When Disney cancelled Star Wars: Clone Wars with only a handful of episodes left in its planned story to set up Episode III, fans were rightly upset. When Disney then announced that another Star Wars cartoon was going into production immediately those same fans became apoplectic. But it seems now there was very little to worry about as Star Wars Rebels is in very good hands and those lost episodes of Clone Wars are going to see the light of day after all.
Star Wars Rebels will focus on the time between Episodes III and IV, the time when the Empire was gaining power, the rebellion was forming and the Jedi were being hunted down and exterminated. There’s a lot of rich story potential to mine there and it’s in the safe hands of pretty much the entire crew of Clone Wars, plus Greg Weisman (creator of Gargoyles, Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice) and Simon Kinberg (writer of Sherlock Holmes, X-Men: Days of Future Past and, er, X-Men 3). So maybe mostly safe hands. Though Weisman’s involvement does point to a very early cancellation.
Here’s Dave Filoni, showrunner of both Rebels and Clone Wars talking about the series.
And here’s the official description of the show.
Star Wars Rebels continues the epic tradition of the legendary Star Wars saga with all-new exciting, action-packed adventures. It is a dark time in the galaxy, as the evil Galactic Empire tightens its grip of power from world to world. As the series begins, Imperial forces have occupied a remote planet, ruling with an iron fist and ruining the lives of its people. But there are a select few who are brave enough to stand up against the endless Stormtroopers and TIE fighters of the Empire: the clever and motley crew of the starship Ghost. Together, this ragtag group will face threatening new villains, have thrilling adventures, and become heroes.
So, yea, it’s basically Firefly in the Star Wars universe. Is there anyone not down with that? I’m The Guy Who Only Kinda Liked Firefly*, and even I dig this concept.
And the Sith Inquisitor, tasked with rooting out the last of the Jedi, sounds and looks a bit badass (and more than a little toyetic).
As for the end of Clone Wars, Filoni revealed on his Facebook page that fans can expect to see those unaired episodes in not-to-distant future.
Star Wars fans – I have some exciting news! We have wrapped production on all of the remaining Star Wars: The Clone Wars episodes, and while that might be sad news in one way, it’s good news in another. It means you will finally get to see them. When, exactly, is a detail I cannot yet share. I can confirm that in early 2014 you will be watching the final episodes of The Clone Wars, including one of Master Yoda’s most challenging missions. So, get ready. We’ve got Clone Wars and Rebels coming at you in 2014. Animated Star Wars is alive and well. Trust in the Force my friends.
Personally, I’m looking forward to both, probably more than I am Episode VII.
* – Explanation: I didn’t watch it until after the movie came out and everyone had been talking about how amazing and life-changing it was. I was disappointed to find out it wasn’t the most perfect thing ever committed to film. If it had gone on, I probably would have loved it, but the season we got was meh. Also Browncoats are Sci-Fi Juggalos.
