A galaxy far far away…on TV.
[dropcap size=small]S[/dropcap]uch a project has been gestating for years with many rumours and even scripts being commissioned. But now as the reinvigorated Star Wars franchise looks to continue momentum from The Force Awakens there may be a new hope. Previously Lucasfilm producer Rick McCallum teamed with Ron Moore (Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek: The Next Generation) and other writers for a live action series set on Coruscant, the planet-wide city that is reputable among fans. All involved were extremely excited by the work they had done but they could not hurdle one obstacle. Star Wars was born and bred on the silver screen and the galaxy far far away has certain production standards, which require grand spectacle. The series was too costly to produce even for a network like HBO.
Recently, ABC Entertainment President Channing Dungey was asked on a press tour about the possibility of a Star Wars series at the network. Dungey replied, “Oh, as a fan, I would absolutely love to say ‘Yes,’”. But Dungey, of course, is an executive. She commented that she would love to extend the Star Wars brand into their programming. Though she did refuse to explicitly answer another question about if the series was indeed live action, further explaining that the level of secrecy at Lucasfilm was greater than Marvel Studio’s. However, Dungey did confirm that conversations have been had and will continued to be had about a Star Wars series at ABC.
Unfortunately, fans should be skeptical of this news. The franchise is an insane money maker, of course ABC would want a live action Star Wars show, and that want is enough that work is likely being done. That does not guarantee that such a project will ever come to fruition. It is not just the cost but the fact that Lucasfilm, Disney, and all involved are likely to be very careful about the Star Wars brand itself. Executives will not be as quick as fans to forget the prequel trilogy or even the lackluster performance and critical reception of The Clone Wars animated movie.
But for those hoping for weekly television adventures on Coruscant, maybe even Tatooine, animated shows like Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and the more recent Star Wars Rebels, have been successful. It would seem that a live action series would be a logical creative and financial step.
