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How a ‘Clone Wars’-Style Animated Series Featuring the Original Trilogy Characters Could Work

'Star Wars' trio of Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Luke Skywalker
Credit: Lucasfilm

In a franchise filled with fragmented storytelling and huge missteps, there’s one idea that keeps gaining traction among Star Wars fans: an animated series set after the events of the original trilogy, featuring the likes of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Leia Organa.

If done right, this could be exactly what the Star Wars franchise needs to feel whole again.

When the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars launched in 2008, it wasn’t just a tie-in to the prequel trilogy—it became a pivotal part of the Star Wars saga.

Not only did it give depth to characters who were underdeveloped in the films, but it also fleshed out a timeline that was previously unexplored. The show’s success and critical acclaim proved that animation can offer storytelling that feels just as compelling, if not more, than live-action adaptations.

Ahsoka Tano in 'The Clone Wars'

Credit: Lucasfilm

The success and popularity of The Clone Wars speaks for itself. The animation style has also been used for several follow-up shows such as all three seasons of Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021), and all three entries in the Tales of anthology series: Tales of the Jedi (2022), Tales of the Empire (2024), and, earlier this month, Tales of the Underworld (2025).

So, why don’t Disney and Lucasfilm take that same approach and bring it to the original trilogy? With the vast untapped potential in the years following Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi (1983), an animated series could shine a light on Luke Skywalker’s struggles as a Jedi Master and explore Leia Organa’s role as a leader in the New Republic.

And don’t forget Han Solo—there’s a wealth of untold stories about him fans would love to see.

Princess Leia in 'A New Hope'

Credit: Lucasfilm

Related: ‘Star Wars’ Finally Replaces the Sequel Trilogy

This idea isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about ensuring the longevity and depth of the Star Wars saga. Animated shows like The Clone Wars have proven that Star Wars can thrive in this format, especially when the creators have a clear direction.

A Clone Wars-style series focusing on the post-original trilogy years would allow for rich, detailed storytelling that might be harder to execute in the live-action format, without the pressure of re-creating the iconic actors’ performances or complicating continuity.

What’s more, the return of the original trilogy’s heroes in this format would likely satisfy fans who feel alienated by the sequels and the current direction of live-action shows. It would fill a gap in the Star Wars timeline and give these beloved characters the stories they deserve, in a series that respects their legacy while pushing the franchise forward.

What do you think? Would an animated Clone Wars-style show with these characters restore your faith in the faraway galaxy? Let us know in the comments!

About Daniel Roberts

Dan is a huge fan of Star Wars, Disney, Jurassic Park, Ghostbusters and Harry Potter, and has written for numerous entertainment websites.

One comment

  1. Ok with it. I am OG fan and this would be Great, but I still wanna see the “StarWars Universe”included.Have Doctor Aphra included ,or other Rebel factions .

    I also think a “What If ” version for Star Wars would be even More exciting for Fans, new and Old.

    Also wanna see Disney and Hasbro actually work to get more Vintage/Epic action figures made of the Alien’s have been added to the Star Wars Universe since Force Awakens all the way thru to UnderWorld and beyond.

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