When Does Skeleton Crew Take Place?

A New Horizon in the Star Wars Universe: Skeleton Crew

"Star Wars: Skeleton Crew" is taking us on a brand new adventure through the galaxy far, far away. Each new Star Wars story sparks a familiar question among fans: “When does it occur?" Given many shifts in the timeline since Disney took the helm in 2012, understanding where each piece fits has become an intriguing jigsaw of galactic history.

To untangle this, let’s dive into the existing timeline. The Sequel Trilogy picks up thirty years after the Original Trilogy, while films like "Solo" and "Rogue One," along with "Andor," unfold before it. "The Clone Wars" and "Bad Batch" shine a light on the events during and immediately following the Prequel Trilogy. Meanwhile, "The Mandalorian," "The Book of Boba Fett," and "Ahsoka" are set shortly after the Original Trilogy, ranging from nine to eleven years after. "The Acolyte" takes us a full hundred years before the Prequels. So, where does "Skeleton Crew" fit in? Nestled between the winding paths of "The Mandalorian" timeline, just before its third season.

The Galactic Puzzle: Timeline Takes

"The Mandalorian" story kicks off nine years post-Battle of Yavin, placing it at 9 ABY—nine years after "A New Hope" and six beyond the fall of the Empire in "Return of the Jedi." Yet, “Skeleton Crew” forges its own path, happening after the Empire’s demise. The show’s first scenes cement this fact, mentioning the Empire’s fall. Interestingly, these events don’t align neatly with those in "The Mandalorian." The backdrop of the galaxy hints at this temporal difference as the chaos left by the Empire’s collapse is far more pronounced.

The opening adventure with pirates attacking a bulk freighter raises eyebrows. The captain informs the pirates that the ship holds no Republic credits, suggesting the Republic struggles to secure its wealth post-Empire. At this point in Star Wars history, "Skeleton Crew" appears closer to the Empire’s end.

By "The Mandalorian" timeline, the Republic is shown with its affairs in order. Captain Teva’s vigilant patrol portrays an era where military escorts are standard for valuable cargo. This level of chaos no longer exists, indicating that "Skeleton Crew" precedes this stabilization.

A Slice of Star Wars: Niche Yet Fascinating

The landscape in "Skeleton Crew" hints that the Republic lacks control over most of the galaxy and cannot spare ships to shield freighters. Although "The Mandalorian" reveals that pirates still lurk, "Skeleton Crew" paints a dire picture of lawlessness. With "The Mandalorian" and "Ahsoka" rooted at 11ABY, it seems likely that "Skeleton Crew" takes place before this, perhaps in the early days of "The Mandalorian," though possibly a few years sooner.

This period unveils a fascinating segment of Star Wars lore, previously glimpsed only in novels and comics. As the show unfolds, further clues may crystalize its position in this mysterious epoch. Fans eagerly await insights, hoping for illumination on the New Republic’s fledgling era.