MUSIC, MEMORY, AND MAKING A HERO: HOW RAVI CABOT-CONYERS BUILT WIM FROM THE GROUND UP
BY IRVIN RIVERA
PHOTOGRPAHER: IRVIN RIVERA, PHOTOGRAPHY ASST: PHIL LIMPRASERTWONG
In a galaxy far, far away—yet refreshingly new—Ravi Cabot-Conyers steps into the Star Wars universe with Skeleton Crew, a highly anticipated series helmed by Jon Watts (Spider-Man: No Way Home) and starring Jude Law alongside a cast of rising young talent. Set against the backdrop of a mysterious, sprawling adventure, Ravi brings to life Wim, a character whose fearless curiosity and boundless heart channel echoes of a young Skywalker—but with a fresh, youthful energy that’s entirely his own. “Wim is brave,” Ravi shares, his enthusiasm palpable. “What’s so interesting is that we get to see the hero’s journey—the need for adventure, the fearlessness in the quest—through the eyes of a kid.” Balancing the weight of a legacy with his own instincts, Ravi leans into the nuances of his craft, pulling from childhood creativity and his deep-rooted love of storytelling to make Wim feel undeniably real.
But Skeleton Crew is more than just starships and space chases—it’s a story of connection, courage, and the relationships we forge in the unknown. And for Ravi, that bond transcended the screen. “I met three new actors when we began, and now, almost two years later, I have three best friends.” It’s this very real camaraderie, shaped through months on set, that makes Wim’s journey feel so deeply personal. And while playing a lead in a Star Wars show at just 11 might seem daunting, Ravi took it all in stride—learning from legends like Jude Law, curating playlists for his characters, and even discovering how small adjustments in physicality can transform a scene. “It’s easier to always be ready than to have to try to get ready,” he says, a lesson that extends beyond acting. As he looks ahead, embracing both indie projects and blockbuster dreams, one thing is certain—Ravi Cabot-Conyers isn’t just getting started. He’s already arrived.
Your character in Skeleton Crew navigates a journey filled with bravery and hopefulness, often drawing comparisons to iconic figures like Luke Skywalker . How did you approach embodying such a classic yet nuanced archetype, and how did you make Wim uniquely your own?
Thank you for saying that. Wim IS brave, and he fits the classic hero archetype in a lot of ways! And I love that you noticed some “Skywalker ” aspects, which were so fun to try to give a nod to every once and a while! What is so interesting with Wim is explicitly, that we get to see the hero’s journey — the need for adventure, the fearlessness in the quest, and even the questioning when things may not be what they seem — through the eyes of a kid. And so the perspective is different than it would be with an adult going through a similar situation. I was 11 when we filmed so that fun "kid energy" was already there with all of us! Once in a while I would remind myself not to overthink things and just go! In acting terms, it’s like, doing all the preparation you can, then forgetting it! As for making Wim “my own,” I wanted to work from what felt familiar first (like his loyalty, his emotional availability, his need for fun) and then layer in the very unique circumstances of the script and character, which were unlike my own. We came back many months later (due to unions striking) for quick pick-up work, and a beautifully written new scene for Wim and another character was filmed, and it is very, very moving. It's interesting because in between wrapping SC and coming back for reshoots, I had been able to fit in an extremely special indie film called Grassland. It required me to use slightly different acting muscles than I had been for most of my 7 months on Skeleton Crew, which is always very cool to have the chance to do as an actor. Looking back now, I do feel a little bit of Leo (my Grassland character) was still “hanging around,” with me when we came back for reshoots, and I think that helped me bring even more depth to Wim’s “bonus” scene. It felt that way! I’m excited to see if what I felt on the inside made it to where it counts in this situation — the outside…on camera.
Growing up in an artistic household, surrounded by music and acting, must have shaped your creative lens. How has your family's artistic legacy influenced your approach to storytelling and character development, particularly in Skeleton Crew?
Before I could even speak, my dad had me drawing with him, my Nanny taught me songs, and my Poppy would tell me the names of every big band he played with and played my baby musical instrument with me! I know this all helped me understand that creativity was a part of me too, if I wanted! Growing up like that helped me to know that it’s ok to express myself! Even when they had no idea I was going to do this professionally, they still watched me act out scenes from the old Batman tv series, and let me go to the local Mall dressed as Captain Hook or explained to me in detail what certain words meant so I’d understand what a story I was watching or listening to (and when I was a little older, attempting to create myself) actually meant. My mom is such a strong actor and teacher, and she knows exactly what to say to help an actor figure out what the writer intended and translate what a director might want, but also that you have the power to just try things and shape the characters journey by making bold and strong choices. And so that’s what I did with Skeleton Crew. From the very first moment I got the sides I pulled the scenes apart, I made guesses about what I thought was going on with Wim (who was then called Wyatt), and then I just made choices that seemed to be what the scene called for and made sense to me as an actor and were fun to play. Getting from point A to point B is so exciting and you can do a lot of work on your own. But ultimately acting is a collaborative job, and you don’t really know exactly what will happen until you lock eyes with your scene partner (even if it’s a droid!!) and take in what’s in front of you and then just let go! The Skeleton Crew set, as you can probably guess, was like the best place ever to do that.
