Rumor: Star Wars Live Action TV Series Being Developed… Eventually.

StarWarsTV1Ever since Star Wars Episode III: Revenge Of The Sith hit theaters, George Lucas and Rick McCallum have teased a live-action television series as being the next big thing on the live-action front. Although the project has been in a state Development Hell for a decade – and six new live-action Star Wars movies have been announced since then – a new rumor indicates that the series will finally get made… After Episode VIII.

 

The first bit of information supporting this development begins at Making Star Wars. When Jason Ward described that J. J. Abrams is a rumored contender for the director’s seat for Episode IX, he left this little footnote of interest:

 

Oh yeah, my source also mentioned that a television series based in the Star Wars universe like Marvel’s Agents of Shield is ramping up a bit. I assume they don’t mean the premise is like Agents of Shield. EW dropped some solid quotes about this in 2013.

 

Entertainment Weekly noted that one of the roadblocks to making a genre series like Star Wars was that the hypothetical series would go way overbudget for a standard cable television series. One such comparison was that the show’s initial budget (on average, $5,000,000 per episode) would rival the budget for Game Of Thrones – which is, in itself, HBO’s most expensive series to date.

 

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With Disney now at the helm, and various expensive genre shows like Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Once Upon A Time well underway on their ABC channel, many have hoped that this expensive vision for a Star Wars show could finally be a reality. Cinelinx writer Jordan Maison agrees with Jason’s source, as detailed below:

 

We’ve heard for a while that Disney has been actively trying to get a Star Wars live-action series off the ground, and the fact that this news is popping up again means something changed or was figured out. This sent me digging for more and I’ve come up with some information on the development of the series that you may find interesting.
 
The plan is to film the TV show at Pinewood between the movies, with the intention of using the film sets for the series during down time. This makes a lot of sense, as reusing the sets for multiple purposes can save a bunch of money for production and maintain a sense of continuity, visually, between the movies and show.

 

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There’s a catch to all of this, and that’s that right now, Disney and Lucasfilm are dead-set on getting a schedule down for Rogue One and Episode VIII first before figuring out when they’re going to film the show at Pinewood Studios (and for how long). Yes, you read that correctly: according to this rumor, the studio that was used to film The Force Awakens and the future site of the two aforementioned Star Wars movies will also serve as the studio that will host the long-brewing television series. Of course, given Pinewood’s busy schedule, the very earliest that the show could be filmed would be in 2017, when Episode VII is in post-production. According to Cinelinx, the Lucasfilm Story Group may be going for a different premise than the one that George Lucas originally envisioned:

 

As I mentioned, the fact that we’re hearing reports of the live-action TV show again means that something has changed…and it kind of has. There’s no real “greenlight” for a live-action series at this point, but from all I’ve heard, the story group and development teams are operating under the idea that a show IS happening. Ideas are being developed and I’ve even heard about them actively trying to use one of the book characters in the series as well…but I’ll have more on that later this week.

 

While it’s not exactly clear where the show is going to go from here, fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief knowing that this series will likely finally see the light of day… After a little more waiting, anyway.

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Grant has been a fan of Star Wars for as long as he can remember, having seen every movie on the big screen. When he’s not hard at work with his college studies, he keeps himself busy by reporting on all kinds of Star Wars news for SWNN and general movie news on the sister site, Movie News Net. He served as a frequent commentator on SWNN’s The Resistance Broadcast.

Grant Davis (Pomojema)

Grant has been a fan of Star Wars for as long as he can remember, having seen every movie on the big screen. When he’s not hard at work with his college studies, he keeps himself busy by reporting on all kinds of Star Wars news for SWNN and general movie news on the sister site, Movie News Net. He served as a frequent commentator on SWNN’s The Resistance Broadcast.

50 thoughts on “Rumor: Star Wars Live Action TV Series Being Developed… Eventually.

  • March 25, 2015 at 5:24 am
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    Hope this *doesn’t* come to pass. The Marvel TV shows are noble efforts but they look like school plays next to the studio feature films. At a certain point the brand becomes too diluted…

    • March 25, 2015 at 5:20 pm
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      we’ll see about that after Daredevil

      But I agree with the point about not diluting the brand.

