New animated 'Star Wars' TV series on the way

LOS ANGELES, May 20 (UPI) -- Production has begun on "Star Wars Rebels," an animated television series to premiere in fall 2014 on America's Disney Channel, producers said Monday.

The show's initial 1-hour special telecast will be followed by a series on Disney XD channels around the world.

"The entire team at Lucasfilm has provided extraordinary creativity and innovation for over three decades, and we're thrilled to be bringing the expansive and imaginative world of 'Star Wars' to Disney XD's viewers," Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer of Disney Channels Worldwide, said in a statement Monday.

"I couldn't be more excited to explore new corners of the 'Star Wars' universe," said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. "I think 'Star Wars Rebels' will capture the look, feel and fun that both kids and their parents love about 'Star Wars.'"

Lucasfilm said the series is set between the events of "Star Wars" Episodes III and IV, but details about the show are "a closely guarded secret at this point."