Creator George Lucas has set out to do it again. During the Rise of the Empire Era, we will enter the world or underworld as the case may be, in a “Star Wars: Underworld” television series. Executive producers include the Star Wars father, George Lucas and Rick McCallum.
“Star Wars: Underworld” has a proposed 400 episodes, while 100 are planned. Each episode will be one hour long. “Star Wars: Underworld” is scheduled to air in 2014 or later, depending on the production process.
The plot? It is intended to be a comedy action series, with more talking than “Star Wars Episode IV.” The series is expected to focus the attention on the secondary characters rather than the prominent ones.
George Lucas tells Total Film Magazine (May 2008):
It’s kind of like Episode IV. It’s funny and there’s action but it’s a lot more talky. It’s more of what I would call a soap opera with a bunch of personal dramas in it. It’s not really based on action-adventure films from the 30s. It’s actually more based on film noir movies from the 40s.
“Star Wars: Underworld” unfolds during the “dark times,” as titled by Obi-Wan Kenobi in “A New Hope.” During this time, the Galactic Empire rises to power throughout the galaxy. Lucas describes the show as “bare-bones” and “action-heavy.”
When asked how Princess Leia claims to remember her mother although Padme dies during childbirth in Sith, McCallum replies:
I think that could only be answered in the television series.
The series is reported to include pod racing and political interaction surrounding it. There will be another plot revolving around Death Star plans. Lucas confirmed the series is planned to show what the citizens of the “Star Wars” galaxy do for fun and entertainment, including the pod racing sport.
Asked by Lucas to reprise his role as Boba Fett, Daniel Logan may return as Fett in the series. Jay Laga’aia has been asked to return in a role in the series. Jay played Captain Gregar Typho in “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones” and in “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.”
Ian McDiarmid and Peter Mayhew also expressed an interest in picking up their roles again for the series. Sam Witwer is interested in claiming a role, possibly as Galen Marek.
Lucas asked writers of the “Star Wars: Republic” comic book series to let the character Quinlan Vos live. It may be an indication of having Vos in the TV series. Karen Traviss was behind a novel writing project including Boba Fett but was asked to hold off on writing the book due to what may turn out to be conflicts with the TV series.
In 2004, rumors flew about a live-action “Star Wars” series that was under development. Lucas announced his plan for the television series on April 23, 2005. Lucas appeared on G4’s “Attack of the Show” in May 2011 to discuss “Star Wars.” He talked about the live-action TV show and revealed various items about the series. He stated they had about 50 hours so far and the material looked like “Star Wars” features.
Paul Lee, president of ABC entertainment, stated in January 2013 that he was interested in proceeding with the “Star Wars” TV series. Since Disney purchased Lucasfilm, Lee claims the show has more chance of coming to fruition.
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