  • March 25, 2015 at 5:35 am
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    I’m anxious to see how the new Marvel shows on Netflix look because I want a Star Wars series but would prefer it on Netflix over broadcast television.

    Still, I’m anxious to see the quality of what Marvel does before being 100% behind a Star Wars netflix series.

    • March 25, 2015 at 5:42 am
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      maybe Lucasfilm shold sell themselves to Marvel… perhaps only then they will start to pick up the pace when it comes to tv.

      • March 25, 2015 at 5:51 am
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        Lucasfilm can’t do that since they’ve been bought out. Only Disney could. Also, Marvel and Lucasfilm are both owned by Disney. That buyout would be utterly pointless because there is no real shift in corporate power (and indeed, Lucasfilm would only lose resources).

  • March 25, 2015 at 5:38 am
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    So in other words… nothing has changed since 2005?

    sigh…

  • March 25, 2015 at 5:40 am
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    maybe Disney is starting to realize that there is only so much OT people can take… but they’re scared to capitalize on any other time period in this universe.

    • March 25, 2015 at 5:47 am
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      The focus is only on the OT right now because the cast of that part of Star Wars history will be showing up in the new films.

    • March 25, 2015 at 3:58 pm
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      Maybe you need to realize that the OT should be the only focus PERIOD (EVER) and the PT should be swept under the rug as if it had never existed because it was and STILL IS an embaressment. ( PT fans still gasping for breathe around here….god love em. i think it is cute)

      • March 25, 2015 at 4:25 pm
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        I REALLY hope that the OT is not the only focus. We are not even talking about the movies. Ignoring the prequels themselves, why focus on one or two years in one corner of the galaxy in such a VAST universe? You never want to see the Old Republic? The origin of the sith? You never want to see beyond the outer rim? There is only so much you can cram into this short rebellion without totally ruining the classic movies. People focusing on the OT too much is why we wound up with 50 different people stealing the death star plans in the old EU.
        Don’t get me wrong, NOTHING will ever come close to the magic of the OT…but that’s why they shouldn’t try to cling to it. I hope there are a few great nods to the OT and PT in the sequels and then it should go and be completely different from anything we’ve seen.

      • March 25, 2015 at 5:41 pm
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        I’m not an OT fan or a PT fan I’m a fucking star wars fan and everyone who hates on the PT is just doing it because it’s like a fad to do so and everyone’s gotta jump on the band wagon

  • March 25, 2015 at 5:44 am
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    I hope the show doesn’t come off as cliche and childish. I want a mature series with good drama in it.

    • March 25, 2015 at 5:48 am
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      George Lucas described the project as “The Empire Strikes Back on steroids”. While they aren’t necessarily going with his original idea (yet), the tone will probably be along those lines.

      • March 25, 2015 at 10:16 am
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        That was Rick McClellan.

        He also mentioned how the story would explain how Leia can remember Padme. That’s something I really want to see.

  • March 25, 2015 at 5:45 am
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    Rebels would’ve made a great live-action series.

    • March 25, 2015 at 5:47 am
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      I respectfully disagree. For me, it works a lot better as a cartoon.

      • March 25, 2015 at 6:12 am
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        To each their own 🙂

      • March 26, 2015 at 12:08 am
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        I think the fact that we can disagree on that statement probably is what makes it a good show.

        Good enough to be able to buy into a live action series for some, and still a good enough cartoon.

  • March 25, 2015 at 6:00 am
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    It’s the golden age of television. Movies almost seem outdated these days. They don’t have to use incredible fx to make a great show. All they need are some good stories, plots, and characters and it can be a great like GOT, Walking Dead, or whatever. Hope they do something. Rebels is the right direction but I think the cartoon aspect may turn some people off. Not trying to start a debate over what’s cool and isnt, but I think the OT generation wants something darker and more story rather than kid – orientated cartoons and such. But maybe I’m wrong. Netflix would be perfect.

