You may recall our original report about the press kit that was sent out for The Clone Wars. Well, we've now got all the info you need to know regarding the ongoing series.




Star Wars: A New Look

Lightsabers, starships, creatures and characters – in 1977, Star Wars introduced a host of screen icons that helped define the cinematic landscape. Now, more than 30 years later, Lucasfilm Animation is re-imagining the distinctive look of “a galaxy far, far away” for an all-new, weekly animated TV series – STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. For supervising director Dave Filoni – a diehard fan himself – this was no small task, and not something to be taken lightly.

“We had to stay true to the spirit of Star Wars and the look that had been established in the movies,” Filoni said. “There was fantastic work done by production designers like John Barry, Norman Reynolds and Gavin Bouquet, and it was our job to reflect that, but through animation. But THE CLONE WARS shows us more of the galaxy than we ever saw in the live-action films, so we had to forge plenty of new ground, as well.”

The first step was the most difficult – developing an overall look and feel for the series. Filoni and executive producer George Lucas decided on a radical departure. Rather than re-creating the photo-realistic world of the live-action films, they would design a stylized galaxy that instead embraced the essence of the Star Wars Saga. With striking angles and an aggressive, innovative “shooting” style, the result is both cinematic and distinctly animated.

“We wanted to create something unique and fun,” Filoni explains. “The movies are so recognizable, and we wanted to capture that flavor, but we also wanted our series characters to live on their own. With 30 years of history, there are a lot of expectations that come with a new Star Wars installment, and we wanted to be clear that this was going to be different from what had come before.”

One of the most striking design elements is the use of noticeable textures in every frame. “Many of the backgrounds look painted, while the characters and physical objects look almost like they have been created by hand,” Filoni said. “Working in computer animation, it’s easy to make everything look clean, but imperfection is far more interesting.”

In addition to the unique design and meticulous attention to detail, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS ushered in a new way to conceive and produce stories on a weekly basis, said producer Catherine Winder.

“Since the earliest days, animation has been produced using two-dimensional storyboards to plan out the action,” she said. “With THE CLONE WARS, George Lucas wanted us to try something totally new, a process he had utilized extensively on the live-action movies.”

Story artists working on STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS “sketched” every scene using a computer program that allowed them to visualize the action in three dimensions. The result, Filoni said, allows greater experimentation and offers the creative team unprecedented flexibility. “We can pre-visualize each shot like never before, which allows us to dive into the action and do things that, before this, were literally impossible. That’s the beauty of designing a new type of Star Wars entertainment: virtually nothing is impossible.”






Lucasfilm Animation’s First-Ever Star Wars Television Series Explores a Galaxy of Adventure Every Week

Delving into an all-new adventure every week, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS provides a high-spirited and richly expanded look into the Star Wars universe. In just the first few episodes, viewers will see the broad scope of the series, through characters and stories only touched upon in the live-action films.

“This is an enormously vast galaxy, and the Clone Wars affect almost every corner of it,” explained Dave Filoni, supervising director. “We can finally show the adventure, heroism, treachery and intrigue that was happening throughout the conflict. Now that Star Wars is no longer constrained by the Skywalker saga, the possibilities are as limitless as the universe itself.

I’m excited to take fans into aspects of Star Wars that haven’t yet been explored on-screen.”

Told in half-hour chapters, the weekly format gives Filoni and Lucasfilm Animation an opportunity to focus more intensely on individual aspects of the Star Wars Saga – from the epic space battles and dynamic lightsaber duels to the noble philosophies of the Jedi Knights. At the same time, Filoni said, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS will uncover new adventures and fresh perspectives on classic Star Wars conventions.

Among the stories explored in the first season of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS:
•Jedi Master Plo Koon – a character barely glimpsed in the feature films – rises to prominence as he discovers a mysterious threat that could cause immense destruction … and the evil secret behind it.
•Ambushed by Ventress and her droid army, Jedi Master Yoda teaches his clone companions that the Force touches all living things and that hope is never lost.
•On a distant planetary outpost, a squadron of rookie clone troopers find themselves struggling to survive and also learn the meaning of sacrifice.
•The Bothan home planet of Bothawui, never before seen on screen, comes to the forefront as a heroic ally falls prey to the sinister plot of General Grievous, and his friends must fight to rescue him.
•Senator Padmé Amidala faces a life-threatening showdown with her nemesis, Separatist Viceroy Nute Gunray, the victim of ultimate deception by the leader of a desperate planet.

