Now that the Season 3 premiere of Star Wars Rebels has aired, a new report shows that Executive Producer of the show will be stepping down from his duties as Supervising Director…
According to website Star Wars Underworld (via Big Shiny Robot), Filoni will be replaced as Supervising Director by the former episodic director on The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, Justin Ridge.
Here’s Lucasfilm’s official statement on the move:
"“Dave is still just as involved as ever – overseeing all aspects of Star Wars Rebels production as Executive Producer and occasionally directing episodes. In many ways, mentoring Justin and moving him into the role as Supervising Director has made it possible for Dave to be even more immersed in the writing and story structure of the show as well as creatively overseeing future animation development. Justin started with Lucasfilm Animation on the first season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and worked with Dave before that on Avatar: The Last Airbender, so they’ve been working together for quite some time.”"
The move comes as a bit of a surprise, as Filoni is the one who has been in front of the cameras talking about Star Wars Rebels Season 3, but as the official statement says, he will sill be heavily involved with the show.
What I find interesting about this move, and according to the official statement from Lucasfilm, this will free Filoni up to work on further Star Wars animation projects. Perhaps a show to run back to back with Star Wars Rebels, or even a new show after Rebels ends.
Image Credit: Lucasfilm
As Star Wars Underworld points out, Filoni’s position move with Rebels could have something to do with could his visit to the set of Star Wars: Episode VIII, which was revealed by Episode VIII Director Rian Johnson at the Star Wars Celebration Europe.
Next: Star Wars Rebels Recap: Season 3 Premiere “Steps Into Shadow” Parts 1 & 2
Regardless, it does seem as if Disney/Lucasfilm is moving forward with an all-new Star Wars animated series, and it would appear as if Dave Filoni will helm that project. Color us very excited!