We all know that ‘Star Wars Rebels‘ is going to be bridging the gap between the first two trilogies after the Empire has come to power, now we also know it’s going to kick off with a bang. The new series will actually be starting with a full length feature film on the Disney Channel as well as some shorts. After these premiere, it will continue as an ongoing series on Disney XD to give us more back story in the ‘Star Wars’ universe. The series will center on a point of time that hasn’t been explored on film yet and it’s one that many fans have been looking forward to as we see the Empire coming into its peak of power and how the Galaxy has changed from the time of the Republic to the dark times that we were introduced to in Lucas’s original three films. We already know it’s supposed to be a darker series which sounds just like what long term fans of the show want! (I’m just wondering how that will translate for being targeted at a younger audience on Disney’s network.)
Disney CEO Bob Iger had the following to say about the upcoming series and film:
“As with Marvel, the rich universe of ‘Star Wars’ has tremendous creative potential for the entire company. While the world eagerly awaits ‘Episode VII’ to open in theaters, we’re introducing ‘Star Wars Rebels’ to television audiences this summer with a movie and a series of shorts on Disney Channel, followed by a continuing series on Disney XD. Our success in building a robust pipeline of original Star Wars content for various platforms will be an integral part of our long-term strategy to leverage the franchise across a variety of our businesses, from theme parks to consumer products.”
He didn’t stop at just the film, though, and in his shareholder letter also wanted to show his excitement about ‘Star Wars Episode VII’ and the trilogy it would be kicking off. He’s very eager to see it on screen and if they can pull in the excitement that Lucas’ original trilogy did and push us all past the memories of the last trilogy we might just be in for something special:
“It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since we acquired the extraordinary ‘Star Wars’ franchise, but we’re well on our way to expanding that epic saga to thrill fans and introduce its iconic characters to a new generation with fantastic new storylines. After months of public speculation and anticipation, we announced the official release date for the next feature film, Star Wars: Episode VII, will be December 18, 2015. So far we’ve kept the details to ourselves, but we’re thrilled with the story and committed to making an incredible movie, and we should be releasing more information as production moves forward in the coming year.”
One concern is that while Disney has been “hands off” when it came to the Marvel properties (which have done so well on their own), would they take the same approach to Lucasfilm? Without George Lucas helming the next set of trilogies and with J.J. Abrams in the director’s chair, there is a new hope that things are going to be back on track for a somewhat darker while still lighthearted set of films. On the other hand, many of Lucas’ key people are in the seats of power at his old studio and if they were being “Yes Men” to his views on the last trilogy it might not mean the best for the franchise going forward.
I think we’re all going to give this the benefit of the doubt as we really want the Force to be with this one.
Are you excited to hear about ‘Star Wars Rebels’ kicking off with a full length film? Share your thoughts below!
Source: Slash Film