“The Clone Wars are a time of enormous struggle and also great heroism,” Filoni said. “As a longtime Star Wars fan, it is exciting to be able to bring these stories to life, stories we’ve only wondered about. We’re going to learn just why The Clone Wars becomes the stuff of legend in the Star Wars galaxy.”





Meet the Characters
The Jedi
Anakin Skywalker
A Jedi Knight whose brash and rebellious nature will one day lead him down the dark path, at this stage in his journey, Anakin Skywalker is an idealistic leader and heroic champion of the Galactic Republic. Guided by a self-assurance that borders on arrogance, he is bold and aggressive, but as he has matured, he has also learned that sometimes strategy and temperance can prove more effective than a flashing lightsaber. Even so, Anakin’s brash impulsiveness prompts Master Yoda to pair him with a new apprentice in an effort to help curb the young Jedi’s wild ways. As Anakin steps into the role of teacher, he finally sees the other side of the Master-Padawan relationship and recognizes the difficulties that he presented for his own former Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Leveraging his experiences as a headstrong learner, Anakin commits to becoming a good example for his own apprentice – but in tight situations, he still relies on derring-do and instinct.

Obi-Wan Kenobi
Though he is deadly with a lightsaber and skilled in the art of war, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi is a peaceful soul, guided by an empathetic spirit even amidst the violence and devastation of the Clone Wars. He recognizes that there are often alternatives to fighting and takes up arms only in an effort to defend the values and ideals of the Galactic Republic. In stark contrast to his volatile former Padawan, Obi-Wan remains calm and level-headed even in the most dangerous situations, relying on temperance, discipline and dry wit where Anakin would default to violence. Having recently seen Anakin graduate to the status of Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan now finds endless delight in watching his friend and one-time student struggle with a strong-willed learner of his own.

Ahsoka Tano
Discovered as an infant by Jedi Master Plo Koon and raised in the Jedi Temple, Ahsoka is Anakin’s new apprentice, and she is eager to prove herself to her new master. Headstrong and enthusiastic with an abundance of innocence and optimism, she rarely hesitates to express her youthful exuberance … though she has yet to learn the finer points of diplomacy and timing. A formidable swordswoman, budding tactician and shrewd critical thinker, she is nonetheless still a youngling and has not yet reached the traditional graduation age. But the ever-escalating galactic conflict has stretched the Jedi resources thin, thus Ahsoka’s talents earn her an early promotion. Straddling the chasm between Anakin’s impulsiveness and Obi-Wan’s staid deliberation, Ahsoka also brings her disarming wit to the front lines, often lightening the burden of war with a well-timed quip or an insightful jab. As a result of her rigorous education, Ahsoka tends to play most situations closer to the book than does her Master, but she’s quickly learning that sometimes there’s no substitute for a healthy dose of improvised derring-do. Despite her inexperience, she rarely hesitates to question orders and voice her own opinion, much to Anakin’s chagrin.

Mace Windu
Second only to Master Yoda in his command of the force, Jedi Master Mace Windu serves as a revered and senior member of the Jedi Council. Introspective and slow to speak, Mace often appears to bear the weight of the war on his shoulders. In reality, Mace’s taciturn nature flows from his passive, though highly focused, contemplation of the Force.

Graceful yet powerful in battle, Mace Windu wields his lightsaber with a skill equaled only by Yoda. Intensely devoted to the Jedi, Mace willingly makes any sacrifice necessary to uphold the Order’s ways. Sober, level-headed, even somber at times, Mace rarely cracks a smile – a fact that intimidates many who do not know him well. Yet those who do understand Mace know that his detached demeanor belies his true nature. Deep down, Mace Windu is a fiercely compassionate soul who is willing to risk the longest odds if he believes the cause is just.

The Clones

Captain Rex
Anakin’s second-in-command, Clone Captain Rex is a freethinking and aggressive soldier’s-soldier. Gruff, no-nonsense and tough as nails, Rex will voice his professional opinion to even the highest-ranking Jedi. In command of the famed 501st Clone Trooper Battalion, Rex and his men are assigned to patrol the most lawless and dangerous sector of the galaxy, the feared Outer Rim.