You’ve mentioned creating playlists to connect with your character’s emotions. How does music serve as a bridge for you to explore the emotional depth of your roles, and can you share a song or artist from Wim’s playlist that resonated with you most during filming?
I have and yes, my playlists do connect to my characters emotional life and the circumstances both in the moment and the journey as a whole. For me, the music usually seems to come after some other work…after I’ve journaled in character, lived with the script for a minute, or if I’ve already booked the job and are having discussions with the director. So once I sort of isolate the feeling of what is being experienced and the needs and objectives my character has, a throughline sort of emerges. And then comes the playlist! Some are songs I already know. We listen to a lot of Springsteen in the car and the protagonist of “Out in the Street” really feel like Wim’s earth-version, and so that kicked the whole mix off for me with ideas of adventure and life outside a little world! Instead of Freehold and Asbury Park it was At Attin! My parents know so much about all genre's of music so I have a lot of vinyl. Some songs I discover by googling themes I want to explore. There’s this song “The Breaks” by Sarah Proctor who I had never heard of before. But I just started typing into the search bar things that Wim was feeling and going through and then added “song title” and that amazing one came up! I listened and it was like, whoaaaa! And Gin Blossoms and The Cure made it on my "Wim mix" several times. They are both so appropriate when Wim is having what I call a “Fern moment.” There are a few “Fern moments." These mixes, they just reinforce relationships and set the scene for what might happen and the songs get me out of my head and into my heart for when I step on set. And then after the fact, it’s an awesome way to relive that time in my life, and the character. I do try to make the order somewhat chronological but not always. For instance on the mix for Grassland, right off the bat I hit myself with XTC’s “Dear God.” But then I was like, OK, THAT's a song that kind of boldly announces itself, so let me follow it up with an Argentinian instrumental folk ballad!
Working alongside seasoned actors like Jude Law undoubtedly offers unique insights. What lessons did you take away from your on-set interactions, and how have they informed the way you see yourself as an actor and collaborator?
That the slightest adjustment in how you physically relate to the camera can make all the difference in the world. That no matter how old (or young) you are, when you’re collaborating on a project the playing field gets leveled because really, everyone just wants to bring their A game and have a blast. That it’s easier to always be ready than to have to try to get ready. Jude was just a masterclass in acting and also in how to bring your best self to work no matter what. I can’t tell you how much I respect that attitude and how I hope I never lose my desire to emulate it with my own work ethic and desire to have that said about me, too someday. I also really appreciate the diverse group of directors and projects that Jude has done over the course of his career, and that's something I really want to continue to experience as well. I got so lucky in that Skeleton Crew had 6 directors over 8 episodes. And they are all, like, incredible!!! So, a lot on my "wish list" have already happened -- but I want to work with them all again! And I want to add Wes Anderson, Greta Gerwig, Christopher Nolan....so many!!
In a show that explores themes of exploration and self-discovery, did playing Wim challenge you to reflect on your own personal journey? How have these reflections shaped the way you view growth, both as an actor and as an individual?
It really didn't in the moment, because I was just so in the middle of it, but now, after the fact, I can really see that I was growing up alongside my character. There were themes in the script dealing with life and death situations, and I would be lying if I didn't say that it caused me to worry a little bit more about how I would feel about losing someone I love, or what life would be like if everything I knew changed in an instant. On the more positive side, Wim is really fearless in many ways. He's human and has limitations and fears like everyone, but I really admire who he is. Also, working so closely with kids my own age for the first time was this HUGE thing, and what you see on screen is mirroring our real-time relationships in a way. It's very sped-up because the series takes place over a shorter amount of time than the 7 months we spent together, but really, I can say that I met 3 new actors when we began, and now almost 2 years later, I have 3 best friends.
Skeleton Crew delves into relationships and connections forged in extraordinary circumstances. How do you think Wim’s story mirrors the relationships we build in real life when navigating the unknown, andhas this influenced how you value your own connections?
