.

Asked if she'd ever return, she said no, explaining: 'I've truly just been so much happier without being on the internet. 

'I've had my agents tell me [I'm] forgoing brand partnerships, but I'm not here to sell flat-tummy tea to young girls.'