The series premiered as a one-hourtelevision film,Spark of Rebellion, on October 3, 2014, onDisney Channel prior to the premiere of the series on October 13 onDisney XD.[4][5] The second season premiered on June 20, 2015, with a one-hour television film,The Siege of Lothal. The third season premiered on September 24, 2016, with the television film,Steps Into Shadow. The fourth and final season premiered on October 16, 2017, with another one-hour television film,Heroes of Mandalore. Its final episode aired on March 5, 2018.[6][7]
Dave Filoni,Simon Kinberg, andGreg Weisman served as executive producers of the first season. Weisman left the show after the first season.[8] Filoni was also the supervising director for the first two seasons, a role he relinquished after accepting a promotion that expanded his creative role into overseeing all Lucasfilm Animation projects; he chose Justin Ridge to succeed him for the third season.[9] Filoni re-assumed the role for the fourth season.
A number of tie-in media have been released to expand upon the series' lore such as the comic book seriesKanan, the novelA New Dawn, and the novel seriesThrawn. Characters, storylines, and elements introduced in the series would also appear in subsequentStar Wars media. The series' storyline continues in theDisney+ live-action seriesAhsoka.
Fourteen years after thefall of both theGalactic Republic and theJedi Order and the rise of theGalactic Empire,[10] a motley group of rebels called the Spectres unite aboard a light freighter called theGhost and begin to conductcovert operations against Imperial forces on and around the planetLothal and on other planets that are menaced by the Empire.
Freddie Prinze Jr. asKanan Jarrus, formerly known as Jedi Padawan Caleb Dume, who survived the events of Order 66. He is Ezra's mentor and leader of theGhost crew.
David Oyelowo asAgent Kallus, an influential member of the Imperial ground team who is tasked with overviewing Imperial activities.
James Earl Jones asDarth Vader (seasons 1–2, 4), a powerful Sith Lord who was once the Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, but is now the apprentice of Darth Sidious. This would be the final time Jones would voice Darth Vader himself after signing over the rights to recreate his voice[11]
Matt Lanter as Anakin Skywalker, a former Jedi Knight who became Darth Vader.
Jason Isaacs as theGrand Inquisitor (season 1–2), a former Jedi Temple Guard who turned to the dark side and was tasked with hunting down surviving Jedi.
David Shaughnessy as Commandant Cumberlayne Aresko and Taskmaster Myles Grint (season 1), Imperial officers stationed on the planet Lothal.
Yogar Lyste (season 1–3), an Imperial lieutenant stationed on Lothal.
Morad Sumar (season 1, 3), a farmer on Lothal, and an old friend of Ezra Bridger's parents.
Keith Szarabajka asCikatro Vizago (season 1–2, 4), a Devaronian crime lord who theGhost crew occasionally runs errands and smuggles goods for in exchange for credits and information.
Maketh Tua (season 1–2), a Lothal native and a minister for the Galactic Empire, and a graduate of the Imperial Academy.
Mira Bridger (season 1–2, 4), Ezra's mother, who was taken captive by the Empire
Phil LaMarr asBail Organa (season 1, 3–4), the Senator of planet Alderaan, owner of the droids C-3PO and R2-D2, secretly one of the leaders organizing the Rebel Alliance, and adoptive father of Leia Organa.
Brent Spiner as Gall Trayvis (season 1), an Imperial Senator posing as a dissident in an attempt to lure rebel forces out of hiding.
Dante Basco asJai Kell (season 1, 4), a Lothalian aiding Ezra and theGhost crew during the Imperial occupation of Lothal as part of Ryder Azadi's rebel cell
Kassius Konstantine (season 1–3), a dismissive Imperial Navy admiral in charge of the Imperial blockade on Lothal and later assisting in the Empire's rebellion pursuit.
Ephraim Bridger (season 1–2, 4), Ezra's father, who was taken captive by the Empire
Old Jho (season 1–3), an Ithorian who operated a cantina known as Old Jho's Pit Stop on Lothal
Grand Moff Tarkin (season 1, 3–4), a ruthless Imperial officer who oversees many of the Empire's activities.
AP-5 (season 2–3), an inventory droid that sides with the Rebels and assists them in finding a suitable base after developing an unlikely friendship with Chopper.
Keone Young as CommanderJun Sato (seasons 2–3), the leader of the Phoenix Squadron rebel cell.
Ian McDiarmid asDarth Sidious, (season 2[a], 4) the tyrannical ruler of the galaxy and the Sith Lord known to the galaxy as Emperor Palpatine as well as the master of Darth Vader.
