Galactic Starcruiser Hotel’s Closure: How Star Wars’ Newest TV Show Honors Its Legacy

Note: This article includes SPOILERS for Episode 3 of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew pays a heartfelt tribute to the storied history of the Halcyon, the central vessel of the now-closed Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. Even after its permanent closure, this connection enhances the legacy of the Disney Parks resort. Centered around a youthful cast, including characters Wim, Fern, Neel, and KB, Skeleton Crew captures the charm and whimsy of the Star Wars universe, providing viewers an immersive adventure that echoes the essence of the beloved franchise.

This sense of adventure mirrors the original vision for the Galactic Starcruiser experience at Walt Disney World, which aimed to let guests craft their unique Star Wars stories through a combination of entertainment, dining, and interactive activities. With its latest narrative, Skeleton Crew cements a profound bond with the Galactic Starcruiser, granting the Halcyon an exceptional legacy that transcends its operational timeline.

The Halcyon Legacy Comics Revive Crimson Jack Canon

Crimson Jack’s Origin in 1977 Comics

Before the Galactic Starcruiser made its debut, the Halcyon Legacy comic series by Ethan Sacks was released, exploring the ship’s rich historical narratives intertwined with contemporary tales. This miniseries intricately links the resort to the broader universe of Star Wars lore. Set between Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, fans who engaged with the comics witnessed the re-emergence of Crimson Jack, a character previously relegated to the Legends continuity and portrayed as a formidable pirate.

Crimson Jack first arrived in Marvel’s original Star Wars comics in 1977, famously opposing Han Solo. In The Halcyon Legacy, he embarks on a quest to locate a Resistance fugitive on the Halcyon, leading to a dramatic assault on the vessel as he seeks to claim the fugitive for the First Order. This narrative was a cornerstone of the stories we relayed as crew members on the Galactic Starcruiser, occurring just a month before the ship’s prestigious 275th anniversary voyage.

While Crimson Jack did not appear on the Starcruiser itself, his influence on our storyline was undeniable. The attack he orchestrated on our ship played a significant role in persuading Captain Keevan to maintain his crew for this momentous event. Additionally, under the watchful gaze of First Order Lieutenant Harman Croy, this subplot shaped the experiences our guests encountered during their stay.

Skeleton Crew Brings Crimson Jack Back to the Forefront

Jude Law’s Character’s Alias: Crimson Jack

A year following the closure of the Galactic Starcruiser, Star Wars has intriguingly resurrected the name Crimson Jack within the canon of the franchise. In Skeleton Crew, Jude Law’s character, Jod Na Nawood, is identified as Crimson Jack by his companion, Kh’ymm, and the New Republic forces she summons. Although the Star Wars narrative suggests this is simply an alias, it marks the first on-screen mention of Crimson Jack, broadening his presence in the franchise.

Given the pirate-centric ethos of Skeleton Crew, it’s plausible that Law’s character could embody the actual Crimson Jack, especially considering his connections to Kh’ymm and the New Republic. This remains a speculation; however, it could imply that the name ‘Crimson Jack’ serves as a common alias among pirates. Nonetheless, his inclusion in the live-action series adds to the excitement of the Star Wars universe.

Ties to Halcyon’s History Preceded the Starcruiser’s Closure

Skeleton Crew’s Narrative Was Established Long Before the Closure

The atrium of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

Notably, the connection to Crimson Jack underscores how Star Wars integrated the Halcyon lore before the Galactic Starcruiser’s closure. Filming for Skeleton Crew commenced in September 2022 and wrapped in January 2023, suggesting that ties to the Halcyon were developed long before the announcement of the Starcruiser’s permanent closing on May 2023.

Even after its closing, the Halcyon and its narratives have become vital to the fabric of Star Wars canon, with Crimson Jack serving as a significant link to this history. This relationship implies that the decision to merge Skeleton Crew and the Halcyon storylines was in the works long before the Starcruiser’s impending closure was revealed, leaving fans to speculate about other potential connections that may have unfolded.

The Legacy of the Galactic Starcruiser Lives On

A Permanent Canonical Presence

This connection to the Galactic Starcruiser is immensely uplifting for those of us who had the privilege of contributing to its legacy. In the time since its closure, many former crew members have grappled with fears that the story we cultivated might be overshadowed, reducing our shared experience to a perceived failure. Yet, Star Wars is reaffirming our story’s value, keeping its memory alive even without the physical presence of the Starcruiser.

While the mention of Crimson Jack may seem minor, every tribute holds significance in honoring the Starcruiser’s enduring legacy, especially for us former crew members. We’re grateful for any recognition, particularly one that appears in such a prominent live-action series. Skeleton Crew is crucial in preserving our ship’s legacy, and for that, we extend our deepest gratitude.

Skeleton Crew releases new episodes every Tuesday on Disney+.

Skeleton Crew Release Date Schedule
Episode	Director	Release Date
Episode 3	David Lowery	December 10
Episode 4	The Daniels	December 17
Episode 5	Jake Schreier	December 24
Episode 6	Bryce Dallas Howard	December 31
Episode 7	Lee Isaac Chung	January 7
Episode 8	Jon Watts	January 14