Star Wars’ Latest Legends Reference Is Even Bigger than Grand Admiral Thrawn

Disclaimer: This article contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: Skeleton Crew episode 3.

In an exciting development for fans of the Star Wars franchise, a character in Star Wars: Skeleton Crew has been reintroduced as a fresh iteration of an obscure pirate from the Star Wars Legends timeline. Since April 2014, Star Wars Legends has served as an alternate narrative thread within the expansive Star Wars universe, simultaneously inspiring elements that have been adapted into the new official canon. This season, Skeleton Crew underscores its commitment to honoring Legends lore by featuring one of its notable antagonists in live-action form, marking a significant moment for longtime followers of the franchise.

Crimson Jack: A Classic Legends Character

In the third episode of Skeleton Crew, viewers are introduced to Jude Law’s character, Crimson Jack, who originally made his debut in Marvel’s Star Wars comics. This character emerged shortly after the comics began to tell original narratives beginning with issue seven, becoming one of the first new antagonists faced by the heroes following the events of *A New Hope*. As a notorious pirate captain, Crimson Jack poses a challenge to Han Solo, notably robbing him of his Rebellion-awarded wealth and thereby thwarting Solo’s ability to settle his debt with Jabba the Hutt.

Crimson Jack’s story is intertwined with the broader events surrounding *A New Hope*, particularly since his ship was a commandeered Star Destroyer that took part in the Battle of Toprawa—a critical Rebel victory enabling them to secure the plans for the Death Star. From issues 11 to 15 of Marvel’s original Star Wars series, Crimson Jack became a prominent villain, engaging in an unforgettable space duel with Han Solo, a rare encounter within the franchise.

The Surprise of a Live-Action Crimson Jack

Jude Law as Jod Na Nawood in Skeleton Crew

While the return of Grand Admiral Thrawn to the new Star Wars canon is expected due to his legendary status and the influence of Timothy Zahn’s acclaimed trilogy, the live-action introduction of Crimson Jack marks a surprising moment for fans of the Expanded Universe. The Marvel Star Wars comics, while recognized for their artistic and narrative merit, have remained a niche yet cherished part of the broader franchise. Thus, the choice to bring Crimson Jack into Star Wars: Skeleton Crew represents a significant nod to these classic stories, elevating their relevance within contemporary Star Wars discourse.

New episodes of Skeleton Crew are premiered every Tuesday on Disney+.

Episode Release Schedule
Episode 3	Director: David Lowery	Release Date: 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