Jim Cummings asHondo Ohnaka (season 2–4), aWeequay who led a group of space pirates that operated on the Outer Rim during the Clone Wars.
Gina Torres asKetsu Onyo (season 2, 4), a Mandalorian bounty hunter working for the Black Sun, is an old friend of Sabine Wren.
Clancy Brown asRyder Azadi (season 2–4), the former Governor of Lothal and a family friend to Ephraim and Mira Bridger.
Kevin McKidd asFenn Rau (season 2–4), the Protector of Concord Dawn, part of the elite Protectors organization who guard the royal family of Mandalore.
Sam Witwer asMaul (season 2–3), a rogue Sith Lord and former apprentice to Darth Sidious who seeks to hunt down his nemesis Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Mary Elizabeth McGlynn asArihnda Pryce (season 3–4), a high-ranking officer of the Galactic Empire and Governor of theLothal sector. She is mentioned in prior seasons but does not physically appear until S3.
Tom Baker asThe Bendu (season 3), a Force-sensitive alien who resided on the remote planet ofAtollon and represented the "center" of the Force, between the light side and the dark side.
Mario Vernazza as Vult Skerris (season 3–4), a pilot who served as an Imperial captain, he flew a TIE/IN interceptor with red markings, and wore a TIE pilot flight suit with yellow stripes on the helmet and arms.
Zachary Gordon asMart Mattin (season 3–4), a nephew of Commander Jun Sato and the leader of Iron Squadron.
Michael Bell asJan Dodonna (season 3–4), a general and leader of the Rebel base on Yavin IV.
Warwick Davis asRukh (season 4), a Noghri assassin who, while technically not being a part of the Empire's forces, serves as an agent and tracker to Admiral Thrawn.
James Hong asAzmorigan, a Jablogian crime lord whom theGhost crew encounter while working with other smugglers.
Derek Partridge as Brom Titus, an imperial officer male who served as an admiral and later as a commander in the Galactic Empire's navy.
Julie Dolan asPrincess Leia Organa, the princess of the planet Alderaan, Bail Organa's adopted daughter, and rebel.
Robin Atkin Downes asCham Syndulla, Hera's father who in the aftermath of the Clone Wars, opposes the newly established Galactic Empire's occupation of his world.
André Sogliuzzo as Slavin, an Imperial officer who served as a captain during the Imperial occupation of Ryloth.
Gregg Berger asGeneral Kalani, a super tactical droid who leads a still-active, but depleted, army of Separatist Battle Droids and Droidekas on Agamar.
Ray Stevenson asGar Saxon, the Imperial Viceroy of Mandalore, having been appointed as a figurehead leader by the Empire, and the leader of the Imperial Super Commandos.
Meredith Anne Bull as Gooti Terez, a Theelin who served as member of Iron Squadron.
Eric Lopez as Jonner Jin, a human who served as member of Iron Squadron.
Tom Kane asWullf Yularen, an admiral during the Clone Wars, becoming a colonel in the Imperial Security Bureau.
Josh Brener asErskin Semaj, a commander who served as an aide to Senator Mon Mothma in the rebellion and later served in the Alliance to Restore the Republic.
Yuri Lowenthal asJon "Dutch" Vander, an ace pilot, served as the leader of Gold Squadron, a squadron made up of BTL Y-wing light bombers, with the rank of captain.
Josh Gad as LT-319, a controller and officer that served in the Galactic Empire's Information Office.
Katee Sackhoff asBo-Katan Kryze, a regent of Mandalore, former member of the Mandalorian group known as Death Watch during the Clone Wars, opposing the ideals of her sister Duchess Satine under Pre Vizsla until he was usurped by Darth Maul and forming the Nite Owls to oppose him.
