Now, he’s also going to be tackling a fresh adaptation of ‘The Mist.’
20021124
Deadline brings word that Warner Bros. has made a deal for Flanagan to write and direct a new take on King’s 1980 novella, which originally appeared in the collection ‘Skeleton Crew.’
(L to R): Marcia Gay Harden, William Sadler, Toby Jones and Jeffrey DeMunn in ‘The Mist’ (2007). Photo: Dimension Films.
King’s story concerns what happens when a small town in Maine is consumed by a thick mysterious fog from which creatures emerge to attack the townsfolk.
A group of survivors hole up in a local grocery store. As often happens with King’s fiction, anarchy and societal reordering brings out the best in some, and the absolute worst in others, sparking mob mentality and empowering unhinged extremists who become as dangerous as the horrors outside.
Spoiler alert: things get dark. Very dark.
When will ‘The Mist’ be on screens?
There is no date for the new version as of yet, but if you want to check it out in movie form, Frank Darabont brought a film of the story to screens back in 2007.
Thomas Jane in ‘The Mist’ (2007). Photo: Dimension Films.
Launching with its first two episodes on Disney+ Monday, December 2nd, ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ is Lucasfilm’s latest attempt to spark success with a series set in the galaxy that George Lucas created.
Here, ‘Spider-Man’ trilogy director Jon Watts and regular collaborator Christopher Ford have concocted a fun romp that sends a group of young characters on an adventure beyond the borders of their mundane suburban planet.
Getting new ‘Star Wars’ TV series off the ground can be a dicey affair these days –– for every ‘Mandalorian,’ or ‘Andor,’ there’s a ‘Book of Boba Fett’ or ‘The Acolyte,’ which don’t enjoy the same level of impact or fan embrace.
‘Skeleton Crew’ benefits from charting its own course, being recognizably set in the universe of ‘Star Wars’ but also injecting plenty of its own personality. Focusing on younger characters in search of adventure –– one needs a power convertor for something but is far less whiny than the young Luke Skywalker –– brings a much-needed level of charm and infectious, youthful energy.
Creators Jon Watts and Christopher Ford co-wrote all eight episodes, with Myung Joh Wesner assisting on two. And that consistent tone and feel through the show means that ‘Skeleton Crew’ stays entertaining.
The writers have crafted some appealing characters here, and also layered in more than one mystery without coming across as some frustrating puzzle box overpowering everything.
While only the first three episodes were given the press, the show has a style all of its own already, especially given the starting point on a colony world that has its own secrets, but whose appearance puts you in mind of movies such as ‘E.T.’ and, as previously referenced, ‘The Goonies.’
Once things go off-world, the show still maintains a unique vibe, crammed full of pirates and other disreputable types as one of the first stops is a hive of scum and villainy (no, not that one, a space port with its own identity). And the first episode is nimbly edited by Andrew S. Eisen, who brings a sense of energy and helps define the tone of the show early on.
Wim is our initial anchor point, a young man who is struggling with future plans (as in, he’s not sure he has many, aside from a wistful dream of becoming a Jedi) and has an oft-absent father (played by Tunde Adebimpe’s kindly but busy widower) who, along with his nervier best friend Neel, is often getting into scrapes.
Cabot-Conyers brings him to life in entertaining fashion, without ever coming across as being annoying.
Neel, Wim’s best friend, is an appealing, sweet character who resembles a young Max Rebo from ‘Return of the Jedi’ (but is reportedly his own species), and a bundle of nerves who is nevertheless loyal to Wim.
Smith, playing the part with the help of some complex prosthetics and CG, is a superb sidekick and works well as a character.
Armstrong brings spirit and some sly humor to the tomboyish character of Fern, who loves nothing more than racing speeder bikes and pushing back against her officious mother (Kerry Condon).
Fern’s best friend, KB has her own technological secrets, but is also a great addition to the foursome. She’s careful and logical, but willing to go along with their schemes.
Law comes across as a blend of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Han Solo, and while that might sound strange, it actually works here.