Commander Cody
Clone Commander Cody is second-in-command to Obi-Wan Kenobi. Straight-laced and strict, no mission is too tough for Cody and the men of his highly decorated “Ghost Squadron.” In battle and in life, Cody places duty above all else, and nothing pleases him more than seeing his men win a hard-fought victory for the Republic.

Clone Troopers
Bred and trained on the oceanic Outer World planet of Kamino, a clone trooper is born to serve the Republic. Unflinchingly loyal, a clone may perform a variety of jobs, including, but not limited to, soldier, pilot and scout. Despite sharing identical genes with his “brothers,” a clone trooper takes pride in his individuality, often fostering a greater sense of identity by giving himself a name, a stylized haircut or even the occasional tattoo. Although a clone is trained not to question his role in the war, he is human. As such, a clone harbors the occasional feeling of doubt or regret. While a clone’s role may not seem an enviable one, the hardships of battle foster an unparalleled camaraderie that only further cements his fraternal bonds.

The Allies
Padmé Amidala
A former child-queen from Naboo, Padmé Amidala has taken her rightful seat in the Galactic Senate. As a political delegate, Padmé remains dedicated to ending the war and restoring peace to the galaxy. With her faithful steward C-3PO at her side, Padmé seeks every opportunity to champion the rights of the galaxy’s marginalized and downtrodden.

Though typically calm, Padmé is no stranger to peril and will wield her trusty blaster with remarkable skill in order to protect the things she holds dear – most notably, the Republic and her clandestine love for her husband, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker. Beset by the travails of galactic war, Padmé and Anakin see far too little of each other – a fact that weighs heavily on Padmé’s heart. But Padmé’s greatest strength is also her primary weakness: On more than one occasion, Senator Amidala’s accepting ways cause her pain when her ability to see good in even the darkest day prevents her from sensing evil in the duplicitous spies and politicians around her.

R2-D2
Anakin received R2-D2 as a gift from Padmé, and this plucky little astromech droid and his master have been inseparable ever since. Like Anakin, Artoo is fearless, quick-thinking and dedicated. He is a tireless worker, a sympathetic listener and always ready for action when the chips are down. Armed and upgraded with an amazing array of functionalities – including hover jets, a Holoprojector, computer interfaces, diagnostic plugs, a periscope, a clasping arm, an electric prod for self-defense, storage compartments and a variety of tools attached to the end of his articulating arm – R2-D2 comes prepared to tackle any job. Though droids are not officially programmed to experience emotion, Artoo seems to be a notable exception. Loyal to the end, R2-D2 is a true friend to many, including Padmé, C-3PO, Ahsoka Tano and, of course, Anakin.

C-3PO
C-3PO is a protocol droid fluent in more than 6 million forms of communication. Built by Anakin Skywalker when he was still a boy and then given to Padmé Amidala as a gift, Threepio constantly struggles to reconcile his genuine concern for his friends with a natural aversion to danger that borders on anxiety. The usual result is a comedic monologue centered on the seemingly insurmountable peril he can find in even the most benign circumstance. Yet, despite his nervous, know-it-all, sometimes even bossy disposition, C-3PO remains a loyal and devoted servant and friend.


The Villians

Count Dooku
A former member of the Jedi Council, Count Dooku is among a handful of Jedi who have disavowed the Order. After pursuing extensive Force training at the hands of his merciless master, the innately evil Darth Sidious, Dooku wields the full power of the Force’s dark side. As second in charge of the Separatist forces, it is Dooku’s task to destroy the Republic without mercy or compassion. Demanding, power-hungry and cruel, Dooku commands his underlings with ruthless efficiency. Even his icy assassin, Asajj Ventress, fears her master’s wrath, knowing all too well that few people live to fail Count Dooku twice.

General Grievous
A highly-skilled warlord from planet Kalee, General Grievous always wanted to be a Jedi but lacked the requisite Force abilities. Realizing that his powers would never equal a Jedi’s, Grievous vowed to destroy the Jedi Order. The first step in his diabolical plot was to undergo a series of surgical procedures that replaced his body parts with robotic appendages that give him superhuman strength and agility. Now, countless procedures later, Grievous lives as a man trapped inside a machine’s body, a sacrifice he has made to have powers that, finally, rival those of a Jedi Knight. Ruthless and unrelentingly cruel, Grievous takes joy only when inflicting suffering upon others. Grievous is third-in-command to the Separatist forces, behind only Dooku and, ultimately, Darth Sidious.

