‘Star Wars Resistance’: Disney Announces Dave Filoni-Created ‘Force Awakens’ Prequel Anime-Inspired Series
Looks like a galaxy far, far away still very much includes the talents of “Star Wars Rebels” and “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” director and mastermind Dave Filoni. Lucasfilm and Disney have announced that they have started production on “Star Wars Resistance,” a brand-new Filoni-created animated series that is billed as “anime-inspired” and which will explore some new territory in the sprawling cinematic universe. The new series will debut this fall on Disney Channel in the U.S. and, thereafter, on Disney XD and around the world.
The show is set in the “uncharted timeframe” before “The Force Awakens,” and will thus include some familiar faces from the most recent entires in the cinematic franchise. The show will include “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.” Mostly, though, the series will focus on the adventures of young pilot Kazuda Xiono, who is recruited into the Resistance and given a top-secret mission that involves spying on the First Order (so, like a reverse Finn?).
“The idea for ‘Star Wars Resistance’ came out of my interest in World War II aircraft and fighter pilots,” said Filoni in an official statement. “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.”
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”).
Marc Buhaj, senior vice president, Programming and general manager, Disney XD, said in an official statement, “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.”
In February, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that several Star Wars TV projects are currently in the works, including live-action shows and at least one for Disney’s new streaming network. This appears to just be the start.
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