As a Star Wars fan since I was a little kid, growing up with the original trilogy and then watching the prequels and sequels, it’s been an absolute dream come true to work on Skeleton Crew. The experience has been nothing short of magical, from working alongside such talented cast and crew members to being part of something that feels so fresh and exciting in the Star Wars universe.
[This story contains spoilers for the first two episodes of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.]
13-year-old Ravi Cabot-Conyers, the star of “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew”, exhibits a maturity beyond his years. His love for acting was sparked at a young age thanks to his parents introducing him to the 1966 “Batman” series. Moreover, growing up in a household that valued jazz, he had easy access to various musical instruments. Kudos to Christina Cabot and Charles Conyers for providing Ravi with an unusual but enriching media diet, typical of Gen Alpha. Notably, Christina Cabot, whose father was a skilled trumpeter, portrayed Major Kathleen Sparr in the 2008 film “The Incredible Hulk”.
90s tunes played a part in Cabot-Conyers’ preparation for portraying Wim in the TV show “Skeleton Crew,” created by Jon Watts and Christopher Ford. In the series premiere directed by Watts, it’s shown that Wim was raised by his solitary father, Wendle (Tunde Adebimpe), in an unexpectedly suburban area of the Star Wars galaxy called At Attin. At this stage, details about Wim’s mother’s location are scarce, and it seems like the Disney+ series will maintain that mystery. Despite this, Cabot-Conyers delved into that unexplored maternal bond while preparing for the critically acclaimed show.
As a devoted fan, I confess I’m unsure of the fate that befell Wim’s mother, a mystery that Cabot-Conyers has shared with The Hollywood Reporter. While I can’t claim to know the truth, I’ve developed some hypotheses. To immerse myself in Wim’s world during preparation, I compiled a playlist of songs that Wim and his mother might have enjoyed together. This playlist was instrumental in helping me grasp their relationship dynamics. Among these songs, Gin Blossoms’ ‘Follow You Down’ held a special place in my thoughts, serving as a poignant reminder of their bond.
To the disappointment of his father, Wim seems reluctant to grow up, clinging onto his childhood possessions such as bedtime stories and action figures based on Star Wars characters. Instead of considering career options, he longs for exciting escapades akin to Luke Skywalker’s adventures. However, fortune smiles upon him when, by mishap, he finds himself piloting a missing spacecraft alongside his dearest friend Neel (Robert Timothy Smith), as well as schoolmates Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) and KB (Kyriana Kratter).
At the time of filming, it’s known that Cabot-Conyers was just 11 years old and an active actor. Yet, he found time for fun away from the camera as well. For instance, he donned a costume similar to Watts for Halloween. Additionally, he initiated a backstage tradition by creating facial hair using gaffer tape. Interestingly, Watts brought back several colleagues from his Spider-Man trilogy, starring Tom Holland, such as second unit director and stunt coordinator, George Cottle. Notably, Cottle decided to give an unforgettable experience to Cabot-Conyers and Smith.
Robert asked, ‘How was it collaborating with Tom Holland?’ To which George replied jokingly, ‘Should I give him a call to ask?’ So, we decided to do just that. I’ve always adored Tom and consider myself a big fan, so you can imagine how thrilled I was when he spoke with us. Both George and Tom were incredibly gracious that day. It turns out, Tom was on another set when we contacted him, making the conversation even more amusing. In fact, George joked that we picked up stunts quicker than Tom did, which added to the humor of the situation.
In a recent chat with THR, Cabot-Conyers delves into his latest project – the short film titled “Hari and the Empty Space.” Notably, Jon Favreau, the executive producer of Skeleton Crew, motivated him to take on this endeavor.
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As a dedicated enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on the fact that Star Wars has been captivating us for close to half a century. For me, the journey began… how about you? Let’s share our unique tales of discovery!
My initial introduction was through my dad. He’s been watching Star Wars for as long as he can remember, and he saw [Star Wars: A New Hope] as a kid in the theaters for the first time with his brother. He then showed me A New Hope when I was about five, and I was immediately hooked because of Luke Skywalker. He really stood out to me and really resonated with me. I love Mark Hamill’s performance. It’s so iconic and intentional, and I’ve always really loved lightsabers. So I’m a huge fan, and it’s always been a huge part of my life. It also has such a huge legacy, which was a little intimidating when I first found out that I was going to be leading Skeleton Crew. But I still really enjoyed it.
And what led you to start acting at such a young age?
Growing up, my mother, Christina Cabot (who was an acting coach), along with my father, introduced me to the 1966 ‘Batman’ series. Needless to say, it became one of my favorites! I was completely captivated by it, and my obsession only grew. I particularly enjoyed the fight scenes, finding them incredibly thrilling. To express my admiration, I would reenact all the minor characters, drawn to their witty one-liners which I found hilarious. As a toddler, I’d often accompany my mom during her coaching sessions. By the time I was two years old, I began performing for my family in our living room. My first audition took place when I was four, and since then, I’ve been passionate about honing my acting skills.
How did you realize that the project you were auditioning for was actually Star Wars, considering they likely used a secret name while casting the Skeleton Crew?
