Space Raiders

Space Raiders

Year: 1983

Runtime: 84 mins

Language: English

Director: Howard R. Cohen

AdventureActionScience Fiction

A ten‑year‑old boy is thrust ten million miles into space after being unintentionally abducted by a rag‑tag crew of space pirates. The futuristic story follows his uneasy adventure and the confrontations that arise as he navigates this unlikely, sensitive journey among the pirates.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Space Raiders (1983)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Space Raiders (1983). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Procyon III, Regulus V, Zariatin's Space Station

Space Raiders unfolds across distant star systems. Procyon III is Peter's home planet, a frontier world where his family lives. Regulus V hosts a critical fuel depot the pirates target, and Zariatin's space station serves as a shady hub for bounty hunters and criminals. The action moves between these locations as Hawk's crew navigates loyalty, danger, and a high-stakes chase through space.

🚀 Space Frontier 🛰️ Interstellar Conflict ⚓ Criminal Hub

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:56

Main Characters – Space Raiders (1983)

Meet the key characters of Space Raiders (1983), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Hawk (Captain C.F. 'Hawk' Hawkens) (Vince Edwards)

A weathered former Space Service colonel turned pirate who leads his crew with rough pragmatism and a growing sense of responsibility. He starts as a mercenary, torn between ransom and a chance to protect a child. Over the course of the mission, he is forced to choose a path of protection and redemption for Peter, risking his life for a boy he barely knows.

🛰️ Space Captain 🧭 Antihero ⚔️ Ruthless Operator

Peter

A fearless 10-year-old stowaway who quietly drives the action with unexpected courage and ingenuity. He demonstrates resourcefulness by volunteering to fix a damaged power conduit under pressure, earning Hawk's grudging respect. The boy's loyalty and hope drive Hawk to choose mercy over ransom and seek to return him home.

🧒 Child Protagonist 🧭 Resourceful 🤝 Hopeful Bond

Zariatin

An alien crime lord who runs the space station as a shady hub for bounty hunters and illegal deals. He demands long-overdue service fees and reacts with fury when Peter's presence disrupts his operation. His confrontation with Hawk culminates in violence as the pursuit intensifies.

🕶️ Crime Boss 🛰️ High-Tech Opponent 🗡️ Ruthless Operator

Amanda

A crew member assigned to oversee Peter's return home. She travels with the pirates to Regulus V and meets a tragic end when Zariatin's thugs ambush her ship. Her death underscores the stakes of Hawk's crew's loyalty and the ruthlessness of their enemies.

🛰️ Crew Member 💔 Tragic 🛡️ Loyal to Hawk

Flightplain

A psychic alien aboard Hawk's crew who senses danger to Peter. His abilities help avert danger, and he plays a key role in guiding the crew through tense moments. He is part of the crew’s fragile defense against Zariatin's men and the Company’s pursuit.

🔮 Psychic Alien 🪄 Insightful Ally 🤝 Loyal Crew

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:56

Major Themes – Space Raiders (1983)

Explore the central themes of Space Raiders (1983), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🚀 Redemption

Hawk begins as a former space pirate with conflicting loyalties, yet Peter's bravery begins to soften his resolve. The boy's audacity to help fixes a damaged power conduit, revealing a courage Hawk initially overlooked. This shift motivates Hawk to protect Peter and seek a path to returning him home rather than exploiting the ransom.

🤝 Loyalty

Peter's presence tests the crew's loyalty as they confront danger and betrayals from bounty hunters and Zariatin. Flightplain's psychic link helps sense imminent threats, reinforcing trust among Hawk's few surviving crew. The crew's willingness to keep Peter safe, even at great risk, anchors the narrative in loyalty.

💼 Corporate Conflict

The Company serves as a distant, powerful antagonist pursuing Peter through automated ships and bounty hunters. The conflict highlights the cold calculus of interstellar commerce and security, contrasting with the crew's personal bonds. The pursuit drives the action, culminating in a clash that pits piracy against corporate authority.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:56

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Space Raiders Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Space Raiders, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Space Raiders Summary

Space Raiders Timeline

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Space Raiders Timeline

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