Star
Wars: The Clone Wars
makes its theatrical debut as an all-new, computer-generated feature film in
August 2008, followed by a television series in the fall.
The new adventures
in a galaxy far, far away apparently take place between the second and third Star
Wars prequel films, similar to the Clone War series of the same name that ran
between 2003 and 2005. Returning characters include Anakin
Skywalker – who later becomes Darth Vader – along with Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padme
Amidala. New heroes also join to battle familiar villains from the Star Wars
prequels, such as Darth Sidious, Count Dooku, and General Grievous.
"I
felt there were a lot more Star Wars stories left to tell," said
George Lucas, Star Wars creator and executive producer of Star Wars: The
Clone Wars. "I was eager to start telling some of them through
animation and, at the same time, push the art of animation forward."
Combining a
signature animation style with all computer-generated
graphics, Star Wars: The Clone Wars opens in North American theaters
on Friday, Aug. 15. The brand new television series then premieres in the fall
on Cartoon Network, kicking off regular airings on TNT. The television episodes
each amount to a 30-minute "mini-movie," and will showcase
action-packed battles along with new revelations about the Star Wars
universe.
Lucasfilm
Ltd., Warner Bros. Pictures and Turner Broadcasting System Inc. announced their
partnership yesterday to produce and distribute the new film and television
series.
"Warner
Bros. and Turner are uniquely positioned to deliver on the enormous potential
of The Clone Wars because together they offer a world-class opportunity:
the theatrical and home-video distribution of Warner Bros. and the broad reach
of the Turner Networks," said Micheline Chau, President and Chief
Operating Officer of Lucasfilm Ltd. "This terrific combination hits the
key demographic groups, ranging from kids to adults, that make up the Star
Wars audience."
Lucasfilm
Animation has already produced more than 30 all-new episodes of Star Wars: The
Clone Wars, and continues to work on new episodes.
Star
Wars: The Clone Wars
marks the latest expansion for the Star Wars universe following the 30th
anniversary celebrations for the original film in 2007. Last year saw rollouts
of related
videogames and events such as the launching
of Luke Skywalker's lightsaber with space shuttle Discovery.
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