Disney+ was quick to capitalize on the success of the “Clone Wars” series. They announced a new animated spinoff, “The Bad Batch,” to focus on the experimental clones that were introduced in the recently concluded “Clone Wars.” “The Bad Batch” is an elite group of clone soldiers who possess unique skills from the standard clones. These skills are often attributed to some physical characteristic like enhanced eyesight or larger size. Using these skills, they become daring mercenaries following the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Empire. The series will take place chronologically between “Clone Wars” and “Star Wars Rebels.”
Dave Filoni, who has led many Lucasfilm animation efforts, including “Clone Wars” and “Star Wars Rebels” will oversee the new series. Scheduled for next year, it will not be the only new “Star Wars” content in 2021 and beyond.
The popular show, “The Mandalorian,” is in post-production for season 2, and expected to be released on Disney+ this October. Taika Waititi returns to the series. It was announced in May that Waititi will also be directing a new “Star Wars” movie. He is currently co-writing the screenplay with Krysty Wilson-Cairns. Waititi recently won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for the film “JoJo Rabbit” and directed the first season finale of “The Mandalorian.” Little is known about the upcoming film, but fans of the “Star Wars” franchise seem comforted by Waititi’s leadership and influence over the project.
Fans are also happy to know that the Kenobi series is moving forward with Ewan McGregor. In 2019, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy made a formal announcement confirming the series would go forward with McGregor reprising the lead role.
The Kenobi series faced many obstacles during the last four years when McGregor committed to the project. There were rumors that the original script was not satisfactory and other internal unrest was jeopardizing production. The rumors proved true and the original writer was let go and replaced by Jodi Harold, best known for having written the highly anticipated film, “Army of the Dead.” With Harold coming on, the re-writing pushed the originally expected release of 2021 to 2022.
Little is known about the storyline, although McGregor has hinted at an obvious starting point. At the end of “Return of the Sith”, Kenobi is devastated when Anakin turns to the dark side. He takes Luke to Tatooine and delivers him to his step-Uncle. McGregor said during a recent YouTube interview, “It will be interesting to take a character we know in a way and show him: Well, his arc will be quite interesting I think, dealing with the fact that all the Jedi were slaughtered with the end of Episode lll. It’s quite something to get over.” He also said the storyline sits between episode lll and lV.” That is a time period that spans 30 years. Beyond that, he made it clear that he would not be offering any plot hints going forward. McGregor, 49, was 33 at the end of “Return of the Sith“. His age could impact where in that time span they start the story, but that is just speculation. During the last few days, there have been unsubstantiated reports that Hayden Christensen signed on to the project for a substantial role. Since his character, Anakin, became Darth Vader after “Return of the Sith” it is uncertain how they will use him. One theory suggests he appears in flashbacks. Ultimately, we will have to wait to find out as Disney clearly plans to be tight-lipped on the project.
Additional “Star Wars” projects are said to be in the works. It is obvious that Disney remains very invested in the franchise, and the force will be with us for many years to come.
Written by Michelle Haab
