When Star Wars Rebels came to a close at the end of its fourth season earlier this year, many were left wondering what our next animated adventure could be. Speculation was fueled after Lucasfilm job listings were posted for storyboard artists and directors (which could’ve also been for many projects), but now we have definitive word on what’s coming next. Production has begun on STAR WARS RESISTANCE, “an exciting new animated adventure series about Kazuda Xiono, a young pilot recruited by the Resistance and tasked with a top-secret mission to spy on the growing threat of the First Order.” Set in the era prior to Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the series will premiere this fall on Disney Channel in the U.S. and, thereafter, on Disney XD around the world.
From the Official Announcement: Featuring the high-flying adventure that audiences of all ages have come to expect from Star Wars, “Star Wars Resistance” will feature the beloved droid BB-8 alongside ace pilots, colorful new characters and appearances by fan favorites, including Poe Dameron and Captain Phasma, voiced by actors Oscar Isaac and Gwendoline Christie, respectively.
The series was created by renowned Lucasfilm Animation veteran Dave Filoni (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Wars Rebels”); executive-produced by Athena Portillo (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Wars Rebels”), Justin Ridge (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Wars Rebels”) and Brandon Auman (“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”); and art-directed by Amy Beth Christenson (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “Star Wars Rebels”).
“The idea for ‘Star Wars Resistance’ came out of my interest in World War II aircraft and fighter pilots,” said Filoni. “My grandfather was a pilot and my uncle flew and restored planes, so that’s been a big influence on me. There’s a long history of high-speed racing in Star Wars, and I think we’ve captured that sense of excitement in an anime-inspired style, which is something the entire team has been wanting to do for a long time.”
Marc Buhaj, senior vice president, Programming and general manager, Disney XD, said, “Our colleagues at Lucasfilm have created a compelling narrative for an untold moment in the Star Wars galaxy, and we are excited to partner with them again on this new original series. ‘Star Wars Resistance’ will bring viewers across generations an engaging story with heart, humor and both new and familiar characters.”
The voice cast also includes Christopher Sean (“Days of Our Lives”), Suzie McGrath (“East Enders”), Scott Lawrence (“Legion”), Myrna Velasco (“Elena of Avalor”), Josh Brener (“Silicon Valley”), Donald Faison (“Scrubs”), Bobby Moynihan (“DuckTales”), Jim Rash (“Community”) and Rachel Butera (“Tammy’s Tiny Tea Time”).
