LONDON, Nov 21 (Reuters) - The latest addition to the
"Star Wars" franchise introduces a new sense of playfulness into
the universe by turning children into the protagonists, actor
Jude Law says.
"Star Wars: Skeleton Crew" is an eight-episode live-action
series following four youngsters who go on a thrilling and
terrifying adventure after getting lost in a treacherous galaxy.
Looking for a way back home, the foursome run into Law's
mysterious character Jod Na Nawood, who proposes a partnership.
"I love the concept. I loved the idea of making kids the
protagonists because it sort of drew on the innocence and added
a little bit of playfulness back into the experience," said Law
at a launch event in London's Trafalgar Square on Thursday.
Stepping into the "Star Wars" world felt "oddly familiar",
the British actor, 51, said.
"It's been in my life since I was an infant and so the
galaxy, for all its vastness, was weirdly like going home. I was
like 'I know this place, I know these creatures'," said Law.
Like their characters, the show's young cast embarked on an
exciting journey of their own, shooting the series on
technologically advanced sets, including the Volume, a circular
soundstage with LED panel screens.
"The sets were really realistic, especially the Volume. It
felt like I was really in the Star Wars galaxy," said Kyriana
Kratter, who portrays KB. "It was an actor's dream."
The series' creators, Jon Watts and Christopher Ford, drew
inspiration from cult 1980s movies they grew up watching. Adding
new elements to the "Star Wars" universe was both an honour and
scary, they said.
"It's a massive opportunity. I think what we were excited
about was the ability to show the same 'Star Wars' galaxy that
we already know and love, but through a new perspective, which
is through the eyes of four 10-year-old kids," said Watts,
director of three "Spider-Man" movies.
"It's the perfect on-ramp for a new generation," actress
Ryan Kiera Armstrong, 14, added.
"Star Wars: Skeleton Crew" starts streaming on Disney+ on
Dec. 3.