10 Interesting Behind The Scenes Facts About ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’
Image Source: StarWars.com
Star Wars: The Clone Wars has been a favorite among fans since it was released on Cartoon Network in 2008. Not only did the series introduce fans to the character Ahsoka Tano, but it also gave fans a chance to get to know the Jedi that are mere side and/or background characters in the prequel films. The series also dove deeper into the fall of Anakin Skywalker and the Jedi Order.
Think you know everything there is to know about Star Wars: The Clone Wars? Let’s find out as we dive into 10 interesting behind the scenes facts about the series!
10. The Film That Started it All
Image Source: Disney+
Before the series premiered on Cartoon Network, there was a theatrical release of Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie. The film was made up of four episodes from the series combined into a feature-length film. The film did not do great at the box office and was the only Star Wars film not to premiere at number one!
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9. Ahsoka’s Original Name
Image Source: Decider
While I can’t imagine Ahsoka Tano having any other name, George Lucas had a different idea for the character in the early development of the series. She was originally going to be named Ashla, which is the name for the light side of the force. As they further developed the series, Lucas changed her name to Ashoka in honor of the ancient Indian emperor of the same name. The spelling of her name was later changed by screenwriter Henry Gilroy.
8. Lucas’ Apprentice
Image Source: Deadline
The name Dave Filoni has become synonymous with the Star Wars universe, especially with the newer content. What many fans may not know is that Filoni started at LucasFilms as an apprentice to George Lucas. He started at the company in 2005 and quickly found himself working up the ladder to eventually direct Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
7. Jon Favreau's Star Wars Debut
Image Source: Wookieepedia
While many fans know Favreau for giving them The Mandalorian, he actually made his debut in the franchise during Season 2, Episode 12 as Pre Vizsla, the leader of the terrorist organization Death Watch. He would go on to voice Rio Durant, a pilot in Solo: A Star Wars Story, and Paz Vizsla in The Mandalorian.
6. A Familiar Voice
Image Source: StarWars.com
Anyone that has followed Mark Hamill’s career knows that he is a wildly talented voice actor that lent his voice to characters like The Joker, Skips on Regular Show, and countless background characters across different Star Wars projects. In Season 6, Episode 13, Yoda has a vision of Darth Bane, who is voiced by, you guessed it, Mark Hamill!
5. The First Star Wars: Clone Wars
Image Source: IGN
Star Wars: The Clone Wars was actually not the first Clone Wars animated show to air on Cartoon Network. Five years before the release of the series we know and love, there was another series titled Star Wars: Clone Wars that lasted for three seasons and 25 episodes. While the show focused on the events between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, it did not feature Ahsoka Tano. It was also done in 2D animation rather than CGI. You can actually watch this series on Disney+!
4. Guinness Book Of World Records
Image Source: Guinness World Records
During San Diego Comic-Con in 2010, Star Wars: The Clone Wars was officially entered into the Guinness Book of World Records. The show was averaging a viewership of four million during its launch and was given the record for “Highest Rated Animated Sci-Fi Television Series.” The award was received by Supervising Director Dave Filoni, CG Supervisor Joel Aron, and Lead Designer Kilian Plunkett.
3. Avoiding General Grievous
Image Source: IMDb
Many fans will remember the scene in Revenge of the Sith when Anakin and Obi-Wan finally meet face-to-face with General Grievous. After commenting on Anakin’s age, Grievous says, “You’re shorter than I expected.” While this exchange seemed unimportant at the time the film was released, it created a bit of a struggle for the writers of The Clone Wars. Since this line was officially part of the Star Wars canon, they had to make sure that Anakin and Grievous never met during the series. To their credit, the writers got very creative with the ways they kept the two apart for all seven seasons.
2. The History Of The 501st
Image Source: Twitter
When developing Anakin’s clone troopers, George Lucas decided to honor a group of Star Wars fans. Founded in 1997, The 501st Legion is an international group of Star Wars fans that have dedicated themselves to making film-accurate costumes that they then wear to different events. In 2005, George Lucas was inducted as an honorary member.
According to their charter website, the group’s mission is to “[celebrate] STAR WARS™ through the creation and use of quality costumes that portray the villainous, morally ambiguous, or non-partisan characters from the STAR WARS™ universe. The Legion promotes interest in STAR WARS and facilitates the use of these costumes for STAR WARS-related events as well as contributes to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work..."
1. Motion Capture Technology
Image Source: Nerdist
While the series is fully animated, the creators of the show had a surprise for fans during the final season of the series. In the final season, fans see Ahsoka Tano battling Darth Maul during the Siege of Mandalore in what is truly one of the most stunning duels in the entire Star Wars universe. To make sure the duel was as fantastic as possible, the creators chose to use stunt performers and motion capture technology to create the stunning battle.
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