He’s also something of a mystery, but never one that is frustrating –– and Law naturally has nuclear levels of charm, clearly reveling in the chance to cut loose and have fun.
Though we can’t talk about many of the characters who show up even in these early episodes because of spoilers, there are some good supporting performances going on here, including some pirates and a wealth of other aliens.
‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ is a worthy addition to the ranks of small-screen stories set in the galaxy far, far away. Watts and collaborators have created a lively, funny and adventurous series, that, while it takes a moment to get going, heads to some entertaining places with characters you’ll root for.
‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ receives 8.5 out of 10 stars.
SXAAx8HkXvEWGGAmRJ7yF1
What is the plot of ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’?
Four children (Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Robert Timothy Smith and Kyriana Kratter) end up on an adventure to make their way home after being lost in the galaxy following a discovery they make on their home planet.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of sitting down in-person with Jude Law to talk about his work on ‘Skeleton Crew’, joining the ‘Star Wars’ universe, his character, influences he drew from, working with the cast of young actors, and collaborating with show creators Jon Watts and Christopher Ford.
Moviefone: To begin with, what is it like as an actor to join the ‘Star Wars’ universe and did it meet your expectations?
Jude Law: For me, personally, it was stepping into a very familiar world. I was one of the millions of kids in the late ’70s whose lives were changed when they were taken to the cinema by their parents to see the first film. So, I’ve always had a soft spot for it. I played it as a kid running around pew-pewing and collecting the figures and cards. So, it just felt very familiar actually. What really kind of lured me in was the curiosity of how they make these things and the different parameters or rules that apply for it to be or feel like an authentic ‘Star Wars’ show or film. I think, from that perspective, it absolutely lived up to expectation. The on-camera puppetry and animatronics and all of that was wonderful to experience.
MF: Without giving away any spoilers, what can you say about your character and the way you wanted to approach portraying him?
JL: Well, when he was described to me, the character was clearly just full of potential and possibilities. He’s very mysterious, he’s different things to different people with different names, and he keeps you guessing right up to the end. The big question is are his intentions good or bad? That I don’t want to spoil, but the fun aspect was, because of this multifaceted sort of nature, I was able to touch on inspiration from characters throughout the canon. There were times for humor, times for drama, times for menace, and times for heroism. He really does touch on all of those, and it meant that it was very rewarding to play.
MF: To follow up on what you just said, were there particular characters from the ‘Star Wars’ universe that were touchstones for you in creating this character?
JL: Well, I felt like Han (Solo) and Lando (Calrissian) and just the world that those two mixed in was close to what Jod (Na Nawood) is experiencing. So, there’s a little bit of him inspired by them. I’d say that’s about it really. Otherwise, it was a case of taking tones as an inspiration.
MF: Can you talk about working with the kids in the cast, and when you are working with young actors, do you have to adjust your performance at all? What did you learn from watching them work?
JL: I certainly didn’t adjust anything. I mean, they approached it and appeared day one as very professional young actors. They knew what they were doing, and they were confident, and they were very able and well-prepared, and they took it seriously. Then they were kids, so they were also being silly and funny and laughing, making everyone laugh, and they brought a lovely sense of joy. I mean, every day felt kind of fun and special and as it should on a show like this. What was interesting and what we played into was that Jod doesn’t really understand what childhood is or who kids are. So, my role really was to also bring that element to the relationships. He’s kind of aghast that they don’t know how to look after themselves or that they get hungry, or they miss their parents and seemingly can’t fly ships or firing blasters or any of that. I enjoyed that dynamic. I thought there was a lot of humor in it and, if I’m honest, the way I saw it was it is a relationship that evolves over an adventure. So, we didn’t try to build some kind of relationship before we started. We just got on with it. Then, really, you are watching me and them and the characters getting to know each other. As the adventure evolves over months and months and months, we are learning about each other too.
MF: Finally, what was it like working with Jon Watts and Christopher Ford and helping them execute their specific vision for this ‘Star Wars’ project?
