How ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ Star Kyriana Kratter Found Her Voice on Bryce Dallas Howard’s Episode

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[This story contains spoilers for Star Wars: Skeleton Crew‘s sixth episode, “Zero Friends Again.”]

For the actor Kyriana Kratter from “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew”, real-life experiences have mirrored scenes from her role on multiple occasions.

The Disney+ Star Wars series titled “Star Wars: The Mandalorian spin-off,” produced by Jon Watts and Christopher Ford, revolves around four 10-year-old friends – Kratter’s character KB (cybernetically enhanced), Fern (played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong), Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers), and Neel (Robert Timothy Smith) – who stumble upon an inactive starship, which they unknowingly propel into hyperspace. Upon reaching a spaceport, they cross paths with Jude Law’s character, the disreputable pirate Jod Na Nawood, who offers his assistance for a reward. As the group consisting of an unlikely alliance of five must figure out how to return to their hidden home planet of At Attin, they find themselves relying on the help of this rogue pirate.

Just as their characters embarked on an exciting journey into a distant galaxy and brought their Amblin-style Star Wars tale to life, Kratter and her fellow young cast members lived their own adventure. They quickly bonded at Manhattan Beach Studios, forming friendships reminiscent of KB and Fern’s on-screen relationship. Off camera, Kratter and Armstrong have grown particularly close, much like their characters. Internally, both Kratter and the 14-year-old actor known as KB are introverted individuals. The young actress admits that she learned to find her voice during the same time period that KB did, as portrayed in director Bryce Dallas Howard and writer Myung Joh Wesner’s sixth episode titled “Zero Friends Again.

In episode six, KB began learning to express herself more assertively, and so did I while working on set. For as long as I can remember, people have encouraged me to speak louder and more clearly, but asking for retakes on such a large set was often intimidating. However, I mustered up the courage to ask Howard, and he was supportive. I even attempted a take that was slightly angrier. Bryce responded positively, saying “Go for it!”, which boosted my confidence significantly. (Kratter shares this experience with The Hollywood Reporter)

Kratter is alluding to the moment when KB confronts Fern about consistently disregarding her advice and overlooking her health concerns. In a recent past event, KB endured an unspecified accident, resulting in cybernetic implants at the back of her skull and a visor that interacts with them. These enhancements (augmentations) serve to symbolize the challenges faced by people with disabilities, yet they also grant her advanced technological abilities that prove crucial for the group’s journey home.

Kratter explains that while KB appreciates how Fern sees her as an equal, there’s more to KB than meets the eye. This is acceptable, but it sometimes leads to a problem – Fern treats KB so similarly to others that she endangers KB’s life unintentionally, which is the real reason behind KB’s anger towards Fern.

In a recent chat with THR, Kratter explains the progression of KB’s character in episode six, then hints at a troubling reveal for the last two episodes of Skeleton Crew’s first season.

***

Alright, shall we begin from the start. How numerous were the steps or challenges that needed to be completed before KB became yours?

In January 2022, I performed the audition, following which I had a director meeting and a compatibility test with Ravi [Cabot-Conyers] and Ryan [Kiera Armstrong]. At the time, I wasn’t aware that it was for Star Wars, as the script was extremely brief. It was only about one page long, and we were required to sign a non-disclosure agreement. From the script, I could deduce that my character possessed some robotic qualities, although I wasn’t certain if she was entirely mechanical or if she was a typical girl with unique abilities or enhancements. Consequently, I submitted two distinct performances: one that portrayed a highly robotic persona, and another that suggested a cyborg interpretation.

In the chemistry reading, the scene I performed with Ravi was originally from episode six, where KB is dying, but it had been slightly altered. During the scene, we were on a beach and I wore sunglasses perched on my head, which I lowered in the midst of the performance. Reflecting on this now, I feel quite accomplished because that’s essentially the character of KB.

You wore sunglasses without knowing she’d have a visor? 

Yeah, I had no clue that she would have a visor.

Amazing. How many months was the entire casting process?

It took roughly one to two weeks for me to learn about the outcome of my audition, but it was during the same month that I had the audition. Fun fact: Today is New Year’s Day, 2025, and I conducted the audition three years ago, on January 1st, 2022.

Did you ever figure out that it was Star Wars before they revealed it to you? 

No, they told me during the director session, and I was like, “Oh my gosh, the pressure is on.”

Were you featured in the Disney series known as “Bunk’d”? Did that role potentially lead to your consideration for the cast of “Skeleton Crew”?

Perhaps. It’s quite uncertain. However, given my affection for Disney, it might have been something like, “Let’s give this a try.

In our conversation, you pointed out that the chemistry reading you did with Ravi was from episode six. Was there any similarity between that chemistry reading and something you both might have acted out in future scenes?

