It’s time to return to far, far away and a long time ago—a time that Star Wars fans have yet to see explored on the screen. Production has begun on Star Wars Resistance, the high-flying new animated series exploring the uncharted timeframe prior to Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Premiering this fall on Disney Channel in the U.S. and, thereafter, on Disney XD and around the world, the newest adventure series introduces viewers to a soon-to-be fan favorite new character.
Star Wars fans, meet Kazuda Xiono—a young pilot recruited by the Resistance and tasked with a top-secret mission to spy on the growing threat of the First Order. Xiono will be joined by the adorable BB-8 and adventure alongside ace pilots and colorful new characters, and the new series will include appearances by fan favorites, including Poe Dameron and Captain Phasma, voiced by actors Oscar Isaac and Gwendoline Christie, respectively.
Get ready for the fun Star Wars adventures we know and love, as show creator and renowned Lucasfilm Animation veteran Dave Filoni once again brings us an intergalactic story for all ages, following in the footsteps of his much-beloved previous animated shows, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels.
More veteran Star Wars storytellers join the crew along with some newcomers, including executive producers Athena Portillo (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels), Justin Ridge (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels), and Brandon Auman (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles); and art-director Amy Beth Christenson (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels).
The new series is close to Filoni’s heart. He explains, “The idea for Star Wars Resistance came out of my interest in World War II aircraft and fighter pilots. My grandfather was a pilot and my uncle flew and restored planes, so that’s been a big influence on me. There’s a long history of high-speed racing in Star Wars, and I think we’ve captured that sense of excitement in an anime-inspired style, which is something the entire team has been wanting to do for a long time.”
Marc Buhaj, senior vice president, Programming and general manager, Disney XD, says, “Our colleagues at Lucasfilm have created a compelling narrative for an untold moment in the Star Wars galaxy, and we are excited to partner with them again on this new original series. Star Wars Resistance will bring viewers across generations an engaging story with heart, humor, and both new and familiar characters.”
The voice cast also includes Christopher Sean (Days of Our Lives), Suzie McGrath (East Enders), Scott Lawrence (Legion), Myrna Velasco (Elena of Avalor), Josh Brener (Silicon Valley), Donald Faison (Scrubs), Bobby Moynihan (DuckTales), Jim Rash (Community), and Rachel Butera (Tammy’s Tiny Tea Time).