Star Wars: A Galaxy Full of Stories
The people at Disney Star Wars must be the busiest humans in the galaxy – there are so many new stories coming out for us to enjoy! We have a look at the upcoming offerings, as we get ready for Star Wars Day on May the 4th.
Disney+ was launched just in time for the pandemic and has been giving us a lot to love! It is a Star Wars fan’s dream – with everything from the original movies (even the much-loved Caravan of Courage!) to vehicle flythroughs, short films, and behind-the-scenes insights. And then came The Mandalorian. It reminded us how good Star Wars is, and introduced us to The Child, Grogu.
The new offerings on Disney+ have got us super-excited, so here’s a breakdown of what’s coming.
The Book of Boba Fett
Ok, this one came out just before the new year, but it’s worth mentioning to get the ball rolling. This Mandalorian spin-off series stars Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett, who returns to Tatooine to take over Jabba the Hutt’s throne as leader of the underworld. He wants to lead a different kind of realm, based on co-operation and respect, instead of fear. Don’t worry – there’s still plenty of action. Helmed by Jon Favreau, this is a grittier Star Wars offering than some of the shows on offer. Rated M it’s one for the parents to enjoy after the littlies have gone to bed. We’re eagerly awaiting word of season 2!
Ahsoka
Ahsoka is another Mandalorian spin-off, set in the 30-year gap between Episodes 6 and 7. The character of Ahsoka Tano has previously appeared in The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels, before coming back, older and wiser in The Mandalorian season 2. It took a little while for fans to warm to Ahsoka, who started as a bratty 14-year-old Jedi Padawan, before developing into a fearsome warrior, who could go toe-to-toe with her mentor, Anakin Skywalker. Played by Rosario Dawson in the Disney+ live-action versions, Ahsoka is going to be a feisty warrior, not afraid to get up to mischief – which we know will lead to a great series! Rumour is that this will be released in March to May 2023.
Andor
Stepping back a little in the Star Wars timeline is the new Disney+ series Andor. Due for release over mid to late 2022, Andor is set about 5 years before the film Rogue One and stars Diego Luna, reprising his role as Cassian Andor. The story centres around the formative years of the Rebellion and will feature some pretty nifty droid and creature effects. With a big-name cast, including Stellan Skarsgard and Forest Whitaker, Disney+ has confidence in this new series, as a second season is already in the works.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Originally planned as a feature film, the new Disney+ 6-episode miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi looks to have all the hallmarks of a blockbuster film. Starring Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, and Joel Edgerton, all reprising their roles from Star Wars Episode 3, and with John Williams creating the main theme, it’s one that we’re looking forward to. With the release date now confirmed as May 25th, there’s not long to wait! The PG rating means it should be good for younger Star Wars fans too, as Obi-Wan watches over a young Luke Skywalker, and deals with his own issues while trying to avoid the Empire and their plan to rid the galaxy of the Jedi.
The Mandalorian Season 3
After the big ending of The Mandalorian Season 2 (no spoilers!), fans have been desperately waiting for season 3! While a release date hasn’t yet been confirmed, it’s rumoured to be dropping in December 2022. After the shelving of planned spin-off Rangers of the New Republic, the Mandalorian world still has Ahsoka and The Book of Boba Fett to connect with, and a lot of characters to explore. While The Mandalorian is the flagship of these new series, it’s likely to be enhanced by watching the spin-offs as well. And we can’t wait!
Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 2
The Bad Batch is an animated series spin-off from The Clone Wars. It focuses on Clone Force 99, genetically modified clone troopers with special skills, known as the Bad Batch. The Bad Batch are considered ‘defective clones’ as they were experimental clones who have found a way to rebel against the orders given to them by the Empire. Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, Crosshair, Echo, and Omega have made their way into the hearts of young Star Wars fans and critics alike. Rumour has it that season 2 has been pushed back from its planned Northern Spring release date. We’re still hoping for a 2022 release so that we don’t have to wait too long to see what happens to our favourite rogue clones!
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga