A new Star Wars animated series has been announced, and it’ll hit TV screens before Episode VII is in cinemas.
Star Wars Rebels will be set during the time period between Episodes III and IV , a 20-year-long time period which should offer considerable scope.
Screenwriter and producer Simon Kinberg ( X-Men: Days Of Future Past ) will serve as an executive producer, as well as penning the one-hour pilot. The Clone Wars supervising director Dave Filoni will join Kinberg as another exec-producer.
According to the official press release:
"Star Wars Rebels 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 fledgling rebellion against the Empire is taking shape. Details about the show are a closely guarded secret at this point.
"Star Wars Rebels will be produced by Lucasfilm Animation, featuring many of the key talents that made Star Wars: The Clone Wars."
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy 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 ."
Set to air in 2014 on Disney channels worldwide, Star Wars Rebels will reveal a first look at the Star Wars Celebration Europe event.
Given that time period that the series covers, there could be room for plenty of Darth Vader action (something notably absent from the prequel trilogy).
Watch the video below to get an idea of how Ralph McQuarrie’s art will inspire the look of the series:
