Two months after shutting down Lucasfilm animation and ending Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Lucasfilm and Disney have announced the first Star Wars animated series since Disney bought the company last fall. The series is titled Rebels and will focus on the era between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.
The news was made official with a statement on the Star Wars website, noting that it will debut with a one-hour special in fall 2014 on the Disney Channel. The series will then move to Disney XD and will air around the world.
Disney put together an experienced team to work on it, starting with Clone Wars vet Dave Filoni, who said in a video that the series will be heavily influenced by Ralph McQuarrie’s concept designs for A New Hope. Simon Kinberg, who has also been recruited to write one of the first spin-off films, will join as executive producer. Greg Weisman, who is known in the animation community for the cult Disney series Gargoyles, will also be an executive producer.
“I couldn't be more excited to explore new corners of the Star Wars universe," Kathleen Kennedy, president, Lucasfilm, said in the announcement. "I think Star Wars Rebels will capture the look, feel and fun that both kids and their parents love about Star Wars."
While no footage was shown in the video, fans who attend Star Wars Celebration Europe in Germany in July will get an exclusive sneak preview. It’s also the first official Star Wars event since Disney bought Lucasfilm and announced Episode VII.
Rebels will be set in an era ripe for new stories. There is almost 20 years between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope and this period has never been explored on the small screen.
Disney shut down Lucasfilm Animation in March, cancelling The Clone Wars after five seasons.
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