May THE FORCE be with us

STAR WARS FANS in Thailand are getting an additional Christmas present this year as Disney’s new animated series “Star Wars Rebels” comes to the small screen just in time for the festive steason.
Set between the events of “Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” and the original “Star Wars” movie, “Episode IV – A New Hope”, the story unfolds during a dark time when the evil Empire is tightening its grip. Imperial forces have occupied a remote planet and are ruining the lives of its people. The motley but clever crew of the starship Ghost – cowboy Jedi Kanan, ace pilot Hera, street-smart teenager Ezra, the “muscle” Zeb, warrior firebrand Sabine and cantankerous droid Chopper – are among a select few brave enough to stand against the Empire. Together, they face threatening new villains, encounter colourful adversaries, embark on thrilling adventures and become heroes with the power to ignite a rebellion.
The talented voice cast includes Freddie Prinze Jr as Kanan, Vanessa Marshall as Hera, Steve Blum as Zeb, Tiya Sircar as Sabine and Taylor Gray as Ezra. Among the villains is David Oyelowo as Agent Kallus and Jason Isaacs as the Inquisitor.
We had a chat with one of the producers, Dave Filoni, about the show.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE “STAR WARS REBELS”?
I had just finished working for eight years on “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” with George Lucas. From Kathleen Kennedy, who assumed the top role at Lucasfilm, as well as from George, I learned that you can tell a lot of stories through animation, just as much as through the film. So Kathy and I decided to cooperate and continue to tell the “Star Wars” story in animation form for fans of all ages. Working without George, I created a new show, “Star Wars Rebels”. It tells the story of what happened to the Jedi, the post era of the Clone Wars, and leads up to the story of Luke Skywalker.

WERE THE STORIES OF “STAR WARS REBELS” CREATED IN CONSISTENCY WITH THE WHOLE “STAR WARS” CANON AND THE EXPANDED UNIVERSE?
We always stick to the real canon material consisting of the six “Star Wars” films, the “Clone Wars” TV series, and any other materials that George has developed. “Star Wars Rebels” was actually created in continuity of the existing “Star Wars films, the same process as when we worked with George on “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”. However, elements of the Expanded Universe are also included in “Star Wars Rebels” as this series is actually set in the timeline of the story that takes place between episodes three and four.

ARE ALL THE ELEMENTS IN THE SERIES ALSO IN THE ONGOING MOVIES?
The show is a new step in the collaboration with Lucasfilm and Disney on “Star Wars”. There’s been a really big effort by Lucasfilm and Disney to make sure that the comic books now line up with what we are doing in our animated TV show. I often meet with writers of some of the novels or comic books to ensure content consistency with material that is going to be in the films and TV show. This is because we are now working on the same “Star Wars” universe and we want to make sure the continuity will be maintained in video games, comic books and novels. It’s just keeping in line with the previous content in the “Star Wars” legends area.

WILL WE SEE ANY OF THE CLASSIC CHARACTERS?
That depends on a very practical solid point of structure for the Empire and the character motivation. We see that Darth Vader is a part of the story at the beginning of the show as he tells the Inquisitor to observe the Jedi-hunting team. We try to use the classic characters only when we have to and in an appropriate role for the story. We don’t like to overuse the characters that we have seen in the films and prefer to allow a lot of room for new characters. Obi-Wan Kenobi also gives very critical information to situate the viewers. This show is set in a time when Obi-Wan was a young man, after the fall of the Jedi. It would be almost impossible for Obi-Wan to walk on screen in this present tense because his long touch will be focused on hiding on that rock, watching Luke grow up.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF MAKING “STAR WARS REBELS”?
The challenge is coming up with new and exciting characters and a story. Living up to the legacy and expectation is quite a big pressure because “Star Wars” is so well known. The audience expects to see a high-quality production!

WHICH IS HARDER: COMING UP WITH A NEW CHARACTER OR USING THE OLD CHARACTERS?
Using the classic characters because they come with so much history. You always have to be aware of his or her history and where their stories are going to go. I like coming up with a new character and enjoy the auditioning process. It’s fun for the group to create our own generation of “Star Wars” for a new generation of fans.

SINCE THE TIME PERIOD IN “STAR WARS REBELS” IS REALLY CLOSE TO “A NEW HOPE”, ARE YOU GOING TO TELL US HOW THE “REBELS” CHARACTERS RELATE TO IT?
It’s quite possible. It is always interesting when you are working between films as I have so often done, like on “Star Wars Episode II” and “Episode III”. I realised that there are so many wonders and questions that die-hard fans would like to know, but all they have to do is tune-in and find out what is going to happen!

HOW DO YOU PICK OUT THE VOICES FOR THE CHARACTERS?
I have a sound in my head that I hear while I'm writing a character and that defines what I am looking for. I look for certain things that grab me. It is hard to put in words what I’m looking for. Some people just walk in and, after talking to them, I know immediately that he or she is the one! It is also a big bonus when a particular voice actor or actress is a fan of “Star Wars”.

HOW FAR ALONG ARE YOU IN THE PRODUCTION?
Right now we are working on the end of Season 1, while developing Season 2 at the same time. It is a really exciting time! They are coming together very nicely.
 
YOUR ONLY HOPE
 “Star Wars Rebels” premieres at 11am on November 29 on the Disney Channel and at 8.30am on November 30 on Disney XD.