One of the criticisms leveled against the Star Wars franchise until recent years has been its lack of strong female heroines, but changes have been and will continue to be a comin'. Star Wars Forces Of Destiny, a collection of animated shorts focusing on the ladies from a galaxy far, far away, is on its way.
Like Genndy Tartakovsky's 2003 version of Clone Wars, these micro-adventures, which will be backed by (say it ain't so!) a new product line, will span two to three minutes in length and feature many of the actresses who originated these characters providing their voices. Included are The Force Awakens' Daisy Ridley as Rey, Rogue One's Felicity Jones as Jyn Erso, Tiya Sircar as Rebels' Sabine Wren, Ashley Eckstein as Ahsoka Tano, the role she made famous on the 2008 version of Clone Wars and, then, on Rebels; and Lupita Nyongo, who will be narrating as the new trilogy's Maz Kanata. Also to be included are the adventures of Princess Leia, though there is no word on who will be replacing the late Carrie Fisher in the role.
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy offers, "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."
Things will kick off this July when some of the shorts will become available on Disney YouTube. These will precede a two-part TV special that will air on the Disney Channel this fall.
As noted, backing the show will be an array of products, among them clothing, books, bedding and, from Hasbro, a line of eleven-inch "Adventure figures," that will purportedly bridge the gap (who knew one existed?) between action figures and dolls.
Hasbro president John Frascotti says, "As the Star Wars fan base has broadened over the last forty years, we have continued to add new and exciting play experiences to the brand, to engage fans across generations. We’ve worked closely with Disney to bring the storytelling from Star Wars Forces of Destiny to life through this innovative toy line to help connect with new audiences as well as appeal to existing fans.”
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