It seems that particular scene got eliminated from the final edit, yet we all used pseudonyms. Mine was Kylie, though I can’t recall Ryan’s alias now, but Ravi went by Wyatt.

Who delivered the good news to you? 

Coming home super late one night, my dad sported an unusual grin that set my nerves on edge. I could sense something was brewing. “I’m getting a call from your manager,” he said, which sent a chill down my spine, thinking the worst. But then, my manager’s voice echoed over the phone, bringing a wave of relief. “You got the part!” I had done those chemistry reads earlier in the day and, given it was so late, I assumed it was all just a bizarre dream. The next morning, I double-checked the news, still finding it hard to believe. Tears flowed freely, and I couldn’t be happier.

“It was your father, I remember, who sparked my fascination with Star Wars by showing me ‘A New Hope.’ When I found out I had joined the galaxy myself, it felt like his pride was shining brighter than any star in the universe.”

Indeed, they all shared in the joy and anticipation. On the occasion when I escorted my father to the filming location for the very first time, his enthusiasm was palpable as he marveled at the various small characters. In turn, each day I spent on set, I too couldn’t help but share that same excitement.

You might have mentioned it was “Star Wars,” but chances are you needed to hide all other aspects of the program from your family. Did they manage to decipher the plot when they visited the set?

You could’ve said it was Star Wars, but likely had to conceal everything else regarding the series. Were they able to unravel the storyline once on set?

For just two days, it was my father who accompanied me instead of my mom, who usually takes care of me as my manager. She’s the one who helps me with all the scenes, so she knew what was going on. She’s simply amazing, and we make a great acting duo. However, my dad wasn’t in the loop about the storyline, making the entire performance a mystery to him. He watched episode six last night while he was away from home, and when he saw me “die,” he was shocked. But don’t worry, it was just a temporary situation!

Once you were cast, how much bonding time did everybody have? 

Before we began filming, there were several months during which we had numerous preparations. We went through many fittings, and I specifically had numerous fittings for KB’s “augs” and visor. Then I got a haircut and shaved the side, and I also spoke to Ravi over the phone, and we played Roblox on FaceTime. In June [2022], we met in L.A. and had lunch with his mom. On the same day, we visited Manhattan Beach Studios where we first encountered the other kids. It was our first gathering, and we quickly bonded, becoming instant best friends. We also got a look at our dressing rooms for the first time on that day. Earlier, production contacted us asking about our preferences such as favorite colors, things we like, and what we enjoy watching. I stated that my favorite color is pink and I’m fond of Studio Ghibli anime. When I entered my dressing room, it was filled with everything pink: pink blankets, balloons, tissue paper. The walls were also adorned with anime-style sketches of Star Wars characters. This moved me to tears again as I realized that the filming for Star Wars was about to start. I cried once more alongside the other kids.

And part of that bonding time also involved watching E.T., Stranger Things and The Goonies? 

A week later, we ascended to the classroom at the studio. It was filled with beanbags and a snack platter. We spent our time there watching both E.T. and The Goonies, followed by some friendly competition in Mario Party and Mario Kart.

Did you have to attend school after filming most days?

At times, we could accumulate working hours. For instance, due to traffic, I might extend my work day and complete my schoolwork afterwards during the filming sessions. However, on certain days, we’d add an extra hour, which would be saved for later use. If a day required extensive filming, we could draw from these saved hours to ensure that our schoolwork was still completed satisfactorily.

Ravi dressed up as Jon Watts for Halloween. What did the rest of you do for your costumes?

It appears that Robert may not have received the message, leading him to behave in a frightening manner, as I’m not a fan of horror myself. The character named Thomas, played by Ryan, was a production assistant who sported a beard, a hat, and sunglasses. Thomas had a peculiar habit of using a walkie-talkie, stopping abruptly whenever he heard something to listen intently and saying “Copy that.” Ryan imitated this behavior flawlessly due to her acting skills. Similarly, Ravi’s impersonation of Jon Watts was spot on. I transformed myself into Christopher Walmer, the boom operator, by using a feather duster my mom found that could be extended or retracted. I would dust around campus with it while wearing long shorts and a graphic tee, as he usually does. We even took a photo together, and though he’s much taller, we bear a striking resemblance.

It appears that you two, you and Ryan, continue to be friends outside of the camera’s eye. Has your genuine friendship positively impacted the dynamic between you in the storyline as time progressed?

Absolutely. Following several months of shooting, we’d often sense each other’s thoughts without words. However, I believe our bond deepened post-filming since, during work hours, we maintain professionalism. When socializing outside of work, we could let loose and truly express ourselves freely.

