Star Wars’newest TV show,Star Wars: Skeleton Crew,has introduced a character that perfectly stepped into the role ofLeia Organa. While Leia will always be one ofStar Wars’best characters,Star Warsmovies and TV showshave had to adjust in recent years and move away from the original trilogy and its heroes. In part, this is because the Skywalker Saga ended inStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
In the case of Leia Organa, though, this has sadly also been because of Carrie Fisher’s death beforeThe Rise of Skywalker. Whereas Mark Hamill can still helpStar Warsbring Luke Skywalker back, such as inThe Book of Boba Fett, Fisher’s passing means the same is not possible with Leia. It remains to be seen whetherStar Warswill recast Leia in time, but, for now,Skeleton Crew’scast of charactershas introduced a new hero who is a perfect stand-in for Leia Organa.
Fern Fits The “Princess Leia” Archetype To A T
Fern’s Personality And Family Status Are A Perfect Fit For Leia Organa
Although Wim effectively served as the protagonist ofepisodes 1 and 2 ofSkeleton Crew,Fern has become the leader of the kids in many ways. This began in episode 1, first when Fern tricked the boys into doing work for her and then when she convinced SM-33 that she was the new captain. In addition to this take-charge attitude—which is already very reminiscent of Princess Leia—Fern’s witty sarcasm and discerning nature immediately call Leia Organa to mind.
Fern’s witty sarcasm and discerning nature immediately call Leia Organa to mind.
It’s not only Fern’s personality that makes her similar to Leia, though.Fern’s family situation also connects to Leia’s own, as it’s clear Fern’s mother has a high rank on At Attin. While that isn’t exactly the same as being a princess, Fern’s status on her homeworld and the responsibilities that go along with it (in this case, seemingly her mother’s high expectations) do not feel all that different.
Disney Star Wars No Longer Has A Choice: Leia HAS To Be Recast
Princess Leia Organa is absolutely essential to this current era of Star Wars, which means that the franchise has a very difficult decision to make.
Skeleton Crew’s Heroes Feel Like The Next Generation Of Star Wars
Many Skeleton Crew Characters Fit Original Trilogy Characters
Fern is the perfect stand-in for Leia, butmany characters inSkeleton Creware connected to original trilogy characters in terms of their personalities. Although he is not Force-sensitive—at least not so far—Wim is clearly meant to be akin to Luke Skywalker. Like Luke inA New Hope, Wim had ideas of grand adventure and wanted to escape his ‘boring’ planet and do something greater. For Luke, that meant being a pilot. Wim, on the other hand, is obsessed with the Jedi.
Wim is clearly meant to be akin to Luke Skywalker.
Even Jod Na Nawood, Jude Law’s character, has some similarities to Han Solo. While Han may not have been a pirate, he was certainly a scoundrel (as Leia herself pointed out), and, so far, Jod has a similar swagger to Han Solo. Of course,Jod Na Nawood, aka Crimson Jack, is still quite a mystery inSkeleton Crew, so it will be interesting to see how this comparison develops over time.
Star Wars Has Cast Skeleton Crew’s Heroes Perfectly
This Group Of Kids Gives The Franchise Hope For The Future
Skeleton Crewhas already proven that the show’s creators thought very intentionally about who would play these unique characters.Star Warshas faced considerable criticism in recent years, for a whole host of reasons, butSkeleton Crewhas been very well received in the first three episodes. This is in large part due to the characters, their brilliant actors, andSkeleton Crew’swriting.
There have long been children inStar Wars, and many of them have been very well cast, such as young Leia inObi-Wan Kenobi. WhatSkeleton Crewcaptures perfectly, though, is the childlike nature of all four kids. This began in episode 1 ofSkeleton Crew, with Neel and Wim pretending to have a lightsaber fight, just like real-life children do all the time. In episode 3, the realistic characterization of these kids was reinforced yet again when Fern declared that she wasn’t even tired, and the next scene showed her fast asleep.
There is something incredibly endearing about seeing these kids truly act like children inStar Wars(which hasn’t always been the case in other shows and movies), and the young actors pull it off wonderfully. It will be a delight to watch the next five episodes and see where these kids go in the show. Moreover, because they are so young, it’s possibleSkeleton Crewwon’t be the last appearance of these main characters. Carrie Fisher’s loss will always be felt inStar Wars, but in her absence,Star Wars: Skeleton Crewhas introduced a wonderful stand-in forLeia Organa.
January 14
The first three episodes ofStar Wars: Skeleton Creware now streaming on Disney+.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
Cast
Skeleton Crew follows four ordinary children who become lost in the expansive Star Wars galaxy. As they navigate unfamiliar worlds and the challenges they present, the group endeavors to find their way back to their home planet, undertaking a journey across the iconic Star Wars universe.