    • March 25, 2015 at 9:00 am
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      It is definitely not the golden age of television. Internet is killing television, while movie profits are soaring like never before. While there are a lot of good shows on television, it is not nearly the focus of entertainment it used to be.

  • March 25, 2015 at 6:25 am
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    I really hope they stick with George Lucas’ original plan. If I recall correctly the working title for the original project was “Star Wars: Underworld”. Hopefully it’s series based on The scum and villianry of the universe; The Mandalorians, Hutts, Black Sun, smugglers, bounty hunters, and Undercity gangs of Corruscant and other megalopolis’. There’s so much untapped potential in those aspects of the Star Wars Universe. It’d be an awesome sight to see.

  • March 25, 2015 at 6:26 am
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    I don’t get this talk of being tired of the OT era when it comes to live action projects. What’s to be tired about? All we have are the three movies. Everything else is books and comics but who cares bout those when Disney could be giving us live action?

    And I have no doubt Disney could make an ANH level TV series for a reasonable budget.

  • March 25, 2015 at 6:39 am
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    Well Disney is stupid if they don’t do a live action based tv show. I mean you already have the built in fan base. You already have the established universe and characters. All you need are the stories. You can tell much longer and more interesting story on tv. But oh no, let’s spend millions upon millions and 2 or 3 years to make a 2 hr movie that might just be good enough.(Not that I don’t want the ST – bring on the movies haha:)

    It would be interesting if every episode was about a different character. Or maybe 3 or 4 episodes devoted to a storyline and character or something -kind of like what they did with TCW.

  • March 25, 2015 at 7:11 am
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    ABC/Disney’s LOST (2004-2010) was about $4mil per episode as I recall…. I know for sure its pilot was the most expensive in history at the time, but that was 11 years ago.

    I could easily see an ABC Star Wars at $5mil an episode and the ratings would be off the charts so I’d imagine they’d get their ad money. 🙂

    Cool to think about either way… and it will happen eventually!

  • March 25, 2015 at 7:23 am
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    We’ve been getting spun the TV series yarn for ten years now as well as being promised games that never happen. Don’t believe this, it’s just filler until some real news shows up.http://www.theforceawakensblog.com/

    • March 25, 2015 at 7:57 am
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      Lol first you dismiss this news then promote your own site. Mean

  • March 25, 2015 at 7:24 am
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    Admit it. Even if it sucks you’ll watch it.

  • March 25, 2015 at 8:18 am
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    I’d love to see a Star Wars live action series!

    1.) make it at least fairly adult oriented (not like rated R but slightly more mature targeted than Rebels)
    2.) dont announce anything about it until after the force awakens (kind of a definate already, but between all the comics and novels and TV series…lets save some hype until after we actually see a single movie from Disney)
    3.) focus on something other than the skywalkers and rebellion. My first choice would be to set it in the old republic era so they could get really epic in scale and not step on the toes of the OT. Not likely to happen but it would be fun.

    When Star Trek made the jump from TV to movies, it drew inspiration from Star Wars. Let Star Wars make the jump to TV and return the favor 🙂

    • March 25, 2015 at 5:36 pm
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      I really don’t think that the problem is things being aimed at kids. The problem is lazy film makers and producers that use kids as an excuse to make crap. I grew up with Star Wars (ot) and Indiana jones and basically when it comes to action/adventure kids and adults taste aren’t that different. Yes in order include a child audience u would have to avoid the kind of sex and violence u see on GOT but beyond that I can sell action/adventure to kids and adults alike.

  • March 25, 2015 at 8:34 am
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    I just hope it won’t be with star trek level of quality, in that case star wars could be screwed…

  • March 25, 2015 at 9:05 am
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    I am a little confused by this quote “Of course, given Pinewood’s busy schedule, the very earliest that the show could be filmed would be in 2017, when Episode VII is in post-production.” Did you mean Episode VIII instead?

  • March 25, 2015 at 9:24 am
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    If they can make a show on par with GOT or Black Sails quality with the story/characters and sets, but not have it have as much sex/nudity then I guarantee it will do well.

    • March 25, 2015 at 7:34 pm
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      Sex and nudity makes everything better, just like blutooth.