It was apparent to me from the start that Fern (Armstrong) and Wim (Cabot-Conyers) didn’t seem to handle their closest friends, KB and Neel (Smith), with the care they deserved. Specifically, Fern appeared to disregard KB’s suggestions on numerous occasions. Were you also able to pick up on this mistreatment early on?

Indeed, there was a period where I, much like KB, found myself without companionship. Yet, Fern stood out as someone who made me feel accepted and ordinary. This sense of normalcy in her presence was quite refreshing. However, expressing my feelings has never been easy for me, so I overlooked the mistreatment from Fern because she was one of the few people I could call a friend.

In the sixth episode, the narrative from that particular story point completes its loop. Did you find it satisfying when KB finally confronted Fern?

Absolutely, I eagerly anticipated that particular episode. In the earlier installments, I made a point of subtly contrasting Fern’s counsel with KB’s, setting the stage for the climactic resolution in episode six.

Would you give a frustrated look whenever Fern walked over her? 

In episode one, KB’s manner of speaking to Fern was more like how he would address her. When KB uttered “Fern”, I chose to say it in a cautious tone. It was as if saying, “Fern, are you sure about that? Aren’t you pushing things too far?”

OR

In episode one, the way KB spoke to Fern was similar to his usual approach. When he said “Fern”, I chose to say it with a hint of caution. It sounded like a gentle warning: “Fern, are you being careful? Isn’t this going a bit too far?

After viewing episode six, I went back to the first episode, and it’s clear that Fern was quite reckless with KB. We learn later that she had an accident leading to her augmentations, yet Fern continues to put both of them in danger by speeding between two buses on a hoverbike. This recklessness had been building tension between them since before the main storyline began, as evidenced in their confrontation in episode six.

Indeed, the cumulative events of Jod’s betrayal, KB feeling uneasy about her augments, and Fern reassuring her when things were not as they seemed, had taken a toll on KB. She was exhausted by it all and frightened, for her augmentations had never malfunctioned to such an extent before, and her parents weren’t around to provide support. However, Fern brushed off her concerns and suggested they ascend to the ship, which KB couldn’t do due to her unique circumstances.

While KB appreciated Fern treating her as an equal, in truth, she was distinct from others. This difference often created complications, such as when Fern’s normal treatment of her put KB’s life at risk. This is what had made KB so upset with Fern.

In the sixth episode, Bryce Dallas Howard took on the director’s role. As an actress herself, did she offer any insightful suggestions that significantly improved your acting in this particular episode?

It’s fantastic that we can discuss this now! In episode six, KB was learning to express herself more assertively, and I found myself in a similar situation during filming. As Bryce is an actor, she understood perfectly what we enjoyed doing and how to guide us effectively. While I appreciate multiple takes, it took courage to request one on such a vast set. I even hesitated whether I should ask Bryce for another try, but eventually, I did. It was during the scene where KB walks away from Fern and Fern follows her. The exchange occurred immediately after Fern said, “Let’s just climb up. The ship’s right up there.” I wanted to experiment with a more aggressive version of KB’s response, so I asked Bryce for permission. To my delight, she encouraged me by saying, “Go ahead!” This experience boosted my confidence to question and advocate for myself when it comes to filming different takes.

I wonder if they used the angry take in the final cut.

I think they did.

It pays to speak up, doesn’t it?

Yeah, it paid off.

Out of all her traits, did you relate most to KB’s shyness?

Indeed, we share a similarity there. Throughout my life, folks have often advised me to speak more loudly or clearly, even when I was singing, they’d tell me to project and use my diaphragm. KB seemed to grasp these concepts slightly earlier than I did. Watching the show now, it resonates on a deeper level. It feels like I’m learning the lessons that she learned through the series. In fact, I used to write quite small due to my shyness about what I was writing, but I believe I’ve grown significantly by emulating KB. The insights she gained were essentially handed to me, allowing me to grow and learn from her experiences.

She mentions the incident causing her bodily enhancements. Could you tell me more details about that particular event?

To ensure consistency while performing, I crafted a personal backstory. This served as my guide throughout my actions, though it hasn’t been officially recognized yet. Therefore, I utilized the details I had written for myself, making sure they were versatile enough to apply in various situations.

Just as Lobot had before her, KB retains her humanity but is equipped with a visor linked to cybernetic enhancements embedded in her cranium. Have Watts and Ford ever instructed you to interact with her as if she were a human-computer hybrid, and if so, which aspect should be emphasized more?

I recall someone commenting, “We appreciate you as KB because you are authentic, like a real girl.” This sentiment was expressed, though not quite verbatim. When I spoke with Jon Watts, however, he gave me the freedom to make decisions, even though I had prepared some questions on a note. Initially, in the first episode, I portrayed her as more mechanical. Yet, as the episodes progressed, she became less robotic due to her accumulated experiences. In particular, episode six showcased this transformation into a more human character. Nevertheless, even with her advanced augmentations, she remains a real girl, albeit less capable of expressing emotions like other children. Although part of her mind is artificial, it aids her in analyzing and recording things efficiently, but it does present challenges when making friends.