At the 2013New York Comic Con, it was revealed that the series would take place 14 years afterRevenge of the Sith and 5 years beforeA New Hope.[18] An image of the Inquisitor, the main villain of the series, was shown at the convention.[19][18]
In its April 2014 announcement of theStar Wars Legends decision, Lucasfilm explained thatStar Wars Rebels would be part of the newStar Wars canon and would incorporate elements introduced inLegends, such as the Inquisitor, theImperial Security Bureau and Sienar Fleet Systems.[20]
The first two episodes, titledSpark of Rebellion, premiered on October 3, 2014, onDisney Channels worldwide and onFamily Channel in Canada.[21] In Australia, the series premiered on October 17 onDisney XD.[22]The Siege of Lothal premiered on June 28, 2015,[23] and the second season debuted on October 18.[24] In Canada, the series premiered on October 19 on theDHX-owned Disney XD.[25] However, due to DHX Media losing the rights to Disney content, the show was later moved toDisney Channel.[26] The second season premiered on November 7, and it was moved to theCorus-owned Disney XD channel on December 1.[27][28]
In the Middle East and Africa,Spark of Rebellion premiered on October 11 and the series debuted on October 18 on Disney XD.[29]Siege of Lothal premiered on October 10, followed the official season premiere on October 17.[30] In Southeast Asia,Spark of Rebellion premiered on Disney XD on October 4 and the series officially started on November 29.[31][32]Siege of Lothal premiered on October 3 onDisney XD andDisney Channel, and the second season was released on October 24.[33][34][35][36] In the United Kingdom and Ireland, the series debuted on October 16 onDisney XD.[37]Siege of Lothal premiered on July 18, 2015,[38] followed by the second-season debut on October 17.[39]
Star Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellion was released byWalt Disney Studios Home Entertainment on DVD in the US at all retailers on October 14, 2014. DVD bonus features include character shorts, a 3D model kit of theGhost ship, and a preview of season 1.[55]
The Complete Season One ofStar Wars Rebels was released by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment on DVD and Blu-ray on September 1, 2015, in America,[56] and in Germany on September 10, 2015. The Season 1 collection contains the expanded version ofSpark of Rebellion with theDarth Vader/Grand Inquisitor prologue shown on ABC-TV. The Complete Season Two ofStar Wars Rebels was released by Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment on DVD and Blu-ray on August 30, 2016, in North America. The Complete Season Three ofStar Wars Rebels was released on DVD and Blu-Ray on August 29, 2017.[57] The Complete Season Four is announced to be released on DVD and Blu-ray on November 15, 2018, in Germany,[58] and July 31, 2018, in the United States.[59]
The series is also available on theDisney+ streaming service, which launched on November 12, 2019.[60]
In the United States, the one-hour special garnered 2.74 million viewers onDisney Channel[61] and 2.40 million viewers onABC (excluding Boston, whose local stationWCVB preempted it for a Steve Harvey special).[62] Worldwide, it delivered a total of 6.5 million viewers.[63] On Disney Channel, the first and second episodes delivered 2.33 million and 1.92 million viewers, respectively.[64] The third and fourth episodes garnered 2.32 million and 1.84 million, respectively.[65] The fifth, sixth and seventh episodes were watched by 1.43 million, 1.30 million and 1.60 million viewers, respectively.[66] The eighth and ninth episodes got 1.92 and 1.44 million viewers, respectively.[67]
In Canada, the second episode was watched by 274,500 viewers, making it the most-watched broadcast ever on the network.[68] In the United Kingdom, the film was the highest-rated broadcast that week, with 81,000 viewers.[69]
On the review aggregation websiteRotten Tomatoes, the first season has received a 92% positive score, based on 13 reviews with an average rating of 8.20/10, the website's critics consensus reads, "Rebels adds new dimension to an unexplored sector of theStar Wars timeline, inserting a ragtag group of lovable characters into a galactic adventure that all ages can enjoy." Seasons 2 and 3 have received a 100% score based on 6 reviews for season 2 and 6 reviews for season 3, with an average rating of 7.40/10 for season 2 and 9/10 for season 3. Season 4 has received a 100% score based on 10 reviews with an average rating of 9.20/10, the website's critics consensus reads, "The Force is with these Rebels in a thrilling conclusion that plays to its characters' strengths while serving up plenty of galactic spectacle."[73][74][75][76] OnMetacritic, the first season has a weighted average score of 78 out of 100 based on 4 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[77]
IGN andVariety in particular had strong praise for the pilot film,Spark of Rebellion, with their only criticism being the appearance of theWookiees in the film, being cited as not all that impressive compared to the rest of the animation.[78]SyFy Wire calls the series "Pure fun", further stating that it "captures the awe and joy ofA New Hope" and is "thematically ambitious" with a "dramatic edge".[79] Emily Ashby ofCommon Sense Media called the series "exciting" withcartoon violence and "positive messages." Ashby also argued that the series has a "broad appeal for kids and adults" particularly those interested in Star Wars.[80] Graeme Virtue ofThe Guardian wrote that the series was inspired by thetelevisionSpace WesternFirefly.[81]
Chopper and theGhost appear in the 2016 filmRogue One: A Star Wars Story,[82] and Hera's surname is called on a loudspeaker at the Rebel base on Yavin IV, where Chopper can briefly be seen. In addition, theGhost takes part in the climactic battle over Scarif.[83]
TheGhost also appears in the 2019 filmStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker during the final battle over Exegol.[84] The voice of Freddie Prinze Jr. as Kanan Jarrus can also be heard in the film as one of the voices of Jedi past who provideRey with encouragement to defeat EmperorPalpatine.
