"STAR WARS RESISTANCE," A HIGH-FLYING ANIME-INSPIRED SERIES THAT EXPLORES AN UNCHARTED TIMEFRAME PRIOR TO THE EVENTS OF "THE FORCE AWAKENS," ORDERED BY DISNEY CHANNELS

Production has begun on "Star Wars Resistance," an exciting new animated adventure series about Kazuda Xiono, a young pilot recruited by the Resistance and tasked with a top-secret mission to spy on the growing threat of the First Order. It will premiere this fall on Disney Channel in the U.S. and, thereafter, on Disney XD and around the world.

Featuring the high-flying adventure that audiences of all ages have come to expect from Star Wars, "Star Wars Resistance" will feature the beloved droid BB-8 alongside ace pilots, colorful new characters and appearances by fan favorites, including Poe Dameron and Captain Phasma, voiced by actors Oscar Isaac and Gwendoline Christie, respectively.

The series was created by renowned Lucasfilm Animation veteran Dave Filoni ("Star Wars: The Clone Wars," "Star Wars Rebels"); executive-produced by Athena Portillo ("Star Wars: The Clone Wars," "Star Wars Rebels"), Justin Ridge ("Star Wars: The Clone Wars," "Star Wars Rebels") and Brandon Auman ("Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"); and art-directed by Amy Beth Christenson ("Star Wars: The Clone Wars," "Star Wars Rebels").

"The idea for 'Star Wars Resistance' came out of my interest in World War II aircraft and fighter pilots," said Filoni. "My grandfather was a pilot and my uncle flew and restored planes, so that's been a big influence on me. There's a long history of high-speed racing in Star Wars, and I think we've captured that sense of excitement in an anime-inspired style, which is something the entire team has been wanting to do for a long time."

Marc Buhaj, senior vice president, Programming and general manager, Disney XD, said, "Our colleagues at Lucasfilm have created a compelling narrative for an untold moment in the Star Wars galaxy, and we are excited to partner with them again on this new original series. 'Star Wars Resistance' will bring viewers across generations an engaging story with heart, humor and both new and familiar characters."

The voice cast also includes Christopher Sean ("Days of Our Lives"), Suzie McGrath ("East Enders"), Scott Lawrence ("Legion"), Myrna Velasco ("Elena of Avalor"), Josh Brener ("Silicon Valley"), Donald Faison ("Scrubs"), Bobby Moynihan ("DuckTales"), Jim Rash ("Community") and Rachel Butera ("Tammy's Tiny Tea Time").

About Disney Channels Worldwide

Disney Channels Worldwide is a global portfolio of 120 kid-driven, family-inclusive entertainment channels and/or channel feeds available in 164 countries/territories, in 34 languages. The platform brands are Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Disney Cinemagic, Disney Cinema, Hungama, Dlife and Radio Disney Networks. Disney Channel content is distributed through cable, satellite and digital terrestrial television channels, and via a strategic partnership with Disney Media Distribution to third-party broadcasters across the globe. In the U.S., fans can access full episodes on desktop, mobile and connected TV devices via the DisneyNOW app. Live, linear feeds and exclusive window programming are also available on the app for viewers who sign in with a participating pay-TV provider. Disney Channel properties continue to rapidly expand into new markets across the world, playing a key role in introducing the Disney brand to nearly 564 million viewers worldwide.

About Lucasfilm Ltd.

Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. � & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.