'Star Wars 7' News [VIDEO]: Disney Channel Plans 'Star Wars Rebels' Special in 2014 Before Complete Animated Series on XD

Although we have to wait until 2015 to see Star Wars: Episode VII on the big screen, Lucasfilm has already announced some of its offshoot projects involved in the popular science fiction franchise universe. We will reportedly be treated to a number of other films focusing on specific stories and characters from the universe as well as video games and television shows in the same vein. In terms of television shows Disney has greenlighted the show "Star Wars Rebels," an animated series that will first heir as a one-hour special on the Disney Channel in 2104 before becoming a full-fledged series on Disney XD afterwards.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Star Wars Rebels" apparently takes place between Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. This time spans about two decades and "Rebels" will bridge the two stories. This new animated series is set "in a time where the Empire is securing its grip on the galaxy and hunting down the last of the Jedi Knights as a fledgling rebellion against the Empire is taking shape."

"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," said president and chief creative officer of Disney Channels Worldwide Gary Marsh.

"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."

"Star Wars Rebels" is most likely Lucsfilm and Disney's answer to why they cancelled the popular computer animated series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars." At the time, Lucasfilm announced that they would bring a new show to replace this one set "in a time period previously untouched in Star Wars films and television programming."