New STAR WARS television show debuts in October

 

A brand new Star Wars animated television show titled Rebels will be debuting in October.  Star Wars: Rebels is scheduled to premiere on October 3rd with a one hour special Star Wars: Rebels- Sparks of Rebellion on the Disney Channel.  Half hour episodes will than routinely air on Monday nights each week on the cable channel Disney XD beginning on October 13th.  The premise behind the tv series that is set 5 years before the original Star Wars move "A New Hope" is that a motley crew of a spaceship called the Ghost begins harassing the Empire in an effort to spark a rebellion.

In an attempt to recapture the vibe of the original trilogy of movies the artwork in this animated series will use the Star Wars concept art that was created by artist Ralph McQuarrie in the 1970s & 80s for inspiration.  One specific example of McQuarrie's impact on the show is the character of Zeb Orrelios.  The appearance of this alien who serves as the muscle for the Ghost's crew utilizes McQuarrie's original concept for Chewbacca to create the character.  I remember as a kid spending hours scouring through Ralph McQuarrie art books my aunt had given me and imagining all sorts of adventures inspired by those wonderful sketches; so I'm really looking forward to seeing his influence in Star Wars: Rebels.

Other characters in the show include:

Kanan Jarrus a survivor of the Empire's purge of the Jedi. After barely surviving Order 66 he went underground hiding in obscurity until discovered by the owner of the Ghost, Hera Syndulla.  He is now the leader of the Ghost's crew doing his best to inflict harm against the power of the Empire.

Hera Syndulla is the Twi'lek owner and pilot of the Ghost.

Sabine Wren is a Mandalorian warrior who is an expert in combat, weapons and explosives.  She fancies herself as an artist who loves to tag Imperial facilities with graffiti after an attack.

Ezra Bridger is a 14 year old pickpocket and con artist who the crew of the Ghost find living on an Outer Rim world.  Unknown to him one of the reasons he is able to get out of so many jams is that he is gifted with the ability to use the Force.

To help up the excitement for Rebels, Disney has released four short youtube videos to promote the excitement for this new series:

In “The Machine in the Ghost,” the rebels’ Ghost starship is under attack by a wave of TIE fighters. Hera pilots the craft, while Kanan tries to blast the Imperials from the Ghost’s gunner. While they do evade and shoot down several TIEs, it’s up to astromech droid Chopper to finish the job – even if he’s reluctant to do so.

 In “Art Attack,” Sabine sneaks into an Imperial compound, looking to create a diversion for her friends aboard the Ghost. Spotted by stormtroopers, she proves too quick to be captured – and leaves behind an explosive surprise.

 In “Not What You Think,”  Ezra finds a downed TIE fighter on the plains of Lothal. The young rebel opens the ship’s hatch -- pretending to help the ungrateful Imperial pilot -- and leaves with a few souvenirs.

In “Entanglement,” Zeb fails to meet with Kanan at a specified rendezvous point…and instead finds himself joyfully battling many, many stormtroopers.

 

For more information about Star Wars: Rebels CLICK HERE

 

 

DISNEY'S CABLE NETWORKS WILL HAVE A STAR WARS FOCUS ON MAY THE FOURTH

Disney is using what has become known as Star Wars Day (May the Fourth ... be with you) to premiere the first official trailer for its new animated television show STAR WARS: REBELS.  It will also be broadcasting the first LEGO STAR WARS: THE YODA CHRONICLES episode (a comedic look at the Star Wars Universe through the use of Lego building blocks ) to appear on the Disney cable network since the show was moved from Cartoon Network.

 

The now named LEGO STAR WARS: THE NEW YODA CHRONICLES will air on Disney XD on Sunday, May 4th (Star Wars Day) at 7pm ET/PT.  Disney XD is a cable channel with programming targeted to children and teens in the age range of 6 to 14 years old.  Disney also has cable channels Disney Channel, Disney Junior, ABC Family, Fusion, and the ESPN networks under its ownership.  During the May 4th showing of LEGO STAR WARS: THE NEW YODA CHRONICLES the trailer for the STAR WARS: REBELS animated series will be premiered.  Immediately following the NEW YODA CHRONICLES premiere of the REBELS trailer it will than be shown on Disney's other cable properties and online.

According to the STAR WARS: REBELS production team, this is the official synopsis for the new series:

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. The clever and motley crew of the starship Ghost is amongst a select few who are brave enough to stand against the Empire. Together, this ragtag group will face threatening new villains, encounter colorful adversaries, embark on thrilling adventures and become heroes with the power to ignite a rebellion.

STAR WARS: REBELS will debut with an hour long special this summer on the Disney Channel and half hour weekly episodes will air on Disney XD starting in the fall.

The YODA CHRONICLES though having a "new name" appear similar to the same format of the show that recently ran on Cartoon Network.  These are funny shows that are enjoyable for parents and kids to enjoy together.  The quips often have both me and my kids chuckling. If you have time this weekend, tune in to THE NEW YODA CHRONICLES and enjoy an extra special treat by getting a sneak peek at the new STAR WARS: REBELS animated series.

May the Fourth be with You!