Star Wars is far from over. Though The Skywalker Saga came to a close last year, its legacy lives on through multiple forms of content from upcoming films, TV shows like The Mandalorian, and books and video games. “The Mandalorian” is one of the biggest shows on Disney+ using its innovative technologies and well-picked storytellers. And the show’s success has helped launch two new shows that will be in the same Star Wars universe.
During the Star Wars presenation, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy revealed Jon Faverau and Dave Filoni are working on two new original Star Wars live action shows: Rangers of the New Republic and Ahsoka. Both will be interconnected.
Rosario Dawson will return to reprise her role as the titluar character, which she gave life to in “The Mandalorian.” Though the Jedi order has fallen and Ahsoka has walked away from the Jedi, it will be interesting to see what sorts of adventures she’s been on and how she has defended the galaxy in her own way.
Ahsoka, a new Original Series, starring @RosarioDawson and set within the timeline of @TheMandalorian, is coming to @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/jD8byvNvDP
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 10, 2020
Andor, the Cassian Andor-centric series set before the events of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” will focus on the titular character’s early days as a Rebel spy, production started two weeks ago.
“Everything I did, I did for the Rebellion.” Andor, an Original Series set in the Star Wars universe, is streaming in 2022 on #DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/q2IT2qzEeR
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 10, 2020
Coming off of her two spectacularly directed “The Mandalorian” episodes, Deborah Chow returns to the Star Wars galaxy to act as showrunner for the Obi-Wan series. A prequel series centered on Obi-Wan’s days as a Jedi protecting a young Luke Skywalker. In it, Kennedy confirmed that we can expect to the rematch of the century, which only hints at a lightsaber duel we all have been waiting for.
But that wasn’t the only news to be excited about. There’s more. Hayden Christensen will be back as Darth Vader. It’s still not clear what his role will be on the show, but we can expect to see Obi-Wan mulling over his greatest failure by letting Anikin, now Darth Vader, fall to the Dark SIde.
Hayden Christensen returns as Darth Vader, joining Ewan McGregor in OBI-WAN KENOBI. The Original Series begins 10 years after the dramatic events of Revenge of the Sith, and is coming to #DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/9WR2npRUkk
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 10, 2020
Justin Simimen of “Dear White People” fame is working on a new Lando centric series simply titled Lando. The event series is currently in the early stages of development, but you know the shoow will be in good hands since Simien is a huge fan of Star Wars.
And the Star Wars news didin’t stop there, as Kennedy also revealed the first sizzle reel for “The Bad Batch.” The animated show centers on a group of elite genetically modified clones of the republic who go on black ops missions that no other clones would dare to go on. Think of them as the Star Wars version of the Suicide Squad.
And here’s the official plot synopsis of “The Bad Batch,” along with a trailer.
“The series follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in “The Clone Wars”) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. Members of Bad Batch – a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army — each possess a singular exceptional skill which makes them extraordinarily effective soldiers and a formidable crew. In the post-Clone War era, they will take on daring mercenary missions as they struggle to stay afloat and find new purpose.”
Then there is also “Star Wars: Acolyte” from Lesley Headland. This mystery-thriller series will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era.
Taika Waititi will bring a fresh, original, and unique take to the Star Wars franchise with his own film. We’ll keep you up to date
“Wonder Woman 1984’s” Patty Jenkins will stepping away from the DC world for a moment to direct “Rogue Squadron,” which be released in theaters 2023. In a newly released tweet, we can see the filmmaker speed skating on a runway as we hear jets engines roar. But her connection to fighter jets runs deep in her veins as her father was a brave fighter pilot. “Patty, director of the Wonder Woman franchise, will bring her inspired vision to Rogue Squadron. This story will introduce a new generation of star fighter pilots as they earn their wings and risk their lives in a boundary-pushing high speed thrill ride. The legend of Rogue Squadron has been long beloved by Star Wars fans and will move us into a future era of the galaxy,” Kennedy revealed.
— Patty Jenkins (@PattyJenks) December 10, 2020
There is a lot to look forward to as the Star Wars galaxy continues to expand. And things can only continue to be exciting as Disney and Lucasfilm continues to bring wonderful storytellers and filmmakers, as well as pour on the nostalgia.