Asajj Ventress
Lithe and lethal, Ventress is the trusted assassin of the villainous Count Dooku, serving him from the shadows as he weaves his web of deception throughout a galaxy engulfed in the Clone Wars. Though not officially a Sith apprentice (as there can only be two Sith), Ventress has been well trained in the ways of the dark side and can wield her twin lightsabers with surgical precision and deadly force. In addition, her serpentine grace and devious cunning make her a deadly foe for even the most seasoned Jedi Knights.

A lifetime of enduring cruel hardships has purged any compassion from her evil heart. Forged in the crucible of her bloody homeworld, her intense rage and smoldering bitterness keep her on the dark path and bolster her ability to wield the dark side of the Force.

Nute Gunray
The only thing this oily Neimoidian leader of the Trade Federation wants more than money is to see the demise of his long-time nemesis, Padmé Amidala. To this end, Gunray will strike any deal he must with the Separatists in order to preserve his profit margin and pursue the woman who nearly caused his downfall after the Battle of Geonosis.

Cad Bane
A ruthless bounty hunter from planet Duros, Cad Bane is the pre-eminent manhunter in the galaxy. No quarry is too dangerous for Bane if the price is right. Using an impressive arsenal of weapons and evil allies, the cold, cruel and calculating Bane stops at nothing, even if it means tracking his prey to the ends of the galaxy.

The Droids
Built to every description and purpose, Separatist droids carry out the grunt work and menial labor required to conquer a galaxy, including serving as cannon fodder. Functioning in every capacity, from shock-troops, pilots and gunners to medics, armed forces and more, Separatist droids are built only to serve. Severely limited in their intelligence but skilled in their occupation, the droids often find that their orders exceed their abilities.

The Manipulator

Chancellor Palpatine
Elected Chancellor at the war’s outset, this former senator from Naboo must now guide the Republic through its darkest hour. Supported in his task by a massive clone army and a cadre of dedicated Jedi, Palpatine knows that restoring peace to the galaxy will be no small feat. Though certain critics of his administration have accused Palpatine of shady dealings, Palpatine never strays from his stated goal, which is to win the war as quickly and painlessly as possible.
When working with the Jedi, his most powerful allies, Palpatine remains aware that their assistance is fundamental to a Republic victory. In particular, Palpatine develops a fondness for Anakin Skywalker, in whom he senses peerless potential. Whenever Anakin and Palpatine are together, the chancellor carefully fosters their relationship toward a special, almost fatherly bond. And yet, many find themselves unable to fully trust this consummate politician ...




Launch Date
STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS will premiere on Cartoon Network Friday, Oct. 3 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT).

Series Description
The first-ever animated series from Lucasfilm Animation, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS chronicles the adventures of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Ahsoka Tano and other favorite Star Wars characters as they struggle against the dark side during the divisive, action-packed Clone Wars.

Each week, a new story in the galaxy-changing Clone Wars will come to the center stage, brought to the screen in the signature style of Lucasfilm Animation.

Dwindling numbers of Jedi fight to maintain freedom and restore peace to the galaxy, using their army of genetically engineered clones against the seemingly never-ending droid army. Across hundreds of planets, the Jedi and the evil Separatists fight for the future of the galaxy.

The terrible conflict grows wider as our heroes are swept up into the turmoil of war, while the evil Count Dooku, his assassin Asajj Ventress, their master Darth Sidious, the mechanical General Grievous and a rogue’s gallery of never-before-seen villains scheme to defeat them.

Production
Lucasfilm Animation began pre-production on STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS in 2005, shortly after the release of Star Wars: EPISODE III Revenge of the Sith. For the past three years, teams of animators, artists and storytellers in Northern California and at production facilities in Singapore and Taipei have worked together to create one of the most unique animated television series in history.

Blending tremendous artistic talent with all-new animation technology, Lucasfilm Animation has produced 22 episodes of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS for the series’ first season.

Dave Filoni is the series’ supervising director; Catherine Winder is producer; and George Lucas is executive producer.

