We got our first look at the upcoming Mandorverse show Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. Immediately, there was a breakout star. No, it's not Jude Law or even the revealed droid SM-33, voiced by Nick Frost.
No, it was the little blue elephant boy Neel, played by Robert Timothy Smith, who took Star Wars fans by storm. While it hasn't been confirmed yet what species Neel is, he's more than likely an Ortolan, as he has several similarities to Return of the Jedi's Max Rebo. However, it's important to note that other series have also introduced elephant-based alien species, as we have seen in Young Jedi Adventures with the people from Andraven.
Regardless, Neel Fever has taken over, and fans have shared their love for him.
One Twitter user shared her excitement to find the LEGO minifigure of Neel, which is a neat thing. Our first look at the little guy was through merch leaks, including the LEGO set for the Onyx Cinder. This was also how we found out Neel's name.
I have acquired pocket sized Neel #swtwt #SkeletonCrew #neelnation pic.twitter.com/7q8c0aOaDi
β Angele || Team Tano || Jod Squad || (@NerdyGirl_501) August 1, 2024
Sometimes a character doesn't have to do anything. Neel is just doing his thing, as this user has pointed out.
Neel just standing there stealing the hearts of Star Wars fans all around the world pic.twitter.com/cvaprWZYyb
β Darth Charmant (@DarthCharmant) August 1, 2024
Do we have a new fandom name like Yord Horde or the Jecki Jam? Are we making Neel Nation the thing?
Neel nation I am with you pic.twitter.com/uOPFbJQKel
β dark side mae πβ€οΈβπ₯π³οΈβπ (@darksidemae) July 31, 2024
It appears so. We are riding at dawn, Neel Nation!
neel nation we ride at dawn pic.twitter.com/Kf3rKxpwf7
β Katrina Taylor (@2trina8) August 1, 2024
If "Neel Nation" sounds familiar, that's because Young Jedi Adventures fans have claimed "Nubs Nation." But as this one Twitter user points out, there's enough room for everyone.
Nubs nation π€ Neel nation #skeletoncrew pic.twitter.com/YL1NkqUbsP
β πΏ Maggie β¨ (@maggiemar94) July 31, 2024
Can we get in on those friendship bracelets?
Neel Nation Friendship bracelet to add to my collection in celebration of the new #SkeletonCrew stills we gotπ pic.twitter.com/qX2PqfkrJS
β cat β¨ Skeleton Crew (@catamidala) July 31, 2024
The first bits of art is starting to come out too!
new pocket-sized son just dropped π©΅ #SkeletonCrew #NeelNation
β JuliποΈπ©΅π« blue babes 4 mccr | skeleton crew era (@JuliberryLIVE) August 1, 2024
thank you skeleton crew for reviving the artist in me! looking forward to december!! pic.twitter.com/45pYxhc72k
Yes, we must protect Neel and all of these kids at all costs.
me showing everyone Neel and how they need to protect them with their lives pic.twitter.com/i1VwfxBWg5
β Meigs β¨ SKELETON CREW DEC. 3RD (@meigalorian) July 31, 2024
Yes, all of our worldly possessions will be given to this child.
It's not even out yet, and I already have my fav character #skeletoncrew #NeelNation pic.twitter.com/LZ19Y9vXnw
β Roo:) (Bad batching forever+Neel Nation) (@RoosaRooster) July 31, 2024
And finally, the Neel Nation took over the social media feeds to the point it was a wave of blue elephant boy pictures. This Twitter user welcomes the blue invasion.
my entire tl is neel right now and rightfully so pic.twitter.com/yidp4UaWro
β sageβ΅β°ΒΉ π tbb acolyte era (@ahsokasgoggles) July 31, 2024
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew will debut on Disney+ on December 3 where Neel Nation can root on everyone's new favorite little blue guy!