100. I think that the newfound friendships and relationships that Wim is experiencing, is a version of the bonds we were creating. Like I was saying before, I grew up on the Skeleton Crew set. And if you're lucky enough to be on a Star Wars set, let me tell you, it feels like the biggest, most awesome adventure ever. But that comes with some pressure too, especially when you are leading a show and have other people who are so incredibly talented counting on you to do your part. I'm a person that can adapt to new things and people pretty easily but once I care about someone, I really care. Like for me, other than finally getting to talk about the show and seeing how much it meant to fans, the best part of doing press has just been getting to spend extra time with my castmates. I wish I could see Ryan every single day, but since we don't live near each other that isn't possible. Fern and Wim need to be written into every Star Wars property from here on out!
As someone who began acting at such a young age, how have you navigated balancing the intensity of professional growth with maintaining a sense of self? What lessons from this balance would you pass on to other young actors starting out?
Even before I started acting professionally I would stay "in character" for extended amounts of time -- like interacting with people at restaurants or on the carousel or in the park -- and just never broke. Nobody told me to do that, that’s just what I did! I loved playing different characters then and living in their skin and now I get to do it on larger scale! But like, I’m me, that same person, whether I’m on set, at school, or playing with my grandma to see how long we can keep a balloon in the air (that’s something we started doing as soon as I could walk and still do!). I am not sure I have one bit of advice or lesson, other than, if acting is something that makes you happy, that inspires you, then do it. Keep learning. Don’t just want to do it, figure out what it means to be able to bring someone or something to life in a truthful way and then just enjoy each moment you are able to do that! Keep learning. Being an actor is very powerful, being an artist is very powerful. Not in a “famous” way, just like…what’s in your soul has the power to come out and really connect with people if you let it. And if you are a young person who is an actor, remember to also be a kid and have other hobbies. Developing your understanding of the world will help with your acting work, and your knowledge of acting will strengthen your view of the world.
Representation in the Star Wars universe continues to expand, with characters like Wim playing a pivotal role in its evolving narrative. How does it feel to be part of a legacy that resonates with a diverse and passionate global audience?
Such an incredible honor! It blew me away (and still does) when I realized how many people were and continue to be so profoundly touched by Encanto (I played Antonio). No matter what you are doing in life, it feels really great to make other people feel good and to contribute in some way to their joy or happiness. The Star Wars fandom is also so incredible and because of their commitment, the legacy exists and hopefully will continue to grow and thrive. I think that's what makes Skeleton Crew so special. While it is completely of the Star Wars galaxy, it is shown through a new lens, some would say. I'm not afraid of that. I'm proud of that. Already, people are seeing themselves in Wim, or Jod, or can relate in a way to what it feels like to be a pirate desperate for something they need or want to call their own. The show is helping to bring the legacy to a new generation, and if Wim and his place in this evolving narrative continues on to the point where we see him the age that some of the original fans are now, I will be the happiest person ever. Whatever else I may be doing in life, please feel free to call me back for another Star Wars story!
Many actors find their roles leave a lasting impact on their worldview. How has portraying Wim, a character with hope and resilience at his core, influenced your perspective on challenges and triumphs in your own life?
Like Wim, I'm pretty hopeful as a person, and loved that even with the challenges he faces, he is ready to march forward and is willing to protect the people he loves. That's the kind I person I'd like to think I am no matter how difficult a situation might be. Wim didn't expect his life to change so radically so quickly, but then again, when you are willing to "put yourself out there" and go exploring -- and PUSH BIG GREEN BUTTONS -- things can happen! Things that fundamentally change your circumstances. He handled it all pretty gracefully, learned to lean on his friends, and without giving away too much, I will say that he finds himself humbled by his old ideas about what off-world life is like. I hope I will travel through my life with such a willingness for adventure and adaptability. Wim will stay with me for a long, long time, and if I'm super lucky, I'll have the chance to experience more from his point of view.
As you look ahead in your career, what stories do you hope to tell, and how do you envision your work?
Fun stories, meaningful stories, stories that have a sense of play AND a sense of purpose. I learned a big lesson when I went right from shooting one of the biggest jobs a person can have into a very small film by two first time directors. If I, as an actor and human, are "all in," that's all that counts. Whether my work is something that is making you laugh or fall in love with a franchise again and ginormous and well-known like with Skeleton Crew or motivating you to look at social justice issues and what it's like to grow up marginalized like in an indie like Grassland, I just want to share something in an intentional way, and be involved in, or create something wonderful. Maybe after seeing Wim, people might take kids and their need for connection more seriously than they had before...or maybe my portrayal of Squiggy the Squirrel (from a kids animated series called "Get Rolling With Otis") might help a child realize it's ok to make a mistake, that we are all human, and there's no shame in saying, "I'm sorry," if you've done something wrong. I am so excited for the road ahead.
If you were a book, what would you be called, and why?
"He's Just Getting Started." Because, well...that's exactly how I feel.
