Fans have a new favorite character, Neel, from the Star Wars: Skeleton Crew series, which is set in the post-Return of the Jedi timeframe. Neel, portrayed by Robert Timothy Smith, is among four young adventurers who become lost on the Onyx Cinder. Neel's kind nature and his unique blue elephant-like look have drawn some fun comparisons to Max Rebo, the famous Ortolan musician from Return of the Jedi. Even with these similarities, Lucasfilm has made it clear that Neel is part of a completely new species, different from the Ortolans.
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| Star Wars Skeleton Crew |
Neel’s design showcases a remarkable fusion of animatronics, costuming, and facial motion capture. Fans are enamored with his oversized features, appealing eyes, and tuft of blue hair, frequently labeling him as “too cute for Star Wars.” Speculation regarding his connection to Max Rebo emerged, fueled by their shared physical traits such as blue skin and floppy ears. The LEGO Skeleton Crew set, presenting Neel’s miniature figure, started even more interesting conversations.
Leland Chee from Lucasfilm’s Story Group and series co-creator Christopher Ford have revealed that Neel’s species is currently unnamed and is separate from the Ortolan lineage of Max Rebo. This deliberate choice highlights Skeleton Crew’s dedication to showcasing innovative and diverse alien species within the Star Wars universe.
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| Star Wars Skeleton Crew: Isolating Neel species from fan |
Beyond Ortolans, the Star Wars galaxy has always been home to a vast array of alien species, each with unique characteristics and backstories, such as the Wookiees, known for their strength and loyalty, or the Rodians, celebrated for their tracking skills. Introducing new species like Neel’s adds layers to this intricate universe, emphasizing Lucasfilm’s commitment to expanding its roster of distinctive alien characters. While Max Rebo may be famous for his electrifying music performances throughout the galaxy, Neel’s story centers on a profound coming-of-age experience.
Source: slashfilm.com
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