{"id":32857,"date":"2017-04-12T23:19:00","date_gmt":"2017-04-13T04:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yakfaceforums.com\/main\/?p=32857"},"modified":"2017-04-12T23:21:47","modified_gmt":"2017-04-13T04:21:47","slug":"disney-announces-star-wars-forces-of-destiny-animated-shorts-at-toy-line","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yakfaceforums.com\/main\/2017\/04\/12\/disney-announces-star-wars-forces-of-destiny-animated-shorts-at-toy-line\/","title":{"rendered":"Disney Announces Star Wars Forces of Destiny Animated Shorts and Toy Line"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Glendale, Calif. (April 12, 2017 \u2013 9:00PM PST)<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Disney and\u00a0Lucasfilm\u00a0today announced\u00a0Star Wars Forces of Destiny,\u00a0<\/em>a new initiative celebrating the inspiring stories of iconic heroes from across the\u00a0Star Wars<\/em>\u00a0universe. An original series of animated shorts (each 2-3\u00a0minutes\u00a0in length) will\u00a0<\/em>explore exciting, all new adventures of key characters including Rey,\u00a0Jyn\u00a0Erso, Sabine Wren, Princess Leia,Ahsoka\u00a0Tano\u00a0and others, ahead of books and a TV special later in the year. The stories will also be supported by a line of toys from Hasbro, including new \u2018Adventure Figures\u2019 \u2013 a fusion between traditional dolls and action figures, creating a whole new way to play\u00a0Star Wars<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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“Star Wars Forces of Destiny<\/em>\u00a0is for anyone who has been inspired by Leia\u2019s heroism, Rey\u2019s courage, orAhsoka’s\u00a0tenacity,\u201d said Kathleen Kennedy, President of\u00a0Lucasfilm. “We\u2019re 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\u00a0Star Wars<\/em>.”<\/p>\n

Developed by\u00a0Lucasfilm\u00a0Animation,\u00a0Star Wars Forces of Destiny<\/em>\u00a0will remain true to the\u00a0Star Wars<\/em>canon, showing how choices both big and small ultimately shape the destinies of beloved characters. Launching in July, the animated micro-series will be available on\u00a0Disney YouTube<\/a>\u00a0ahead of a two-part TV special featuring eight additional shorts on Disney Channel in Fall 2017. Fans will be delighted to hear familiar voices in the series, including: Daisy Ridley (Rey), Felicity Jones (Jyn),\u00a0Tiya\u00a0Sircar\u00a0(Sabine), Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka\u00a0Tano) and Lupita Nyong\u2019o (Maz\u00a0Kanata as narrator).<\/p>\n

Star Wars Forces of Destiny<\/em>\u00a0will also be supported by global product extensions, such as books, apparel, bedding, and toys \u2013 including the new line of \u2018Adventure Figures\u2019 created by Hasbro, which bridges the gap between traditional action figures and dolls. Each individually designed figure features dynamic action, like Rey swinging her lightsaber, along with multiple points of articulation to help recreate the characters\u2019 adventures and heroic moments with different poses.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom Princess Leia to Sabine Wren,\u00a0Star Wars<\/em>\u00a0heroines are unique, and we wanted to represent that in the product line for\u00a0Star Wars Forces of Destiny<\/em>,\u201d said\u00a0<\/em>Jimmy\u00a0Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. \u201cThe result is the creation of our new \u2018Adventure Figures\u2019 that celebrate the power and stories of these incredible characters and allow kids to recreate their most heroic moments at home.\u201d<\/p>\n

The 11-inch figures will depict characters including Rey,\u00a0Jyn\u00a0Erso, Princess Leia, Sabine Wren, plus loveable sidekicks and epic villains like BB-8, Chewbacca,\u00a0Kylo\u00a0Ren and many more. Hasbro is also rolling out\u00a0Star Wars Forces of Destiny<\/em>\u00a0role play and accessories\u2014from Rey\u2019s Extendable Staff, to a new, electronic Jedi Power Lightsaber toy, which are part of the\u00a0Star Wars<\/em>\u00a0Bladebuilders\u00a0system.<\/p>\n

Adds John\u00a0Frascotti, President of Hasbro: \u201cAs the\u00a0Star Wars<\/em>\u00a0fan base has broadened over the last 40 years, we have continued to add new and exciting play experiences to the\u00a0Star Wars<\/em>\u00a0brand, to engage fans across generations. We\u2019ve worked closely with Disney to bring the storytelling from\u00a0Star Wars<\/em>Forces of Destiny<\/em>\u00a0to life through this innovative toy line to help connect with new audiences as well as appeal to existing fans.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fans attending\u00a0Star Wars\u00a0<\/em>Celebration in Orlando will see a sneak peek of\u00a0Star Wars Forces of Destiny<\/em>during the \u201cHeroines of\u00a0Star Wars<\/em>\u201d panel on Friday, April 14. The panel, moderated by Amy\u00a0Ratcliffe\u00a0\u2013 host of \u201cLattes with Leia\u201d podcast, will feature Carrie Beck \u2013 vice president of animation at\u00a0Lucasfilmand Dave\u00a0Filoni\u00a0\u2013 executive producer of\u00a0Star Wars Rebels<\/em>, as well as Ashley Eckstein,\u00a0Tiya\u00a0Sircar\u00a0and other surprise guests. For a first look at the new\u00a0Star Wars Forces of Destiny\u00a0<\/em>Adventure Figures, stop by Hasbro booth #2744.<\/p>\n

Stay tuned to\u00a0StarWars.com<\/a>\u00a0for more details.<\/p>\n