As Star Wars Celebration gets underway, you can expect a steady drip of information about the franchise over the next couple of days. Overnight, Disney made an announcement—not, alas, about a Last Jedi trailer—but about a new series of animated shorts, collectively called Star Wars Forces Of Destiny. Each film will tell a story from the life of one of the universe’s female heroes. Among those represented: Leia, Rey, Jyn Erso, and Ahsoka Tano. Some of these will first premiere on Disney’s YouTube page, and then even more will be part of a two-part Disney Channel special in the fall.
“Star Wars Forces of Destiny is for anyone who has been inspired by Leia’s heroism, Rey’s courage, or Ahsoka’s tenacity,” Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said in a statement. “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.” Indeed, Disney noted that Daisy Ridley, Felicity Jones, and Lupita Nyong’o will participate, as will Rebels’ Tiya Sircar and Ashley Eckstein. Given Carrie Fisher’s death, it’s unclear who will provide the voice for Leia.
These shorts will also, of course, yield new merchandise like books and the Hasbro figures featured below.