  • March 25, 2015 at 9:30 am
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    I’m really looking forward to this, I’m imagining a serie like Gotham or something. It’s at the same time as the sequel but with new characters. Storyline a bit like old republic and rebels. And sometimes with guest stars for 1 episode.like they did with rebels.stories that you can watch separately but also with a continuing story.

  • March 25, 2015 at 9:37 am
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    I hate what is become of Star Wars..

    George why you have sold, why to Disney ??????

    • March 26, 2015 at 12:09 am
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      Because he was tired of it in 1983, nonetheless in 2011.

  • March 25, 2015 at 11:13 am
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    If JJ would produce the SW live action series, they could start filming right away, because they would not need a plot. It could be just like in LOST, a string of consequtive cliffhanger, with no purpose or intend. It would sell wonderfully, people might again mistake the lack of coherent ideas with drama.

    In fact, why not crashland a coulple of rebels on a planat and have them experince some mysterious foce gosts. Then kill of some random cast leads for good measure, to add “deapth”, and we’ve got ourselves a TV show.

  • March 25, 2015 at 11:23 am
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    Something akin to “Shadows of the Empire” would be pretty nice.

    That said, the new EU is looking a tad bit overloaded at this point:

    The cartoon, five movies in four years, the comic books, the novels, and everything else, from new video games to new pen-and-paper RPGs – and now a TV series…

    Slow it down, Disney! I am a Jedi, Walt, not a Pokemon trainer.

  • March 25, 2015 at 4:03 pm
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    It’s all about the writers. If they get good TV writers like those who wrote Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Mad Men, and Battlestar Galactica then this will be good even if it’s not super high budget. If they get okay writers then it will be an epic fail no matter how good the production values.

    • March 25, 2015 at 5:08 pm
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      Exactly! Good TV writers.

      Please, no Orci, Kurtzman and Lindelof! They’d make the Jedi’s midi-chlorian-enriched blood even more magical!

      • March 25, 2015 at 7:59 pm
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        I think Trek producers are efficient.But running 3TV series and movies bring about creative burnout which damage quality.

      • March 26, 2015 at 12:10 am
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        Hahaha definitely

  • March 25, 2015 at 4:38 pm
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    Is it just me, or does that making star wars guy just make crap up?

  • March 25, 2015 at 4:48 pm
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    I think live TV series on air while new movie opens every year is definitely beyond sarturation. It will damage SW in the long run.
    Look at Star Trek in nineties. 5TV series re run on cable TV, Peramount produced Movie series featuring next generation which failed to catch the audience.This over exporsure almost killed franchise.
    It took decade to reclaim the popularity by 2009 movie directed by JJ

    • March 25, 2015 at 5:10 pm
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      Was it oversaturation that hurt Star Trek in the 90s, or was it quality?

      • March 25, 2015 at 8:08 pm
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        Handling the 4 consecutive TV shows and Movie series caused creative burnout for Trek producers. Trek producers were efficient and skilled writers, but audience felt enough is enough.

  • March 25, 2015 at 6:39 pm
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    So they ditching Boba fett movie for the Underworld tv series. Makes sense, more story telling to do in 1 hour weekly arc stories then just a 2ish hour movie crammed together.

  • March 25, 2015 at 11:40 pm
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    Good- along with ‘Shannara’ & ‘The X-Files’ being re-booted, we will have plenty to watch on the tube, then!

  • March 25, 2015 at 11:57 pm
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    If you are trying to make a point, please use correct spelling, otherwise I am turned right off

  • March 26, 2015 at 10:26 am
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    If they would just hand the show over to indie film makers who have a heart for Star Wars, and set it in a far off timeline, and just leave them the hell alone, with reusing, repurposed, or recycling sets/props, no name actors, it could be pulled off for 1 million a show. They can use ILM at convienece, in between films minimally.
    Good film makers can pull off miracles with next to nothing. Robert Rodriguez has proved so. Amature CGI artists have proven so on You Tube alone. Its time to gather up the young talent and let them thrive.
    Give an indie film crew a junkyard and a some actors, you can get gold.

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