Lucasfilm’s Star Wars Spin-Off Skeleton Crew: Monkey Island Influence Revealed

Uncovering the Surprising Inspiration Behind Star Wars: Skeleton Crew

As fans, we’re often eager to dive into new Star Wars stories, but did you know that the latest series, Skeleton Crew, finds inspiration in the beloved point-and-click adventure games, Monkey Island?

Meet the Force-Using Kid Crew

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew introduces us to four kids searching for their home planet after getting lost in the galaxy. Along the way, they encounter a range of alien species and treacherous landscapes, making for a thrilling adventure. But what does this have to do with Monkey Island, you ask?

A Thematic Connection

According to co-showrunner Jon Watts, the connection lies in the pirate crew’s parallel to the kids. In his words, "pirates are grown-up kids who don’t want to follow rules and just want to go on their own way, arguing about who gets to be the captain." This theme is reflected in Skeleton Crew, as the young protagonists navigate their own adventure.

Pirate Inspirations

Watts further revealed that the team drew inspiration from classic pirate films, such as The Sea Hawk (1940) and Captain Blood (1935). And, it was the video game influence that really got the ball rolling.

Monkey Island’s Influence

"I loved all of the pirate things in those games, and felt like we could bring a little hint of that to Skeleton Crew," Watts said. As a Monkey Island fan, this comment has piqued my interest in the series, and I’m excited to see how this influence shapes the show.

Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Check out this classic image from Secret of Monkey Island, and let your nostalgia wash over you!

A Fan-Made Mini-Adventure

For those eager to play a Monkey Island-style game, a group of fans have created their own point-and-click adventure, The Booze of Monkey Island.

Will You Be Tuning In?

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’s unique blend of adventure, exploration, and pirate influences has me hooked. Will you be joining the crew?