Alternate Star Wars

There's the newer J.J. Abrams version, and then there's this:

While most eyes have been on the casting of Star Wars: Episode VII, another franchise player set in the galaxy far, far away has been quietly operating under the radar.

Star Wars: Rebels is the CGI-animated series being made by Lucasfilm Animation that will air on Disney XD.

... David Oyelowo, Freddie Prinze Jr., Vanessa Marshall, Taylor Gray and Steven Jay Blum are in the process of being cast as the voice leads for the series, which will make its debut in fall 2014.

Little is known about the series other than it is set during the time period between the two trilogies, as the Empire expanded its reach and Luke Skywalker was growing up on Tatooine. ...

When asked for comment, Lucasfilm said: "We don't have any casting announcements at the time but are excited about the series and look forward to sharing news with you in the future."

Something tells me that Cartoon Network will not be airing anymore Star Wars animated series. (It's a feeling I have.)

And I think if this outing of the Never-ending Saga is successful, we can expect more Star Wars animated spin offs decorating living room flat screens for some time to come. Cash flow, brand building, synergy, sales of shiny merchandise, and hyping the big-screen features yet to be made is what it's all about, friends and neighbors. The Mouse's master plan on bold display.

But let's take an optimistic tack. More animation leads to more animation (and animation employment) ... so it's all good.