Star Wars Introduces New Series “Forces of Destiny” Coming This Summer

In a new series of animated shorts, Star Wars will introduce “Forces of Destiny,” with main actors of the franchise returning to voice roles.

Kathleen Kennedy is nothing if not a strong female Force advocating for more female roles in the Star Wars saga. Aesthetics aside, she’s launched two successful billion-dollar Star Wars entries with female “leads.” In addition to Rey and Jyn Erso, we also have amazing legacy characters like Leia Organa, Ahsoka Tano, Sabine Wren, and of course, Padme Amidala, just to name a few.

And in an effort to highlight these powerful women even more, the franchise will introduce a series of animated shorts called Forces of Destiny. With the help of all the voice actors who originated the roles, like Daisy Ridley, Felicity Jones, and Lupita N’yongo, the animated shorts will focus on some of the in-between stories that the audience didn’t get to see in theaters.

Check out the First Look trailer below:

Now, before you start rolling your eyes at all the girliness, just note that Matt Lanter is also doing voice work there too, if the first look is any indication. He, of course, has been voicing Anakin Skywalker in the various animated series since 2008.

According to Lucasfilm’s animated shorts executive producer, Carrie Beck:

"“We didn’t want to put them in a false social construct. They’re meeting each other on Star Wars terms. No part of Star Wars should feel like, ‘That’s the fake Star Wars, over there.’ No matter who you are, or how young you are, you want to feel like you are sharing the same thing your dad and mom love, that your grandparents love. You want to feel like you are a part of it.”"

Forces of Destiny will premiere this summer in July on YouTube. Then, in the fall, they will appear as animated shorts on TV as well. If the style and tone seem kind of familiar to you, it may be because Justice League Action‘s Jennifer Muro wrote the episodes.

There are many stories planned out, but they will all take place within the context of previous works. For example, Rey’s story will be contained within The Force Awakens.

Stay tuned for more information during our coverage of Star Wars Celebration throughout the weekend.