‘Star Wars Rebels’ Animated Series Gets Greenlit

Star Wars animation fans can breathe a sigh of relief–even though we won’t be getting new episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars anytime soon (if ever), a new animated series from Lucasfilm has been announced today entitled Star Wars: Rebels. Set in the decades between Episode III and IV, the series “takes place in a time where the Empire is securing its grip on the galaxy and hunting down the last of the Jedi Knights as a fledging rebellion against the Empire is taking shape.” The first episode will air as a one-hour “special telecast” on Disney Channel in the fall of 2014 with the regular series set to broadcast worldwide on Disney XD shortly thereafter.

Serving as executive producer of Star Wars: Rebels is Simon Kinberg (X-Men: First Class, Sherlock Holmes, Mr. & Mrs. Smith), who will also write the first episode. Returning to the Star Wars animated universe as executive producer is Dave Filoni, who was the supervising director of the Emmy-nominated Star Wars: The Clone Wars series since 2008. Also serving as executive producer is Greg Weisman (Young Justice, The Spectacular Spider-Man, Gargoyles).

Kathleen Kennedy, Lucasfilm president, said:

“I couldn’t be more excited to explore new corners of the Star Wars universe. I think Star Wars: Rebels will capture the look, feel and fun that both kids and their parents love about Star Wars.”

Star Wars fans attending Star Wars Celebration Europe, being held in Germany from July 26-28, will be the first audience to get a sneak peek of the new series.

While no other details have been released, make sure to check out the video above, which gives a preview about the potential awesomeness that is to come. Follow the show’s development on its new Facebook page, too.

Editor’s Note: I really hope we get an appearance by the “Secret Apprentice” (voiced by Sam Witwer), those that have played The Force Unleashed games will understand why.

Source: Collider