Disney and Lucasfilm Celebrating Heroines with Star Wars Forces of Destiny

Disney and Lucasfilm are all set for a female-led Star Wars initiative titled Forces of Destiny. The project will be celebrating the iconic female characters in the popular franchise.

I’m all for Forces of Destiny. Regardless of what some fanboys might say, the female characters in Star Wars have played integral roles and it’s only fitting they are continued to be celebrated.

Star Wars Forces of Destiny includes 16 shorts (each being 2 to 3 minutes in length) which will focus on characters such as Princess Leia, Rey, Jyn Erso, Ahsoka Tano and others. Related books, apparel, toys, and a TV special are also part of the initiative.

“Star Wars Forces of Destiny is for anyone who has been inspired by Leia’s heroism, Rey’s courage, or Ahsoka’s tenacity,” said Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm. “We’re thrilled that so many of the original actors are reprising their roles in these shorts which capture the small moments and everyday decisions that shape who these characters are. It is a fun new way for people to experience Star Wars.”

Forces of Destiny will be developed by Lucasfilm Animation and yes, they will be canon. The shorts will debut in July on Disney’s YouTube channel. What’s even more exciting is that Daisy Ridley (Rey), Felicity Jones (Jyn), Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano), Tiya Sircar (Sabine), and Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata) will be voicing their respective characters. Maz will serve as the narrator.

A new line of ‘Adventure Figures’ by Hasbro will also be released. The line is described as a cross between “traditional action figures and dolls.” The figures will have numerous points of articulation.

“From Princess Leia to Sabine Wren, Star Wars heroines are unique, and we wanted to represent that in the product line for Star Wars Forces of Destiny,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media. “The result is the creation of our new ‘Adventure Figures’ that celebrate the power and stories of these incredible characters and allow kids to recreate their most heroic moments at home.”

The 11-inch figures include Rey, Jyn Erso, Sabine, Princess Leia, BB-8, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren and more. Fans will also be able to purchase Star Wars Forces of Destiny roleplay gear and accessories such as Rey’s extendable staff and a Jedi Power Lightsaber toy which are part of the “Bladebuilders” system.

Adds John Frascotti, President of Hasbro: “As the Star Wars fan base has broadened over the last 40 years, we have continued to add new and exciting play experiences to the Star Wars brand, to engage fans across generations. We’ve worked closely with Disney to bring the storytelling from Star Wars Forces of Destiny to life through this innovative toy line to help connect with new audiences as well as appeal to existing fans.”

If you’re attending the Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, you’ll be able to get a sneak peek of Star Wars Forces of Destiny during the “Heroines of Star Wars” panel on 14 April. You can also treat yourself to the first look at the Forces of Destiny Adventure figures at Hasbro booth #2744.

Are you excited for Star Wars Forces of Destiny? Attending Star Wars Celebration? Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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