Two months after Star Wars: The Clone Wars on The Cartoon Network was forced to end although some episodes of the next planned season will still be shown somewhere (hologrid? Imperial communication network? R2's holoprojector thingie?), Lucasfilm Animation and Disney is now working on bring a new animation show similar to Clone Wars to Disney XD.
"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," says Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer of Disney Channels Worldwide.
"I couldn't be more excited to explore new corners of the Star Wars universe,” says Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. "I think Star Wars Rebels will capture the look, feel and fun that both kids and their parents love about Star Wars."
Star Wars Rebels will be set in a time frame which has never been seen in any of the Star Wars big screen movies so far - between Episode II and Episode IV. During this time period the Empire is fortifying its hold on the galaxy and hunting down the last of the Jedi Knights as the rebellion is starting to form.
The Disney Channel (DStv 303) will have a one hour special of Star Wars Rebels in 2014, after which Star Wars Rebels will move to Disney XD as a regular TV series, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Dave Filoni who was responsible for Star Wars The Clone Wars will again be co-executive producer for Star Wars Rebels.
Here is a first look at the first details around Star Wars Rebels:
UPDATE Monday 20 May 20:30 - Disney has now released to me a press statement.
"Production has begun on Star Wars Rebels, an exciting, all-new animation television series based on one of the greatest entertainment franchises of all time. 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."
"Leading the development of the series is a creative team of exceptional talent. Screenwriter/producer Simon Kinberg 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."
"Star Wars Rebels will be produced by Lucasfilm Animation, featuring many of the key talents that made Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Fans attending Star Wars Celebration Europe will be the first to get an exclusive look at the new series. Casting will be announced at a later date. More information about this developing project will be found on www.starwars.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/starwarsrebels."
