Season 2

2015-06-20

In the latest installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com explores the new television-movie ushering in the second season of Star Wars Rebels, "The Siege of Lothal." At Lucasfilm headquarters, Andi Gutierrez, social media correspondent at StarWars.com, spoke with the cast about the obstacles faced by the Ghost crew in Season Two and what dynamic characters like Ahsoka Tano and Darth Vader bring to the story. "What makes Ahsoka so dangerous is if she were to figure out who Darth Vader is, it’s a big threat to him,” said executive producer Dave Filoni. Henry Gilroy, co-executive producer, revealed it was stressful to write Vader as the same terrifying villain that George Lucas had presented in “A New Hope.” After another exciting segment with the Chopper cam, StarWars.com managed to corner Pablo Hidalgo of the Lucasfilm Story Group with questions from fans on social media. We learn that Kanan was born only a few days before Luke and Leia, and that the armor worn by the Stormtroopers in Rebels isn’t much different than what is seen in the original films. This fun piece of trivia is then followed by an explosive clip of the upcoming episode, “The Lost Commanders!"

2015-10-14

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com talks with Star Wars Rebels executive producer Dave Filoni and the show's cast about the return of the clones and what's to come in Season Two. Also catch an exclusive preview of "Relics of the Old Republic."

2015-10-21

This week’s epic Rebels Recon is divided into five story arcs. The collaborators of Star Wars Rebels come together at a Lucasfilm screening of the show's latest episodes, “Lost Commanders” and "Relics of the Old Republic,” and talk about AT-ATs. Andi Gutierrez speaks with the cast and crew about on-screen chemistry and more about AT-ATs. Chopper squirms and backtracks after getting a busy-looking assignment. Pablo Hidalgo answers an observant fan's question concerning Kanan and clone chips. We get a preview of next week’s episode, “Always Two There Are,” which might be the scariest one yet.

2015-10-28

This week’s Rebels Recon kicks off at New York Comic Con, where Sarah Michelle Gellar talks about her role in Star Wars Rebels and the importance of female characters in the saga. Things end with a hug. Back at Lucasfilm headquarters, Dave Filoni speaks to Andi Gutierrez about the hierarchy of Inquisitors and drops a bomb: the original Inquisitor was a character from The Clone Wars. The Chopper cam features an exciting Halloween costume contest between Chopper and a svelte Jabba the Hutt. One of them scores a 10. Pablo Hidalgo answers a fan’s question about TIE fighters. It turns out the cockpit is roomy enough for more than one passenger, both on the show and in the films. In a preview of the upcoming episode "Brothers of the Broken Horn,” Ezra finds himself torn between combat training with Captain Rex and Jedi training with Kanan. Which does he want to be, a soldier or a Jedi?

2015-11-04

In this week's episode of Rebels Recon, we talk to cast and crew about the return of fan favorite Hondo Ohnaka and what may have happened to the pirate following The Clone Wars. Plus get a sneak peek of next week's episode, "Wings of the Master."

2015-11-11

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com looks at the landmark “Wings of the Master” episode — featuring the origin of the B-wing and major developments for Hera. Regarding revelations about Hera’s past, the Story Group’s Pablo Hidalgo says, “It was important for us to establish that she has this love of flight.” And executive producer Dave Filoni asserts that her desire to fly reflects a need to get off the ground and the danger she grew up in. The B-wing’s coolest feature is the gyroscopic cockpit, says Hidalgo — the pilot always stays upright. Plus, the starfighter wasn’t really seen in the original trilogy. This was a chance to really see what it could do. What does Hera’s promotion to Phoenix Leader mean? “I think it means a great deal,” says voice actress Vanessa Marshall. “I have more tools at my disposal to get stuff done.” Finally, host Andi Gutierrez tracks down Pablo Hidalgo to ask a fan question, “What happened to Wolffe and Gregor?” The answer: They stayed on Seelos, retired.

2015-11-18

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com investigates “Blood Sisters,” talking to cast and crew about Sabine’s run-in with an old friend — and has an exclusive clip of the next episode of Star Wars Rebels, “Stealth Strike." StarWars.com’s Andi Gutierrez talks with co-executive producer Henry Gilroy about Sabine’s past with Ketsu as Imperial cadets who then deserted. “As time went on, they were kind of stuck with each other, formed this bond,” he says. “ But Sabine gradually began to realize that Ketsu might not have been the best person for her.” Executive producer Dave Filoni explains that Sabine didn’t just go from the Academy to the rebellion — she was a bounty hunter in between. Ketsu, whose look is very Star Wars, was an abandoned design from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. And all the designs on her armor have meaning… “Blood Sisters” also features the first Gonk droid in a starring role: EG-86. The Story Group’s Pablo Hidalgo notes that in early drafts, EG was not a Gonk droid. “It was a very long and evolving process,” he says. Finally, Twitter user @eleventhirtyate asks, “What’s under Hera’s ear thingies?” Only Pablo Hidalgo can answer…

