The world of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew invites us fans on an adventure through the eyes of four young protagonists, offering fresh perspectives on the galaxy far, far away. Behind the scenes, production designers Doug Chiang and Oliver Scholl combined decades of experience to craft immersive settings that blend nostalgic storytelling with innovative visuals.
In an interview on StarWars.com, Chiang and Scholl get down to business to discuss their work on Skeleton Crew.
"I love those kinds of collaborations because we get fresh ideas. He [Oliver] may suggest something that I hadn't thought of before, and it's a terrific way of world building. It feels more authentic, and I think that's one of the things that's so important for Star Wars, is that we want this to feel authentic."Doug Chiang
At Attin, the protagonists’ homeworld, juxtaposes suburban tranquility with a subtle restlessness. The environment reflects the children’s desire for adventure, with serene cul-de-sacs, school trams, and mid-century modern homes given a sci-fi twist. Inspired by Spielberg’s depictions of suburban America, the warm lighting and earthy tones evoke a sense of comfort while hinting at the monotony felt by the young characters.
Scholl’s architectural design draws from brutalist influences, incorporating grid-like cityscapes in the urban core, while the outskirts feature sloped-roof homes and forested landscapes reminiscent of E.T. or even from the cyberpunk genre, a good example being the CD Projekt Red title, Cyberpunk 2077.
The Onyx Cinder, a starship the kids mistake for a Jedi temple, serves as their escape and home. Its unique silhouette and striped hull pay homage to Star Wars pirate aesthetics while introducing new design elements inspired by 19th-century ironclad warships. The interior, constructed on a soundstage, features symmetrical hallways and versatile set pieces that enable scenes of disorientation as the ship rotates. Rugged details, including crates and ropes, enhance its personality.
Starport Borgo, the first stop on the kids’ journey, brings a bustling pirate haven to life within an asteroid overlooking a nebula. The setting incorporates nautical elements, such as a boardwalk and floating piers, to evoke a seaside port. Layers of the port narrow into fortress-like caves, while exotic details like barrels, crates, and floating dinghies add texture. The nebula’s blue lighting creates a water-like ambiance, adding to the port’s hidden feel.
Through the rich world they've created, Chiang and Scholl balance Spielbergian wonder with Star Wars’ legacy of innovation in design. From the familiar-yet-alien suburbs of At Attin to the rugged Onyx Cinder and the bustling Starport Borgo, Skeleton Crew, in my eyes, captures the adventure and spectacle of a galaxy reimagined.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew is currently streaming on Disney+.