The Star Wars franchise follows a strict timeline, much like how the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC Universe operate. In that sense, here's what you should watch before Star Wars: Skeleton Crew airs on Disney Plus this December 2023 or in early 2024:
Star Wars Movies That Lead Up To Skeleton Crew
The canon Star Wars Universe is made up of multiple movies and series to choose from, but if you want to start with Star Wars: Skeleton Crew without hoping to see the classics - you're in for tough luck.
Since the events of Skeleton Crew take place after the rise and fall of the Galactic Empire, this would naturally mean going back to the old Star Wars films to wrap your head around what the story will be about.
That said, here's how you can watch the Star Wars films chronologically:
- Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2022)
- Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
- Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)
- Star Wars: Holiday Special (1978)
- Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Star Wars Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi (1983)
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Star Wars Series To See Before Skeleton Crew Airs
Since Star Wars: Skeleton Crew takes place in the MandoVerse, this means two things: the events of the series occurred roughly after Return of the Jedi and that The Mandalorian, and every other show in the MandoVerse is a part of your to-watch list before the show comes out.
Technically, there are other series existing outside the MandoVerse, but what would make your watching experience more valuable is immersing yourself in the Star Wars canon stories. So, here's the list of the series to watch before seeing Skeleton Crew:
- The Clone Wars (2008-2014)
- Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
- Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018)
- Andor (2022-present)
- Star Wars: Droids (1985-1986)
- Ewoks (1985-1986)
- The Mandalorian (2019-present)
- The Book of Boba Fett (2021-2022)
- Ahsoka (2023)
Dave Filoni on Canon Star Wars Stories
Now, it is important to note that no matter which film or series you choose to watch first, the decision is up to you as the viewer.
Star Wars legend Dave Filoni previously answered one of the most basic questions any fan would ask when starting a new franchise, and that is about the debates on the canon Star Wars stories.
Here's what Filoni has to say during the Lucasfilm Showcase panel at Star Wars Celebration (via ScreenRant):
"People get into all these debates of what's canon and what's not, and sometimes forget the special nature of telling a good story and creating great characters."
"Part of the fan debate in the past always used to be, 'What's canon? What's not?' because there was George [Lucas] and we always knew George was the canon. I look at it very broadly and I just say there's a love of Star Wars. Because I knew George, I worked with him and none of us are going to be him. But we love the Galaxy he created, and we're very much a product of it; growing up with it."
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