2015-11-25

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com takes a deep dive in the Star Wars Rebels episode “Stealth Strike,” with creator interviews and more. In “Stealth Strike,” Kanan and Rex are forced to work together. “I think they become a little bit more appreciative of their individual strengths,” the Story Group’s Pablo Hidalgo says. Executive producer Dave Filoni adds that Kanan finally lets go of his anger at Rex, realizing he’s a good person. The Interdictor, which has a gravity well that can block hyperspace, makes its debut in “Stealth Strike.” The ship was originally introduced in the old West End Games Star Wars roleplaying game. “We like to talk about how the Empire continues to build its arsenal,” says Henry Gilroy, co-executive producer. Ezra also has big moments in the episode — taking down stormtroopers and Imperials all by himself. “Ezra’s on that path of using aggression and being powerful…he is getting more confident and strong,” Filoni says. Finally, Andi Gutierrez catches up with Hidalgo to relay a fan question: “Sabine was 16 at the start of Rebels, but one enters the Academy at 15. When was she a bounty hunter, then?” Only Hidalgo can answer…

2015-12-02

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com goes behind the scenes of the Star Wars Rebels episode “The Future of the Force,” with creator interviews and much more. StarWars.com’s Andi Gutierrez first sits down with executive producer Dave Filoni. In “The Future of the Force,” the Inquisitors abduct Force-sensitive children. What happens to them? “Nothing I can show on Disney XD,” Filoni says. The story hearkens back to the Clone Wars episode “Children of the Force,” where Palpatine also kidnapped Jedi-to-be. Co-executive producer Henry Gilroy points out that Ezra is finally experiencing the true evil of the Sith. This episode also sees Ahsoka unleash her power. “I could have had that fight be all 22 minutes,” Filoni says. Her style is not flashy, but it’s powerful, and the Inquisitors were no match for her. Finally, @Nolan2711 asks “How is time measured in the galaxy?” Only Pablo Hidalgo can answer…

2015-12-09

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com goes behind the scenes of the Star Wars Rebels episode “Legacy” with creator interviews and more. Pablo Hidalgo of the Story Group says they didn’t want Ezra’s parents to be "this thread that would constantly pull Ezra through his story. Because Ezra’s story is different.” Co-executive producer Henry Gilroy explains that they didn’t want to tell a similar story to that of Luke Skywalker. And even though Ezra’s parents met a tragic end, there is still a hopeful message. When it comes to Ezra’s parents, they weren’t rebels, but they did speak out against the Empire. “They were just people causing trouble that were making things politically challenging for the Empire,” executive producer Dave Filoni says. The episode also explores the importance of rebel bases. The rebels’ presence brought the Empire to Garel and Lothal; it shows why in the Star Wars films they would establish bases on remote worlds. Finally, Twitter user @believeinswr asks, “What does Kanan mean when Ezra has the talent to connect?” Only Pablo Hidalgo can answer…

2016-01-20

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com investigates the Star Wars Rebels episode “A Princess on Lothal,” featuring none other than Princess Leia Organa. StarWars.com’s Andi Gutierrez talks with the show’s creators about bringing Leia into animated form. “It was a huge challenge,” executive producer Dave Filoni says. Making her younger was "the single most difficult thing,” he adds, noting that she is not the hardened leader here that we see in A New Hope. She’s still a bit inexperienced and developing as a political leader. “She hasn’t seen the real consequences of action yet,” Filoni says. When it came to casting Leia, Filoni thought of the Princess’ voice in Star Tours. “Leia in Star Tours is just amazing. The voice is amazing,” he says. That voice belongs to Julie Dolan, who had to create a performance that would be in-character yet different from Carrie Fisher’s A New Hope performance. “I think she did a wonderful job,” Filoni says. Finally, @tannerman asks, “So has the “B” in "B-wing fighter" always stood for “blade” - or is this a new canon thing?” Only Pablo Hidalgo has the answer…

2016-01-27

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com goes inside “The Protector of Concord Dawn” with creator interviews and more. Sabine is the focus in “The Protector of Concord Dawn,” facing her past and showing emotional growth. “We wanted to get more into the story of who she is and where she comes from,” executive producer Dave Filoni says. “This episode starts us down that path.” Filoni adds that you learn a bit about her mother — and reveals that she was probably in the throne room when Pre Vizsla was killed in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. “The Protector of Concord Dawn” also has mention of Houses and Clans in Mandalorian culture — Filoni explains that this is all part of the societal structure of Mandalore. Tiya Sircar, voice of Sabine, also discusses the research she did for this episode, and learning more about Mandalore. But what has happened with the Mandalorians since the Clone Wars? “After the end of the Clone Wars, Mandalore was very likely occupied by the Republic, and that became the Empire,” says Henry Gilroy, co-executive producer. “The Empire probably has a soft occupation.” Pablo Hidalgo says more is to come that will further explore the current state of the Mandalorians. Finally, Lucasfilm’s Andi Gutierrez tracks down Hidalgo at Skywalker Ranch to answer a fan question: “Were Leia’s ships from the newest episode Hammerhead cruisers from Knights of the Old Republic? If so, nice callback.” Only Hidalgo knows the answer…

