Disney/Lucasfilm has announced that Jungle Book director Jon Favreau has signed on to executive produce and write a live-action Star Wars series for Disney’s new streaming service set to debut in 2019.
“I couldn’t be more excited about Jon coming on board to produce and write for the new direct-to-consumer platform,” Kathleen Kennedy, Lucasfilm president said in a statement. “Jon brings the perfect mix of producing and writing talent, combined with a fluency in the Star Wars universe. This series will allow Jon the chance to work with a diverse group of writers and directors and give Lucasfilm the opportunity to build a robust talent base.”
Favreau is thrilled to be returning to the Star Wars galaxy: “If you told me at 11 years old that I would be getting to tell stories in the Star Wars universe, I wouldn’t have believed you. I can’t wait to embark upon this exciting adventure.”
Jon Favreau has had quite the career with Disney. He kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe directing Iron Man And Iron Man 2, as well executive produce the Avengers films, He directed Disney’s live-action remake of Jungle Book to financial and critical success (the film also earned an Academy Award for its achievement in VFX). Favreau is currently working on Disney remake of the Lion King set to hit theaters in July 2019.
Favreau is also no stranger to the Star Wars galaxy having played roles in both the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series and in the upcoming Solo: A Star Wars Story.
The untitled Star Wars live-action series does not yet have a release date.
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