STAR WARS Animated and Live-Action News

From collider, [excerpt] After months of talking to different people, I’ve finally got something on the upcoming Star Wars animated and live-action shows.

As most of you have heard, George Lucas has been very involved in the creation of both shows. I’ve heard that he goes over all the scripts and gives many notes on both characters and plot points. While others might be directing the action, George is like the Emperor – overseeing everything. And even though that sounds very scary as the prequels didn’t please most fans, based on everything I’m hearing from inside the camp, both shows seem like they could be great.

Also, I’ve seen a bit of footage from the animated show (they premiered it at Celebration 4) and thought it looked fantastic. And as much as I liked the Genndy Tartakovsky Clone Wars animated show, what he did was based on an expanded universe version of Star Wars. Jedi’s could do things only superheroes could do, not things like what we saw in the movies. And that’s where the new shows do things differently.

In both the animated and live-action shows, the Jedi’s and the characters will act like what you’d see in the movies. And the reason for that? Both shows are going to be considered official cannon of the Star Wars universe. What happens on both shows would be like anything you’ve seen in any of the movies. That’s why Lucas is so involved, and that’s why it’s taken so much time to develop and get it right. This is also the reason why Warner Bros. can release a Clone Wars movie this summer, as the animated series is real Star Wars, so why not show it in theaters.

I'm also told there is a difference between the animated show and the live-action one. What I’m hearing is they are really trying to make Star Wars cool again. To do this, both shows are going to appeal to two different audiences. The animated show is definitely geared for kids, with the hope that adults will tune in. But, the live-action show is the one that us grownups are going to care about. While I’m still building my live-action story on what I’ve heard (and trust me, I’ve heard some things) as I type this article, Lucasfilm is hard at work developing the scripts and the stories for what will take place. So if I were to say exactly what I’ve heard and they changed it, I’d look like I didn’t know what I was talking about. Therefore I’ll wait a bit longer. Once I know for sure they’ll be filming certain things, I’ll post an update.

But for those that want the bullet points of what I’ve heard…

The live action and animated shows will be considered official canon of the star wars universe.

The live-action show is going to end up on whatever network pays the most. However, I’ve heard they’re talking about the show being on HBO or even Showtime. Which jives with the slugline for the show…think Deadwood meets The Sopranos. Want a bit more? Could the live action show feature Gangsters? Could it follow the underworld of the Star Wars universe? Perhaps even a crime family? Have I said too much? Again, think Deadwood meets The Sopranos.

The seasons for the live action show might be as short as 12 episodes… again…think Sopranos.

The show is definitely PG-13. I’ve heard it’ll be dark. It’s definitely not being made for kids.

The Skywalker story is finished. From what I’ve been told, their story is done and they aren’t on the live-action show at all. The show is new characters…with a few people you might know from the movies mixed in here and there.
And for those that don’t know….the animated show takes place between episodes two and three, while the live-action is between three and four. Obviously some storylines might take place outside of those times, but that’s where the primary action takes place. Just like while the live action might follow a crime family, there will be episodes that focus on other things.

Anyway, while many of you might try and pretend you don’t care about Star Wars, if Lucas creates a fun, action filled animated show… I definitely think the fans will tune in. And if they somehow manage to create a live-action show that kicks ass, they might actually repair the damage of the prequels and make Star Wars cool again. And as much as I don’t love Star Wars like I used to, I’d really like to see that happen.

And one last thing….the info in this story is based on what I’ve heard up to this point. Things change, storylines get altered. And I’m sure once this gets posted I’ll get some more emails or info. Needless to say, if anything changes or I hear something more I’ll post updates.