Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: Skeleton Crew episode 6.It’s been 5 years sinceBryce Dallas Howard’sStar Warsdirectorial debut inThe Mandalorian, and with her episode inStar Wars: Skeleton Crew, she’s broken a surprisingly long-running trend amongst her episodes in the galaxy far, far away. Howard’sStar Warsepisodes have always been met with an immense amount of praise, particularly her work onThe Book of Boba Fettepisode 5 “Chapter 5: Return of the Mandalorian”, which famously broughtDin Djarinback to the small screen. InSkeleton Crew, she adds on to this praise.
Her work onSkeleton Crewepisode 6"Zero Friends Again" is revered not only for the quality of each and every shot, but also for the way her directing highlights the important emotional developments and undertones of the episode.Skeleton Crew’s young castdeliver an incredible performance that’s only enhanced by Howard’s direction in a way that’s reminiscent of her directorial debut episode,The Mandalorianseason 1, episode 4 “Chapter 4: Sanctuary”, which was arguably the first to explore Din Djarin beneath surface level. HerSkeleton Crewepisode, however, contains one notable difference from all her others.
Skeleton Crew Is Bryce Dallas Howard’s First Episode Without Din Djarin
It Remains Focused On Its Own Cast
With Howard working exclusively onThe Mandalorianand its spin-offThe Book of Boba Fettup until now, herSkeleton Crewepisode is the first of her directorial work inStar Warsto not focus on Din Djarin. WithSkeleton Crewhappening at the same time asThe Mandalorian, specifically after season 3, many hoped that the Mandalorian would perhaps make a brief appearance to continue this trend, but this was not the case. Regardless,Howard’s direction still shines even without Din Djarin at the heart of the story, even if he’s fondly missed.
Could Din Djarin Turn Up In Skeleton Crew?
He Makes Sense At This Point In The Story
Of course, it’s still not impossible for Din Djarin to turn up in this series. With two episodes left, there’s plenty of time for the Mandalorian to make a brief return prior to his big-screen debut in 2026’sThe Mandalorian & Grogumovie.The story ofSkeleton Crewhas made this storytelling avenue quite possible, albeit unlikelydue to just how powerful appearances by Din Djarin can be - as evidenced by Howard’sThe Book of Boba Fettepisode.
Am I Just Clowning, Or Has Star Wars Just Set Up A Surprise Mandalorian Cameo?
I’ve been known to clown for cameos from The Mandalorian before, but it seems like Skeleton Crew really wants us to think this one will happen.
TheNew Republicis aware of Jod Na Nawood’s, known to them asCrimson Jack, whereabouts, and the fact that he’s taken children with him, who they did not find with him inSkeleton Crewepisode 6. Given thatDin Djarin is a new “recruit” of the New Republic rangers as an independent contractor who also happens to be very protective of children in need, it seems reasonable that he could appear to check in on the kidsand make sure they’re okay. Whatever the case,Skeleton Crewstill shines without Din Djarin, even if his return is highly anticipated.
Star Wars: Skeleton Crew
Cast
Skeleton Crew follows four ordinary children who become lost in the expansive Star Wars galaxy. As they navigate unfamiliar worlds and the challenges they present, the group endeavors to find their way back to their home planet, undertaking a journey across the iconic Star Wars universe.