JL: Very specific vision. I mean, so much of the heavy lifting had been done in the script work and the concept. It was so clear and executed through the scripts, which were just rich and fun. They were great springboards to then perform from. The same goes for the guys. They were just very approachable. I came at them with so many questions. I have a process where I must understand where my character’s been born and what happened in their past, and they agreed that we could draw all that out so that we knew exactly and in fact, they drew on it. You’ll see towards the end, they kind of drew on some of the ideas we had about his childhood, and throughout they were just incredibly clear and passionate. I mean, it’s not an easy job also setting something up and then stepping back and letting other directors come in, especially directors of the pedigree that they got. But it was a very inclusive experience.
SXAAx8HkXvEWGGAmRJ7yF1
What is the plot of ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’?
Four children (Ravi Cabot-Conyers, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Robert Timothy Smith and Kyriana Kratter) end up on an adventure to make their way home after being lost in the galaxy following a discovery they make on their home planet.
Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story.’ Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm.
While the small-screen ‘Star Wars’ universe is enjoying a positive resurgence thanks to ‘Ahsoka’ (which recently released its fifth episode), it appears that there are changes afoot for one of the future shows in development.
While we learned back in July that Donald Glover –– who, of course, played the younger Lando Calrissian in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ –– and brother/creative partner Stephen were taking over the writing of the ‘Lando’ series.
uIv4AtOo8b9KZwtAZ3dU11
The show (as it was at the time) was to chronicle the further adventures of the gambler and rogue years before he starts running Cloud City (and is played in the movies by Billy Dee Williams).
Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story.’ Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm.
While we hadn’t heard much about the Glover siblings’ plan for Lando (obviously they were not able to kick off writing scripts because of the ongoing writers’ strike), it does appear that things have now changed.
“It’s not even a show… The idea right now is to do a movie. Right now, because of the strike, it’s kind of like telephone, all of the information.”
That’s all he could say –– Lucasfilm and Disney really don’t like much information on future projects getting out there before they can officially announce.
But despite no official word yet from either company, trade publications such as Variety and Deadline did get them to confirm the new development.
Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story.’ Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm.
Donald Glover has previously said he would want to reprise the ‘Solo’ role, admitting to GQ (via Deadline) in April that he enjoyed playing him and is looking to continue so:
“I would love to play Lando again. It’s a fun time, being him. It just has to be the right way to do it. Time is precious. The past couple of years, this pandemic shit, it really had people experience time… People realize their time is valuable. You only get so much. I’m not interested in doing anything that’s going to be a waste of my time or just a paycheck. I’d much rather spend time with people that I enjoy. It just has to be the right thing, and I think it could be. Lando is definitely somebody I like to hang out with,”
So, that’s one less series headed our way from the ‘Star Wars’ galaxy and one more movie.
But it’s not like we’ll all be starved for Jedis, Sith and Grogu. With ‘Ahsoka’ still to run for a few more weeks, we’ll then see ‘Skeleton Crew’ from director Jon Watts, starring Jude Law and ‘The Acolyte’ (from ‘Russian Doll’ co-creator Leslye Headland.
Plus, there are new seasons of ‘Andor’, ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Bad Batch’ at various stages of development along with new animated TV Movie ‘A Droid Story’.
(L to R) Phoebe Waller-Bridge as the voice of L3-37 and Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian in ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story.’ Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm.
(L to R) Directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert on the set of A24’s ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ Photo Credit: Courtesy of A24.
A couple of weeks ago, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert took to the stage of the Dolby theatre in Hollywood to claim several Oscars that they’d won for their film ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’, which of course led to speculation about what they’d do for a follow-up.
When news broke yesterday via One Take News that the duo was involved with new ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Skeleton Crew’, some took it to mean that the quirky, unique duo were somehow “selling out’ by working on a Lucasfilm show.
As it turns out, that’s not how it happened at all.
Taking to Instagram, Kwan responded to those concerns. Here’s what he had to say:
”Lol, all of the people @ing us about getting sucked up by the ‘corporate machine’ can chill. These headlines are always misleading. Don’t worry. We aren’t working on a whole series; we guest directed one episode. Jon Watts approached us to do an episode a while ago (before ‘EEAAO’ even came out). We love Jon, love ‘Star Wars,’ love learning new tech, we love meeting new cast and crew, and we needed the days to keep our healthcare (!!!) so it was an easy yes. We shot it last year and had an incredible time working with the most talented cast and crew and I’m excited for you all to see it.”
