The Phantom Menace’s Cringeworthy Catchphrase Returns in Star Wars
Warning! This post contains minor spoilers for Star Wars: Skeleton Crew episodes 1 and 2.
The latest addition to the Star Wars universe, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, has just premiered with an exhilarating two-episode launch that has already rekindled one of the most memorable and cringeworthy lines from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. This new series promises to introduce an array of innovative characters, intriguing planets, and fresh concepts that expand the Star Wars lore. Among its exciting offerings, Skeleton Crew unveils the enigmatic planet of At Attin, described as a “lost planet” that supposedly holds hidden treasures, further enriching the expansive galaxy we know and love.
However, Skeleton Crew isn’t solely focused on new elements; it also weaves in connections to the broader Star Wars timeline. Set during the New Republic Era, the series inevitably links with other contemporaneous Star Wars narratives, albeit in subtle ways. Intriguingly, the character played by Jude Law reveals layers beyond what was initially perceived, suggesting deeper storylines to explore. Yet, perhaps the most shocking revelation involves a surprising callback to a line from The Phantom Menace, igniting nostalgia among long-time fans.
Embracing “Wizard”: A Familiar Phrase for Kids in the Galaxy
The Resurgence of a Controversial Phantom Menace Line
The first two episodes of Skeleton Crew prominently feature a character named Wim, a young boy from At Attin who is deeply fascinated by the Jedi and yearns for adventure. His excitement is palpable when he spots Fern, a fellow resident of his planet, racing by on a speeder bike. When they finally meet, Wim enthusiastically exclaims that her bike is “wizard,” echoing a line from The Phantom Menace, where Anakin’s friend Kitster described his podracer as “so wizard.” This memorable phrase not only serves as a nostalgic nod but also highlights the playful spirit of the series.
This moment signifies that the term “wizard” has transcended its original context on Tatooine, suggesting that it has become a common expression among children, especially in relation to technology and adventure. This is particularly noteworthy considering that At Attin is portrayed as a remote location, often believed to be mythical, making the use of this term all the more curious and significant. The decision to reintroduce this line may also reflect a shift in audience perception since the initial backlash against its use in The Phantom Menace.
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Star Wars’ Commitment to Reviving the “Wizard” Phrase
A Polarizing Line from The Phantom Menace
In a similar vein to various elements of The Phantom Menace, the term “wizard” has faced significant criticism from audiences who found its usage jarring and cringeworthy. Nonetheless, Star Wars is steadfast in its resolve to integrate this word into the franchise’s lexicon, suggesting that its inclusion is more than just a nostalgic callback. This decision is likely to stir debate among fans, but it aligns well with the franchise’s tradition of revisiting and redefining past elements.
Throughout its history, Star Wars has continuously leveraged new projects to provide context and clarity to previously contentious themes—like the re-emergence of midi-chlorians. The moment in Skeleton Crew not only serves as a delightful Easter egg but also attempts to validate a line that has somewhat become a humorous reference within the franchise. With its unique focus on a youthful cast, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew may be just beginning to unveil a series of clever callbacks that will delight fans old and new.
The first two episodes of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew are now available for streaming on Disney+.
Skeleton Crew Release Date Schedule |
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---|---|---|
Director |
Release Date |
|
Episode 1 |
Jon Watts |
December 2 |
Episode 2 |
David Lowery |
December 2 |
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 |