Voice Talent
Anakin Skywalker: Matt Lanter
Ahsoka Tano: Ashley Eckstein
Obi-Wan Kenobi: James Arnold Taylor
Yoda: Tom Kane
Captain Rex/Clones: Dee Bradley Baker
Chancellor Palpatine: Ian Abercrombie
General Grievous: Matthew Wood
Asajj Ventress: Nika Futterman
Count Dooku: Corey Burton
Battle Droids: Matthew Wood
C-3PO: Anthony Daniels





STAR WARS™: THE CLONE WARS™ Premieres on Cartoon Network
Friday, October 3

An All-New Star Wars Adventure Comes to Television Every Friday Night

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS, the first weekly television series from Lucasfilm Animation, premieres on Cartoon Network Friday, October 3 at 9 p.m. (ET, PT) with a special one-hour presentation that anchors the Network’s all-new night of fantasy, action and adventure. New series The Secret Saturdays and the current hit Ben 10: Alien Force join STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS for a night of non-stop adventure, exciting storytelling and innovative animation.

In the signature style of Lucasfilm Animation, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS chronicles the adventures of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Ahsoka Tano and other favorite STAR WARS characters as they struggle against the dark side during the divisive, action-packed Clone Wars. Each week, a new story in the galaxy-changing Clone Wars comes to center stage, brought to the screen by supervising director Dave Filoni and executive producer George Lucas.

Dwindling numbers of Jedi fight to maintain freedom and restore peace to the galaxy, using their army of genetically engineered clones against the seemingly never-ending droid army. The terrible conflict grows wider as our heroes are swept into the turmoil of war, while the evil Count Dooku, his assassin Asajj Ventress, their master Darth Sidious, the mechanical General Grievous and a rogue’s gallery of never-before-seen villains scheme to defeat them.

Cartoon Network’s new night of fantasy-adventure programming begins at 8 p.m. (ET, PT) with the series premiere of a new comedy-action series, The Secret Saturdays, from Cartoon Network, Porchlight Entertainment and creator Jay Stephens, about a family of world-saving adventure scientists. Doc, Drew and Zak Saturday live in a hidden base and are part of a network of scientists who protect against all the underlying evil in the world. To the Saturdays, ordinary folktales aren’t just legends, but real-life mysteries and adventures. Traveling from the Gobi Desert to the Marianas Trench, they explore ancient temples and bottomless caves and tangle with twisted villains, including the masked madman V.V. Argost and his half-human/half-giant spider.

Friday, October 3
8:00 p.m. The Secret Saturdays (p)
8:30 p.m. The Secret Saturdays (p)
9:00 p.m. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (p) “AMBUSH” Jedi Master Yoda is on a secret mission to forge a treaty with the King of the strategic system of Toydaria when his ship is ambushed by Count Dooku. Yoda and three clone troopers must face off against Count Dooku’s dreaded assassin Ventress and her massive droid army to prove the Jedi are strong enough to protect the king and his people from the forces of the war.
9:30 p.m. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (p) “RISING MALEVOLENCE” Creating panic throughout the galaxy, a devastating Separatist mystery weapon terrorizes the clone Starfleet. Anakin and Ahsoka race to save Jedi Master Plo Koon and his clone troopers in time.

Fridays Beginning October 10
8:00 p.m. The Secret Saturdays (p)
8:30 p.m. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (r)
9:00 p.m. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (p)
9:30 p.m. Ben 10: Alien Force (p)

Beginning Friday, October 10, new episodes of Cartoon Network’s hit original series Ben 10: Alien Force will follow premiere episodes of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. Ben 10: Alien Force originally premiered in April 2008 with record ratings as the most-watched original series premiere in Cartoon Network history. The animated series continues the Ben 10 saga five years later, when 15-year-old Ben Tennyson chooses to once again put on the OMNITRIX. He discovers that it has reconfigured his DNA and can now transform him into 10 brand-new aliens. Joined by his super-powered cousin Gwen Tennyson and his equally powerful former enemy Kevin Levin, Ben is on a mission to find his missing Grandpa Max. In order to save his Grandpa, Ben must defeat the evil DNALIENS, a powerful alien race intent on destroying the galaxy, starting with planet Earth.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated and live-action entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.