Ralph McQuarrie concept art for Star Wars episode IV
We’re learning a few details about the animated TV show that will replace Star Wars Clone Wars animated series. Star Wars Rebels will be set between Episode III and IV and tell the story of the rise of the rebellion, a two decade period that’s remained mostly untouched in the expanded Star Wars Universe. While we do have a few details as to the production team, casting has yet to be announced, or even which characters will be a part of the show.
Leading the development of the series is a creative team of exceptional talent. Screenwriter/producer Simon Kinberg (X-Men: First Class, Sherlock Holmes, Mr. & Mrs. Smith) is an executive producer on Star Wars Rebels and will write the premiere episode. He is joined by Dave Filoni as executive producer, who served as supervising director of the Emmy nominated Star Wars: The Clone Wars since 2008. Executive producer Greg Weisman brings with him a wealth of animation experience with credits such as Young Justice, The Spectacular Spider-Man and Gargoyles.
Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, said, “The entire team at Lucasfilm has provided extraordinary creativity and innovation for over three decades, and we’re thrilled to be bringing the expansive and imaginative world of Star Wars to Disney XD’s viewers.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to explore new corners of the Star Wars universe,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president, Lucasfilm. “I think Star Wars Rebels will capture the look, feel and fun that both kids and their parents love about Star Wars.”
Design for the series is expected to be similar to The Clone Wars, but will also harken back to the original Ralph McQuarrie concept art for Star Wars episode IV.
Star Wars Rebels is scheduled to premiere in fall 2014 as a one-hour special telecast on Disney Channel, it will be followed by a series on Disney XD channels around the world.
So this is basically an animated version of the Live Action series they had been contemplating/developing/dreaming up for the last several years. I guess it became either too costly a project to actually develop, or perhaps Lucas kept it in perpetual limbo due to his never-ending tinkering to get it “just right”. But probably since the Disney acquisition, and the announcement of all the new live action movies that will be coming out (“Star Wars: Lobot, the Early Years”) I guess they figured a live action TV show would be redundant.
Live action Sci-fi TV Series, while a related movie series is going on at the same time? Never work. Wait, do I hear whale song?
Comments are closed.