‘Tales of the Empire’ Trailer: Dave Filoni Directs Animated ‘Star Wars’ Series

Samantha Bergeson
·2 min read
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There are two sides to every story, but nothing is ever really black and white, good versus evil, or even Jedi versus Empire.

Disney+ animated series “Star Wars: Tales of the Empire,” the follow-up to 2022’s “Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi,” centers on the rise of the Galactic Empire. The six-episode show follows two warriors on divergent paths, set during different eras: After losing everything, young Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) navigates the expanding Imperial world toward a path of vengeance, per the official synopsis, while former Jedi Barriss Offee (Meredith Salenger) does what she must to survive a rapidly changing galaxy. The choices they make will define their destinies.

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The voice cast also includes Rya Kihlstedt (Lyn aka Fourth Sister), Wing T. Chao (Wing), Lars Mikkelsen (Thrawn), Jason Isaacs (Grand Inquisitor), and Matthew Wood (General Grievous).

“Ahsoka” showrunner and Lucasfilm Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni created the series and serves as the supervising director and executive producer, along with Athena Yvette Portillo and Lucasfilm head of development Carrie Beck. Filoni announced in November 2023 that his partnership with Lucasfilm led to the CCO post, working directly with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy to “plan a future” for the franchise.

Filoni began his “Star Wars” career alongside George Lucas with the animated “Clone Wars” series that debuted in 2008. He was later appointed Executive Creative Director of Lucasfilm in 2021 after being with the company for 15 years. Josh Rimes co-executive produces “Tales of the Empire” with senior producer Alex Spotswood.

The series isn’t the only “Star Wars” installment on the horizon for Disney+: the highly anticipated live-action show “The Acolyte” debuts June 4 on the streaming platform, with “Russian Doll” creator Leslye Headland serving as showrunner. Amandla Stenberg stars as a Sith in training during the final days of the High Republic era, when the Republic and the Jedi are peace. The series is the furthest back prequel for the live-action “Star Wars” franchise, taking place between the High Republic and the beginning of the prequel films. Lee Jung-Jae, Jodie Turner-Smith, Manny Jacinto, Charlie Barnett, and Carrie-Anne Moss co-star.

“Star Wars: Tales of the Empire” premieres May 4 on Disney+. Check out the trailer below.

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