Erskin Semaj made his live-action debut in the seriesAndor, portrayed by Pierro Niel-Mee. TheAndor episode "Welcome to the Rebellion" directly precedes and alludes to the events of theRebels episode "Secret Cargo."[95][96]
Ray Stevenson andSharmila Devar reprise their roles as Gar Saxon and Ursa Wren, respectively in the seventh season ofStar Wars: The Clone Wars.Freddie Prinze Jr. andVanessa Marshall reprise their roles as younger versions of Kanan Jarrus (then still going by his original name, Caleb Dume) and Hera Syndulla in three episodes ofStar Wars: The Bad Batch, with the former also making brief non-speaking cameo appearances in the seventh season ofThe Clone Wars and the seriesTales of the Jedi. The Grand Inquisitor also appeared in the fourth episode of its sequel,Tales of the Empire, with Jason Isaacs reprising his role as the character.
On September 2, 2014,Del Rey Books publishedStar Wars: A New Dawn, a prequel novel byJohn Jackson Miller telling the story of how Kanan and Hera met[78][97] (set about six years before the series).[98] One of the firstcanonStar Wars novels to be released byDisney Publishing Worldwide and Del Rey Books,[99][97] It includes a foreword by Dave Filoni.
In 2017, a new novel, entitledThrawn, was released. The book marked the entrance ofGrand Admiral Thrawn into the current canon. It was written by the character's original creator,Timothy Zahn.[100]A sequel toThrawn, titledThrawn: Alliances, was released on July 24, 2018. It explored Thrawn's partnerships with Darth Vader and Anakin Skywalker.[101][102] Another Thrawn novel,Thrawn: Treason was released on July 23, 2019. It takes place during the events ofStar Wars Rebels' fourth season.[103]
Hera Syndulla would go on to appear in Alexander Freed'sStar Wars: Alphabet Squadron novel trilogy, as a general of the recently christened New Republic's eponymous starfighter squadron in the final days of the Galactic Civil War, hunting down the weakened Imperial forces after the battle of Endor and the death of Emperor Palpatine.[citation needed]
From April 1, 2015, through March 16, 2016,Marvel Comics published a 12-issue comic series, titledKanan, and set during the events of the first season. Written by former executive producer of the seriesGreg Weisman and illustrated by Pepe Larraz, Jacopo Camagni and Andrea Broccardo, the story is centered on Kanan having flashbacks to his days as a Padawan in theJedi Temple and theClone Wars. The other members of theGhost crew also appear.[104]
In the summer of 2017, Marvel announced that a comic book miniseries adaptation of Zahn'sThrawn novel was being planned, scheduled to be released in early 2018.[105] The first issue was released on February 14, 2018, with new issues being released over the following five months.
A few days after the series finale was aired,IDW Publishing released the seventh issue of the long-runningStar Wars Adventures multi-era comic book series, which contained the first of a two-part comic arc, set between the second and third season, in which the Spectres embark on a mission to save a rare endangered bird from Imperial custody.[106] The second part appeared in the next issue, which was released on March 28, 2018.[107]
Vanessa Marshall reprises her role as Hera Syndulla for the 2020 video gameStar Wars: Squadrons, providing voice work andmotion capture for the character.[108]
Characters in Star Wars Rebels have taken influence from Biblical, Hebrew, and Greco-Roman mythological names. Star Wars writers have often used biblical names for Jedi while giving galactic Imperial characters Roman names. In 2015 an interview was conducted with Dave Filoni and Simon Kinberg where Kinsberg stated that they wanted to connect to the original films by using the biblical naming scheme seen in the films.[109] Both Caleb and Ezra are historically Hebrew names, with Ezra translating to "helper".[109] Characters with Roman names include Clone Captain Rex which translates to "King" in Latin (although that character was created forThe Clone Wars) along with Sabine Wren, Admiral Brom Titus and Admiral Kassius Konstantine.[110]
^"Disney XD".disneychannel.ca Buzz Blog. Corus Entertainment. November 1, 2015. Archived fromthe original on November 17, 2015. RetrievedNovember 4, 2015.
^"Weekly Top 10".Broadcasters' Audience Research Board.Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. RetrievedFebruary 17, 2015. Note: The ratings must be searched for.
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