2016-02-03

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com takes a deep dive into the Star Wars Rebels episode “Legends of the Lasat,” with creator interviews and more. In “Legends of the Lasat,” we learn that Zeb was a captain in the Lasan Honor Guard. “People have recognized that Zeb seems to be the most militaristic of the bunch,” says the Story Group’s Pablo Hidalgo. “So now we get to see where that comes from. Zeb meets fellow survivors, Gron and Chava — a significant development for the Ghost crew’s bruiser. “He has, finally, some balance in his life, when he realizes he’s not the only one,” executive producer Dave Filoni says. “He doesn’t have to carry that burden.” The episode also offers insight into Lasat culture — including a connection to the Force. “Spirituality and what you can label as the Force, is not something the Jedi have exclusive access to,” Hidalgo says. Finally, Andi Gutierrez contacts Pablo — on vacation — with a fan question: Is Sabine’s father Obi-Wan Kenobi? And is Rey Sabine’s daughter with Ezra? The answer should be interesting!

2016-02-10

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com goes inside the Star Wars Rebels episode “The Call” with creator interviews and more. “This episode was really about showing how Ezra is continuing to broaden his abilities with the Force and how he can commune with other living creatures,” says co-executive produce Henry Gilroy. In addition, it pulls back the curtain on some Star Wars lore: the origin of the hyperdrive. “I began to think that what if the first hyperspace travel wasn’t technological,” executive producer Dave Filoni says, “but that it was nature and that there were creatures that people could witness, that could jump to hyperspace.” Those creatures are the whale-like purrgil, which Ezra connects with through the Force throughout “The Call.” This episode also explores the Mining Guild, first mentioned in The Empire Strikes Back. Finally, Lucasfilm’s Andi Gutierrez tracks down Pablo Hidalgo of the Story Group for two questions: one regarding time dilation, and the other on the difference between wild space and the Unknown Regions…

2016-02-17

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com goes inside the Star Wars Rebels episode “Homecoming” with creator interviews and more. The creators dive into Cham Syndulla's current state and his strained relationship with Hera. “The sad thing about Cham to me is that he’s been fighting his whole life,” says executive producer Dave Filoni. Lucasfilm Story Group’s Pablo Hidalgo adds, “He’s definitely become more of a zealot.” In regards to the Syndullas relationship, Hidalgo mentions that the different viewpoints between the two could have stemmed from Hera's time as a pilot. "She's quite literally able to get the bird's eye view of situations and then that can inform her point of view." Freddie Prinze Jr. sheds some light on Kanan’s uneasy introduction to Cham explaining it’s not just admiration for an honored general. “It’s more that direct connection to his lineage of Jedi.” And what has Numa been up to? “She’s naturally taken up arms to protect her people,” Filoni explains. Finally, Lucasfilm’s Andi Gutierrez catches up with java junkie Pablo Hidalgo for a question regarding Kanan and Ezra’s ability to survive in space with only a helmet.

2016-02-24

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com goes inside the episode “The Honorable Ones,” with creator interviews and more. In “The Honorable Ones,” Zeb and Kallus find themselves stranded on an icy Geonosis moon. Bitter enemies, they must work together in order to survive. “There’s both warriors,” says Steve Blum, the voice of Zeb. “They understand that they have to do what’s necessary to survive, and in that process, there’s a bonding between them.” Lucasfilm’s Pablo Hidalgo explains that Kallus builds on what fandom has appreciated about the Empire — that the organization is filled with people who thought they were doing the right thing. Executive producer Dave Filoni says putting them together was unexpectedly rewarding. “You start to root for them as a team together,” he says. In the end, both characters learn from each other. In addition, the episode revisits Geonosis -- the incubation place of the Death Star. It’s touched upon briefly…and the mystery of Geonosis will be revisited later in the series. Finally, a fans asks, “If Hera is Cham Syndulla’s daughter, then who was the little orange Twi’lek girl we saw with him in the Clone Wars?” And why did Hera’s accent change when talking with her father? Only Pablo Hidalgo knows the answers…

