Continuing on coverage of the “Star Wars” franchise as published in the new Vanity Fair feature piece, brief updates were given on various series in production or development for the Disney+ service.
First up the release slate of shows is confirmed with “Obi-Wan Kenobi” arriving on May 27th, then the “Andor” series to kick off later this Summer, than the third season of “The Mandalorian” in late 2022 or early 2023. That will be followed by the Rosario Dawson-led “Ahsoka” and then “The Acolyte” series.
Andor
A good portion of the article talks about the “Andor” series which will track how a cynical, lost, ‘kind of a mess’ guy who was revolution-averse ultimately became a self-sacrificing hero.
The show begins with the destruction of Andor’s birth world, then follows him into adulthood with his adopted home becoming the base of the first season as the rapidly expanding Empire radicalizes his new home and wipes out any opposition.
In addition, Genevieve O’Reilly’s enigmatic Rebel leader Mon Mothma will reportedly play a major role with her story running parallel to Andor (Diego Luna).
Ahsoka
Ewan McGregor confirms Mary Elizabeth Winstead will be a part of the “Ahsoka” series as previously rumored. Producer Dave Filoni also confirms that series won’t be episodic:
“Ahsoka is a continuous story. It is definitely driving toward a goal, in my mind, as opposed to being little singular adventures. That’s what I want the character to be doing, and I think that’s what fans want now.”
The Acolyte
The Amandla Stenberg-led and High Republic era-set mystery thriller series is in the casting phase with the writing is largely complete according to showrunner Leslye Headland. In this era, the galaxy is in a prosperous and peaceful Renaissance.
Untitled Jon Watts Project
Currently going by the code name “Grammar Rodeo,” this is the series from recent “Spider-Man” MCU trilogy director Jon Watts and writer Chris Ford.
The series will take place during the post-“Return of the Jedi” reconstruction era, the same time period as “The Mandalorian” and “Ahsoka”. Story details are under wraps, but inside Lucasfilm it is being described as “a galactic version of classic Amblin coming-of-age adventure films of the 1980s”. That would explain a casting notice that was put out calling for four children, around 11 to 12 years old.
Watts’ commitment to the series is partly a reason for the news from last month revealing that the director had to exit his filmmaking duties on Marvel’s upcoming “Fantastic Four” feature. No word on when this show might debut.
