STAR WARS: New Cartoon Series: Rebels!

Lucasfilm and Disney announced today the new animated series they cancelled The Clone Wars for, a new series called Rebels, set during the dark times between Episode III and Episode IV, it presumably will offer us a window to the formation of the rebellion.

I love the idea that this is basically a Ralph McQuarrie looking show coming to us. It’s also great to see guys like Filoni, Killian Plunkett, and Joel Aron involved. They’re part of the heart and soul of what made The Clone Wars incredible and I have no doubt they will work wonders with this show.

Here’s the official press release:

Production has begun on Star Wars Rebels, an exciting, all-new animated 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 (X-Men: First Class, Sherlock HolmesMr. & 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 JusticeThe 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.”

The action-filled series is set between the events of Episode III and IV – an era spanning almost two decades never-before explored on-screen. 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. Fans attending Star Wars Celebration Europe (http://www.starwarscelebration.eu/) 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.

Of course this raises many questions. This was the area of time the long in development live action show was to occupy. Does this mean that series is completely scrapped? Or is it being adapted into this in any capacity?

I’m told we might not get much more information about this show until after Celebration Europe.

Until then, you know where you can get the most up to date news, and it’s right here.