Jude Law is currently embodying very different roles, showcasing his versatility.

In the new Disney+ “Star Wars” series titled “Skeleton Crew,” now streaming its first two episodes and releasing new episodes weekly on Tuesdays, he portrays Jod Na Nawood, an intriguing character who joins a group of kids attempting to find their way home in space. Meanwhile, in the action-packed film “The Order,” hitting theaters on Friday, Law takes on the role of an FBI agent relentless in his pursuit of a leader from a white supremacist terrorist organization.

“I’ve had a rewarding time with these projects,” remarks Law, 51, who is also a producer for “The Order.” This film is inspired by the real-life crime wave in the early ’80s led by Bob Matthews, a charismatic neo-Nazi played by Nicholas Hoult, and the agents who tried to thwart their violent mission.

Law describes the movie as “a historical piece that resonates with today’s global political and social landscape, including divisions, the rise of extremist groups, and domestic terrorism.” He emphasizes the importance of connecting history with current events, presenting a fascinating storytelling opportunity. In a future project, he will play the role of Vladimir Putin in the political thriller “The Wizard of the Kremlin.”

The British actor shares insights about his debut in “Star Wars,” “The Order,” and his aspirations for the Christmas holiday (hint: it’s not watching “The Holiday”).

Question: Was “Star Wars” significant to you during your childhood?

Jude Law: My memory of attending my first cinema show is intimately tied to watching the initial “Star Wars” film. Before that, I might have seen “101 Dalmatians” or “The Rescuers,” but then came the transformative experience of “Star Wars.” It was revolutionary for me, just like many others at that age, and it ignited my passion for going to the movies, influenced by the profound effects of music, visual effects, and creatures, which inspired my creativity and playtime as a child.

What was it like being in a Cantina-style setting with a werewolf pirate and other alien characters?

That was the most fascinating aspect for me. As I developed my character, I found myself performing alongside a seven-foot-tall actor wearing an animatronic mask, interacting with a wolf character. It was a completely new chapter for my acting experience, requiring me to adapt quickly.

Jod Na Nawood has a vibe reminiscent of “Han Solo with Force powers,” yet his character is shrouded in mystery. What can you share about him?

He’s navigating a chaotic universe primarily focused on his own survival. I appreciated the character’s selfishness and vulnerability; in many ways, he embraces a childlike mentality despite never having experienced a proper childhood. Observing these kids, he reflects, “Why don’t they understand? They seem so privileged. Just fly the spaceship and deal with that situation.” I find that dynamic interesting.

Your character in “The Order,” Terry Husk, seems desperate and combines traits from various law enforcement officers. How did you differentiate your approach with a fictional character as compared to a historical one?

We had access to real agents involved in the case, who had shared their stories through books, interviews, and discussions. Since we made the decision to fictionalize Terry, it allowed us the freedom to embellish his character and incorporate unique elements into the narrative. This intentional cherry-picking helped us create a character that best served the story.

Terry’s character is precariously close to the edge, yet he’s supposed to be resting rather than pursuing a criminal conspiracy. In one intense jail scene, he even pushes his head into a suspect’s face to extract information. Was that a performance choice?

What moments have shaped your character?

Our goal was to create a character visibly affected by past hardships, where his physical state reflected the struggles he faced (and) the tension he endured. He has left a broken family in his wake. Despite his scars, he strives to take the high road. Still, I appreciate that the audience might be unsure about his ability to follow through on this journey.

The scene in the cell wasn’t originally crafted that way. We aimed to capture Husk’s feelings of frustration at the right moment. He typically keeps things bottled up but sometimes he just can’t contain himself, as it genuinely matters to him. It feels like there’s a ticking clock—he’s uncertain how much longer he has. One might expect that he could suddenly realize—either due to a surge of emotion or perhaps one drink too many—that he’s reached his limit. He simply doesn’t have time for this foolish young man who fails to understand the reality around him.

As the holiday season approaches, how do you and your family celebrate?

We have a family rich in musical talent, so we enjoy gathering for sing-alongs. I find great joy in the shared experience of singing; however, when I’m alone, I prefer to read. With two young children and a busy schedule over the past few years, I’ve hardly found time to read, so I’m quite excited about stealing away for a few quiet moments to dive into some books.