About Star Wars Rebels (Shorts)

Star Wars Rebels (Shorts) is a series of four animated short films first released in 2014. They serve as introduction to the characters appearing in the animated series Star Wars Rebels and build the context for the upcoming events. The main plot revolves around a group of rebel fighters who come together to oppose the evil Galactic Empire.

Making / Production

The series was produced by Lucasfilm, Lucasfilm Animation, and featuring the voices of leading actors, including Vanessa Marshall, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Taylor Gray. Its official announcement happened on March 11, 2013, unveiling the project as the first of its kind since Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm in October 2012. The series was praised for its animation quality and its storytelling, bringing a fresh perspective to the star wars universe.

Actors

• Freddie Prinze Jr. voiced Kanan Jarrus, an underground rebel and surviving Jedi who becomes a mentor to Ezra. Freddie brought both humor and sincerity to the character.
• Vanessa Marshall voices Hera Syndulla, the heart of the Ghost crew and a gifted pilot. Vanessa portrays her with a great mixture of warmth and authority.
• Taylor Gray plays Ezra Bridger, a young force-sensitive on the run. Taylor's performance adds a lot of heart to the character, perfectly encapsulating his journey from street rat to Jedi apprentice.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The animation style of Star Wars Rebels (Shorts) is heavily influenced by the original Star Wars concept art by artist Ralph McQuarrie.
• Kanan Jarrus is the first Jedi character in the Star Wars timeline to appear on screen after Order 66, the order which lead to the near extinction of the Jedi Order.
• The series introduces the Ghost Starship, which later features in the Star Wars movie, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Awards

Star Wars Rebels (Shorts) was nominated for Primetime Emmy in 2015 for "Outstanding Children's Program".

Quotes

• "We have hope. Hope that things can get better. And they will." - Hera Syndulla
• "I'm not afraid. That's how you messed up last time. Because I'm not afraid." - Ezra Bridger
• "A Jedi Knight? They're all dead." - Kanan Jarrus

Music, Soundtrack

• The theme music is composed by Kevin Kiner, also known for his work on The Clone Wars, with additional input from the original Star Wars composer John Williams.
• The series also features several iconic themes from the original Star Wars trilogy.