It’s been widely expected that Disney would ask Lucasfilm to provide a TV series based in the Star Wars galaxy for its new direct-to-consumer digital streaming service that’s scheduled to arrive in 2019. Today we learned Emmy-nominated producer and actor Jon Favreau has been put charge of the show as its executive producer. Favreau has been in the Star Wars Galaxy before with a role on Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated TV series and in the upcoming “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”
“I couldn’t be more excited about Jon coming on board to produce and write for the new direct-to-consumer platform,” says Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy. “Jon brings the perfect mix of producing and writing talent, combined with a fluency in the Star Wars universe. This series will allow Jon the chance to work with a diverse group of writers and directors and give Lucasfilm the opportunity to build a robust talent base.”
Favreau is thrilled to be returning to the Star Wars galaxy: “If you told me at 11 years old that I would be getting to tell stories in the Star Wars universe, I wouldn’t have believed you. I can’t wait to embark upon this exciting adventure.”
Disney fans will remember Favreau from his roles in Iron Man as Happy Hogan, Tony Stark’s assistant and sometimes chauffeur. He also directed “Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2” and Disney’s live-action hit “The Jungle Book.” He’s currently directing the production of Disney’s reimagining live-action remake of The Lion King which is set for release in 2019.