Disney has launched a new, animated version of Star Wars. The series, named Star Wars: Galaxy of Adventures, will offer free episodes via StarWarsKids.com and on the Star Wars Kids YouTube channel in a kid-friendly edition of the sci-fi classic.
Galaxy of Adventures will use cartoon versions of Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and the rest of our favourite cast from the galaxy far, far away; all while using original (and nostalgic) dialogue, music and sound effects. Six short clips – each spanning between 10 and 20 minutes – will be released on Friday, with more episodes to be released regularly in 2019.
Disney, alongside original film producers Lucasfilm, aim to introduce the younger generation to the classic 1977 storyline. James Waugh, the VP of Lucasfilm’s franchise content and strategy, said of Galaxy of Adventures:
“We wanted to craft something that allowed parents to help their kids take their first step into a much larger world whether they were ready to show their kids the films or wanted to find new ways to explore the content,”
Adding that director Barry Kelly and Titmouse Animation offer the younger generations a simplified, and ‘bite-sized’ array of material. The series will also include mixed-media entertainment, such as Star Wars fun facts to familiarize the youth with the classic storyline.
The toy company, Hasbro, will also be releasing a new line of toys exclusive to Walmart on December 1st, with a nationwide launch at the beginning of 2019.
Galaxy of Adventures is not Disney’s first launch for younger audiences, as their channel also airs an animated half-hour show Star Wars Resistance since October of this year. The show, inspired by Japanese anime, takes place six months before the 2015 film Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and uses only one of the classic characters, Princess Leia.
The Star Wars revival began back in 2015, when Lucasfilm, alongside Disney, created the third installment of films. The sequel trilogy takes place decades after 1983’s Episode VI: Return of the Jedi; and is the first wave of Star Wars films to not be directed by George Lucas.
2015’s The Force Awakens, directed by J.J. Abrams and 2017’s The Last Jedi, directed by Rian Johnson, have received positive reviews by critics and grossed a total of $3.4 billion, worldwide.
Star Wars Episode IX is set to be released in December of 2019 and will also be directed by J.J. Abrams.