It took me some time to identify it, as it was initially named something-something Untitled, and I believe my codename was Wyatt. I hadn’t realized it was a Disney project, but I figured it out roughly a week before my director meeting. That’s when I joined a call with Jon Watts. Essentially, we were in the dark about its identity for some time, and then the scripts adopted the code name Grammar Rodeo, inspired by an episode of The Simpsons.
How many callbacks and hoops did you have to jump through until Wim was yours?
In January 2022, I learned that there were no follow-up calls or callbacks after the initial audition process. It consisted of an audition, a director meeting, and chemistry readings, but these steps didn’t involve too many additional stages.
How’d you celebrate the good news?
Immediately after my mother informed me, I let out a loud shout that lasted around thirty seconds. Since my father was in another part of the house, I pushed open the doors and exclaimed, “I’ve landed the job!” Our joy lasted for quite some time.
Does Wim’s behavior resonate with you at all? He insists on continuing his childhood fascination with unspecified Star Wars characters, namely Jedi and Sith action figures, instead of concentrating on his professional aspirations.
Absolutely, I share your sentiment. Just as there were many aspects of Wim that resonated with me, the reluctance to grow up was certainly one of them. You see, much like Wim, I’ve always found joy in playing with action figures, and this connection has made me identify with him in some way or another. Among all his relationships, it’s his bond with his father that particularly strikes a chord with me.
In your previous role on a popular Star Wars production, you managed to maintain a lighthearted atmosphere despite the professional demands. For instance, you dressed up as Jon Watts for Halloween and fashioned mustaches with gaffer tape. Were you consciously aiming to strike a balance between work and play?
Absolutely, I agree! It’s essential to incorporate some enjoyment in every task, and I always strive to do just that. In fact, what attracted me to Jude [Law] was his ability to maintain a healthy blend of work and play. Moreover, I enjoyed the camaraderie and shared laughter we all experienced. Despite being part of a large crew, we quickly developed a comfortable and intimate bond within the first month. As a result, we found ourselves engaging in lighthearted mischief together from time to time.
What did Jon Watts think of your Jon Watts costume?
I caught him off guard in his office, and it turned out to be quite amusing. Interestingly enough, he has a unique costume that he wears on set, and surprisingly, I happened to wear the same outfit for Halloween one day – but naturally, he wasn’t wearing it at the time. The humor came from the fact that he didn’t anticipate me showing up in his office all dressed as him, leading to much laughter about the situation.
Jon Favreau encouraged you to make a short film called Hari and the Empty Space?
Absolutely, he did. During a break in our shooting schedule, I had an insightful conversation with Jon Favreau and his colleague Karen Gilchrist. Our discussion revolved around the art of filmmaking, and I found it incredibly enriching. I feel fortunate that they took time out to speak with me as I’ve gleaned a wealth of knowledge from this encounter. I continue to work on this project, but the journey has been an invaluable learning experience thus far. Despite its challenges, I believe the effort is worthwhile.
In a unique manner, Jude’s character took care of the four missing children. Did Jude, as the actors portraying those characters, also take care of the four of you?
To be completely honest, everyone, including Jude, played a part. He not only served as a mentor but maintained an intense focus on developing his own character.
It seems that Wim and Fern share several similarities. They were both brought up by strict parents on their own, and they occasionally overlook the importance of their best friends. For instance, Wim neglected to inquire about Neel’s assessment results and violated his commitment to him by getting into trouble. Similarly, Fern sometimes disregards KB’s valuable advice. Does this perspective resonate with you?
Absolutely, I concur! The interaction between Wim and Fern was captivating, and I appreciate the parallelism in their characters, as they both find themselves in comparable predicaments. Wim’s father is quite stern and overly protective, restricting Wim’s independence more than he desires. He feels his father denies him the freedom he craves, including bedtime stories, which he misses dearly. This dynamic, in part, fuels Wim’s desire to venture beyond our world.
As a devoted viewer, I’ve noticed that Wim’s mom is mentioned when he requests a bedtime story from his dad. However, I’m curious if we have any information about what happened to Wim’s mother, or is this a plot point yet to be revealed in the series?
To be completely honest, we’re genuinely unsure. Over the years, my mind has often wandered, speculating about what could have taken place. I’ve developed some hypotheses, and in the process of getting ready, I curated a playlist filled with songs that Wim and his mother might have enjoyed together. This was simply to help me envision their relationship. “Follow You Down” by Gin Blossoms was particularly significant for me, a song I would frequently ponder over. It’s one of my all-time favorites.
As a fan, here’s my take: Four of us found ourselves aboard an old, seemingly abandoned starship. Without realizing it, we blasted off into hyperspace! The ship’s android, SM-33 (played brilliantly by Nick Frost), mistook us for pirates and guided us to Port Borgo, a place infamous for its pirate populace. Among the many fascinating aspects of that set, what stood out to me the most?
Indeed, it might not have been as massive as it appeared on screen, but it was undeniably colossal. I found my time within The Volume incredibly engaging due to the wealth of props that added depth to the environment. These elements made it challenging to distinguish where The Volume ended and reality began. David Lowery helmed that particular episode, and his fascination with the puppets and aliens was palpable. During our adventure, we stumbled upon some rather peculiar noodles, and their appearance was decidedly off-putting.
To Wim, the location at Attin seemed tedious and unappealing, a place he was eager to depart from. However, to those outside the barrier, it’s perceived as a legendary, lost world of everlasting riches. Wasn’t it quite astonishing when you initially learned about how significant his home planet truly turned out to be?
Absolutely, I did as well! Initially, we explore the world through Wim’s eyes, perceiving it as an ordinary suburban setting, which might seem dull to the audience since they share his mental space. However, this seemingly mundane location turns out to be a mysterious, mythical planet filled with hidden treasures. It’s quite intriguing, isn’t it? Interestingly, I had a hunch about it after reading the script multiple times, and during our first call, I shared my suspicion with Jon.
It was also a clever way to explain why we’ve never seen suburbia in Star Wars until now.
Definitely!
Could you please share the first characteristics that come to mind when you reflect on your collaborative experience with Jon Watts on set, aside from his signature attire? What are some other aspects that you associate with working alongside him?
He’s so intentional. He was also one of the co-writers, so he knows what he wants. And he’s always comical. He’s very caring and compassionate about the people in the production, and he’s laser-focused, too. I’d look over at him as he was watching playback on the monitors, and it was always very funny. I’d sometimes go join him.
What else caught your attention about David Lowery?
It’s quite evident that he’s highly skilled at what he does. Speaking of Skeleton Crew, I recently watched Peter Pan and Wendy, and I must say I was captivated by it. Once more, he seemed to be spellbound by the happenings around him.
What about Bryce Dallas Howard?
Bryce demonstrates an exceptional blend of generosity, kindness, and talent. Beyond being an actor, it’s clear that she excels as a director too, showcasing both competence on-screen and off. Her directing techniques are not only effective but also practical, making her a valuable asset in the industry. Having contributed to multiple episodes of The Mandalorian, she brings considerable experience when working within the Volume. It was truly beneficial to collaborate with someone as skilled as her.
Lee Isaac Chung …
Lee Isaac Chung was incredibly wonderful, offering support, help, and positivity in abundance. I genuinely enjoyed his final episode as well. His demeanor was down-to-earth and relaxed, making it apparent that he was thoroughly enjoying our time together. This quality of his truly impressed me.
The Daniels …
The Daniels were incredibly lively, skillful, and full of humor. They engaged us in some quick exercises prior to filming, and we shared a meal with them initially to break the ice. After watching Everything Everywhere All at Once, I was truly astounded by it! Wow, it was fantastic.
And Jake Schreier …
Jake displays an exceptional episode, showcasing his remarkable attention to detail and impressive cooperativeness. Similar to Jon, he exudes compassion and possesses a knack for effectively working with others.
On a specific day on the film set, the second unit director and lead stunt coordinator, George Cottle, decided to call Tom Holland using FaceTime. They had collaborated on all of the Spider-Man movies directed by Jon Watts. Was it just his way of adding a fun moment for you two?
Robert Timothy Smith expresses great enthusiasm for Jon’s Spider-Man-related work, and I share this sentiment. However, it’s Robert who is especially curious about what it was like to collaborate with Tom Holland. Intriguingly, George Cottle suggested reaching out to him directly to ask! So, we did, and I must confess, I was thrilled. I’ve long admired Tom and am a devoted fan of his work. I find everything he does simply captivating. On that day, both George and Tom were exceptionally gracious towards us. Interestingly, Tom was on another set when we called, making the situation rather humorous. In fact, George remarked that we picked up stunts quicker than Tom did, which added to the amusement (laughs).
In the third installment, it’s revealed that Jude prepared a meal in a pot for everyone. What ingredients were employed on that particular occasion?
It was some form of oatmeal, but there was definitely some additional stuff added.
In the initial episode, Wim’s cereal seemed to align with what we usually see. However, his blue milk appeared slightly different from what we’re used to. Perhaps it was due to color correction. Was the term “blue milk” being used during that period of time?
Absolutely, although it might not have appeared blue in the visual representation, it was undeniably blue under the sunlight. I must confess, I was thoroughly enthusiastic about having the chance to savor it. Its flavor was certainly unique, and yet, it was an enjoyable experience.
Did the team use a thin wire to slide Jude’s character’s Force-pulled key into the jail cell, or was it just the key itself?
Absolutely, there it was suspended by a wire, quite fascinating. Remarkably, I was able to ignore the wire’s presence, and from my perspective, it seemed as if I was witnessing a real-life demonstration of the Force up close.
What’s been the highlight of your press tour so far?
Truthfully, it’s been amazing to hear how much everyone adores what we’ve produced after putting in so much effort. Another delightful aspect is finally being able to discuss it. We completed production nearly two years ago, which made keeping quiet about it quite challenging. During the tour, Jon Watts mentioned that he felt like a big kid working on this project, and I couldn’t help but enjoy his enthusiasm.
Well, after three episodes, I can’t wait to see the rest of the series.
You’re going to love it.
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Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is now airing weekly on Disney+.
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