So, there you have it –– and let’s be honest, the idea of anything directed by the Daniels is something to anticipate. Kwan also specified that whatever the duo does next in the film realm, it’ll be an original project they create. We’re not sure why anyone would have expected the people behind ‘Swiss Army Man’ and ‘Everything Everywhere’ to jump wholeheartedly into the corporate world.
‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ will be premiering on Disney+ in 2023.
Developed by Watts and Jon Favreau and set in the same ‘Star Wars’ timeline as ‘The Mandalorian’, ‘Skeleton Crew’ has largely been under wraps, with only a few details getting out.
The official logline for the series is sparse at this point: “‘Skeleton Crew’ tells the story of four kids who find themselves lost in in the vastness of the galaxy trying to find their way home” and we do know that Watts was working with ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ co-writer Christopher Ford on the scripts.
Jude Law is starring in the series, though we don’t yet know who is playing the youngsters looking to find their way home.
‘Skeleton Crew’ should be hitting Disney+ this year.
‘Ms. Marvel’ director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
Damon Lindelof leaves the ‘Star Wars’ movie he was writing
In less positive ‘Star Wars’ news, Above The Line brings word that Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson are no longer aboard the movie set in the galaxy far, far away that they had been writing.
Lindelof offered a hint that he might have jumped (space)ship at the SXSW festival last week, where he said this to Slashfilm:
”I will just say, that for reasons that I can’t get into on this Sunday morning, on this day, the degree of difficulty is extremely, extremely, extremely high. If it can’t be great, it shouldn’t exist. That’s all I’ll say, because I have the same association with it as you do, which is, it’s the first movie I saw sitting in my dad’s lap, four years old, May of ‘77. I think it’s possible that sometimes when you hold something in such high reverence and esteem, you start to get in the kitchen and you just go, ‘Maybe I shouldn’t be cooking. Maybe I should just be eating.’ We’ll just leave it at that point.”
Lindelof’s original attachment was exciting for genre fans, as the ‘Lost’ veteran had worked on ‘The Leftovers’ and ‘Watchmen’. And though his big screen work hasn’t been as warmly received (‘Star Trek: Into Darkness’, ‘Prometheus’ and ‘Cowboys & Aliens’ included), there was anticipation for how his and Britt-Gibson’s sensibilities might translate to ‘Star Wars’.
Don’t go thinking that this marks another cancelled ‘Star Wars’ project as Disney and Lucasfilm struggle to get their cinematic universe in order. Above The Line’s story also mentions that Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (a documentary filmmaker who has worked in animation and directed episodes of ‘Ms. Marvel’ for Disney+) is still aboard to make the movie.
A new writer is apparently involved in working on the script, though their identity is unknown at this time. And if it all works out, the cameras should be rolling in early 2024 ahead of a December 2025 release.
What we do know is that Star Wars Celebration, the Disney-curated convention around all things ‘Star Wars’, is happening next month in London, and that’s traditionally where Lucasfilm has announced big new movies and TV series. So that’s where audiences should learn the fate of this new movie.
Even that is no guarantee, though, as we’ve had a variety of big announcements –– films from Patty Jenkins or Kevin Feige, for example –– that have simply never come to pass, lost in a mire of conflicting schedules and long development.
Other movies we’re still waiting for updates include Rian Johnson’s planned return to the ‘Star Wars’ universe (on hold as he focuses on ‘Knives Out’ sequels), a movie from Taika Waititi that still appears to be happening and one produced by prolific filmmaker Shawn Levy which we’d guess is still being held up by his busy schedule, which includes involvement in the final season of ‘Stranger Things’ and gearing up to direct ‘Deadpool 3’.
The cast of Lucasfilm’s ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens,’ which was directed by J.J. Abrams.
Other Movies Similar to ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew:’