Is there any rhyme or reason for when she lifts her visor to look at something? 

Oh my gosh, that question really brightened up my day! You know, I absolutely adore this character and her visor is such an interesting aspect of her personality. It helps her see clearly and inspect things, but sometimes, she uses it to conceal herself when she’s feeling frightened. In episode two, she’s wandering around Borgo, taking in all the bizarre pirates and strange little creatures, using her visor to get a better look at the animals because she has such a soft spot for them. But then this guy comes along, promoting this peculiar flying contraption, and it gets too near her, causing her to lower her visor out of fear. It’s something she’s learning to overcome.

There’s a scene in episode one where she’s in her garage with Fern, working on the broken-down hoverbike, and she keeps her visor up while conversing with Fern in the familiar surroundings of her home. But when the bullies appear, she quickly lowers her visor again, feeling scared once more. What a fascinating character she is!

Does KB stand for anything?

As of now, it’s all speculation, but I’ve affectionately dubbed this character “Kyriana Baddie.” You see, KB represents the antagonistic version of yours truly. Whenever I encounter KB in the script, it serves as a reminder to embrace my inner villainess, and that mental shift has proven incredibly helpful for me during gameplay.

Was it the first occasion when you viewed episode six that you got a glimpse of the new vessel’s appearance for the very first time?

During the post-production process (ADR), I came across a preliminary version of the content. However, it was marked with watermarks throughout. Several visual effects were incomplete as well, which is why I only got to view the completed version when I watched episode six.

In the third episode, Jod inquired whether KB ever rests like a human does, or if she shuts down her system similar to how we power off our computers. Does she actually slumber like us humans, or is it just a system function for her?

I wasn’t given any specific instructions, so I came up with the notion that she flips into a sleep mode of sorts. Yet, she still shuts her eyes and snoozes like anyone else would.

Is it true that Jod is responsible for the children until he’s done? Was Jude, in any way, a father figure to you younger actors as well?

As a gamer on the set, he was all business yet had a knack for cracking jokes and creating rapport with everyone. He became more like our on-set papa, bonding with each one of us. He even participated in Secret Santa, which made me thrilled to be his secret gift-giver. I sketched a cute little drawing of all of us as bear cubs, and his daughter shared that he has it framed in his office – such a heartwarming gesture! We also presented him with an exquisite box of chocolates.

Was there a pirate-like voice used by the on-set actor for the role that was eventually replaced by Nick Frost’s voice as SM-33 in post-production?

In the episode, it was something amusing. (Chuckles.) However, Nick Frost’s performance was exceptional. I’m quite fond of SM-33. Occasionally, David Lowery, the director, provided the voice for SM-33, and he had an incredibly deep voice. He also did Kh’ymm’s voice. It was rather poorly done, yet I admired his dedication. (Chuckles.) Sometimes, Alia Shawkat’s recorded voice would be used, but more often than not, I was conversing with David Lowery directly.

“Did Daisy Ridley manage to share some valuable advice with me during our photo op at the 2023 Star Wars Celebration? I was hoping there’d be just enough time for that!”

That day moved surprisingly fast. I yearned to chat with everyone, but there were numerous interviews and photoshoots to attend. Afterward, we watched all the episodes, which made me wish for more time spent together. Prior to being presented as the “Skeleton Crew” cast at Star Wars Celebration, we found ourselves in a green room filled with countless Star Wars actors and remarkable individuals. It was there that I had the opportunity to snap pictures with [Daisy] and many others. Additionally, I’m an avid fan of The Good Place, and as fate would have it, Manny Jacinto was across the room. Since I wasn’t aware he was part of The Acolyte, I came close to shedding tears when I asked him for a photo. At that time, our show had yet to be released, and most people were unaware of these kids in the green room, so he may have wondered, “Who is this unknown girl requesting a photograph?” (Laughs).

What else has stuck with you from this whirlwind?

At the grand opening, I found myself backstage in Galaxy’s Edge – it was absolutely mind-blowing! For me, Disneyland is like a separate universe, and to go from being behind the scenes one moment, to standing on the red carpet, right before the Millennium Falcon, was just utterly surreal and disorienting.

Lastly, what’s the most cryptically vague word you can offer for the final two episodes? 

Death. 

That is a very ominous tease!

(Laughs.) I know, but it’s pretty vague.

Now I’m the one who’s scared. 

I’m sorry!

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Star Wars: Skeleton Crew airs Tuesdays on Disney+.

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2025-01-06 23:26