If you were pissed that females Rey and Jyn Erso were the focus in the last two ‘Star Wars’ movies, this is REALLY tough sh**! Lucasfilm is developing a new multimedia initiative called ‘Star Wars: Forces of Destiny’ which focuses on the various female characters from different sources. Like many girl-aimed brands like ‘Monster High’, ‘Ever After High’ and ‘DC Super Hero Girls’, ‘Forces of Destiny’ will include online animated shorts (which launch in July), toys, YA books and a two-part special that will air on the Disney Channel in the Fall.
In addition to Rey (who will be voiced by Daisy Ridley) and Jyn (Felicity Jones), the brand includes Hera Syndulla (Vanessa Marshall), Sabine Wren (Tiya Sircar), and Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein). Lupita Nyong’o returns as Maz Kanata who will narrate the series. As you can see, all of the characters are voiced by the actors that either played them in the movies or voiced them on the various animated series, which is pretty cool. Also part of the line are Princess Leia Organa and Queen Padme Amidala but their voice actors weren’t revealed.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the animated series with this video:
Plus here is a short clip from one episode, featuring Rey and BB-8:
You can also check out these still images:
If you’ve ever watched any of those other web shorts mentioned, you know they are REALLY short. Seriously, the theme songs are longer than the actual cartoons.
Unlike any of those, including ‘DC Super Hero Girls’, this one seems considerably less… girlie. It doesn’t seem that they’ve watered these kick-ass characters down, so don’t expect to see them worrying about homework or wondering who to take to the prom.
You can check out these images of the dolls… okaaaaay they are insisting on calling them “Adventure Figures.” As you can see, the guys aren’t omitted. R2-D2 and BB-8 are most likely accessories for Leia and Rey. There is also a tall, furry Chewie shown. There will be other male “Adventure Figures” including Luke Skywalker and Kylo Ren. In addition, expect the usual slew of merchandise like role-play weapons like Rey’s lightsabre and Jyn’s extending staff and other items like clothing.
As mentioned there will also be books:
Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy announced:
“Star Wars Forces of Destiny is for anyone who has been inspired by Leia’s heroism, Rey’s courage, or Ahsoka’s tenacity. We’re thrilled that so many of the original actors are reprising their roles in these shorts which capture the small moments and everyday decisions that shape who these characters are. It is a fun new way for people to experience Star Wars.”
Look for things to roll out this July.
Are you excited about this initiative? Do you have a young Jedi in your life that would love this?
Source: Collider