2016-03-02

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com goes inside the episode “Shroud of Darkness,” with creator interviews and more. In “Shroud of Darkness,” Ahsoka, Kanan and Ezra travel to the Lothal Jedi Temple and each have a unique experience. One of the most shocking twists of the episode features the Grand Inquisitor's return as a Jedi Temple Guard. Was it true, or only the Jedi's imagination? Lucasfilm Story Group's Pablo Hidalgo confirms that the Inquisitors do have Jedi roots. Executive producer Henry Gilroy adds, "The vision of the Grand Inquisitor is entirely motivated by Yoda who's basically letting Kanan know he's a Jedi Knight." Executive Producer Dave Filoni touches on what it was like to see Matt Lanter reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker alongside Ashley Eckstein's Ahsoka Tano. “I’d been searching for a way to get Matt on the show. He can do many voices, he’s very talented, but I wanted him to come back as Anakin.” Andi asks how much the duo was informed about their characters' interactions since they last saw each other in The Clone Wars. "Not really much at all," Lanter explains. "I've tried to give as many clues as I can as to what did happen after she left the Jedi Order. But for now I have to treat the characters with the experience I know they have," Filoni clarifies. Finally, a fans asks, Where are the Geonosians in Star Wars Rebels if they were seen in Marvel's Vader #4? Pablo Hidalgo has the scoop.

2016-03-16

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com goes inside the episode “The Forgotten Droid,” with cast and creator interviews and more. In “The Forgotten Droid,” we learn there’s a bit more to Chopper than we’ve learned so far. "Chopper was a navigational astromech on a Y-wing and he actually crashed right outside Hera’s front door,” co-executive producer Henry Gilroy explains. Chopper meets a friend in Imperial inventory droid, AP-5, a fellow Clone Wars hero. Though a new droid design to Rebels, art director Kilian Plunkett explains the design’s origins. “AP-5, his model, was in Episode IV. He’s a Death Star droid. But i think he needed to feel a little more unique and special.” Regarding the droids’ Clone Wars tie, “We needed something that these droids would have in common,” executive producer Dave Filoni points out. "So it was a nice way to really relate the two characters other than they’re droids.” Will having an episode all about Chopper go to his head? The cast weighs in. “I would hope it would,” Taylor Gray laughs. "He's got a big enough one." “I don’t think Chopper can get more egotistical than he is. It can only help,” adds Freddie Prinze Jr. “He doesn’t treat any of us with any respect… ever." Andi closes out the deep dive by getting to the bottom of who really voices Chopper... Lastly, this week a fan tweets, “With Yoda telling Ezra to go to Malachor, does this mean the events of KOTOR and KOTOR2 are now canon?” Of course Pablo Hidalgo has the answer.

2016-03-23

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com goes inside the episode “The Mystery of Chopper Base,” with creator interviews and more. This week the rebels got acquainted with their new base. Where is Atollon located exactly? “It’s off a major route,” executive producer Dave Filoni explains. “There’s no real resources there anyone would want.” “This base wasn’t on any Imperial star chart,” co-executive producer Henry Gilroy adds. "It’s sort of a mystery as to what is special about this system.” Most of the creeping creatures of Atollon were made to camouflage into their environment, but not all were specifically created for Star Wars Rebels. The Atollon spiders, or krykna, came from a concept by Ralph McQuarrie. Art director Kilian Plunkett explains, “The McQuarrie design has eight legs because it’s a spider, the one on the show has six because, honestly, it’s just easier to deal with in animation when there are less limbs.” Why can’t Ezra connect to these six-legged beasts? “Not all creatures can be manipulated by the Force,” Gilroy points out. But the roadblock is still incredibly frustrating for the young Padawan. Ezra and Kanan are off to take on the Inquisitors. Can we get any hints as to what will happen? Lucasfilm Story Group’s Pablo Hidalgo sheds a bit of light. Finally, our fan question this week involves the Inquisitor’s lightsaber. Where are the crystals? Pablo’s got your answer!

2016-03-30

In this installment of Rebels Recon, StarWars.com goes inside the season two finale “Twilight of the Apprentice,” with creator interviews and more. Maul’s story left off with the comic Son of Dathomir. What has he been up to since then? “Following the Clone War, Maul has had it tough,” co-executive producer Henry Gilroy explains. “Really he had to go into hiding if he wanted to survive.” There was much debate about whether Maul should return at all in Star Wars Rebels. Executive producer Dave Filoni points out, “So many people invested time into Clone Wars, in that story and that character and it was unresolved.” How has Maul changed? Andi asks Sam Witwer, voice of the Sith himself. “He has a level of sincerity now, that he maybe didn’t have before.” “Maul is obsessed with legacy. He’s come to the realization that he’s the last of his particular kind,” Pablo Hidalgo adds. “We had an earlier version of the script where Ahsoka asked Maul who Vader is, and his response is simply, 'Who I should have been,’” Henry Gilroy explains. We also get more details on Kanan's unfortunate fate from show creators and voice of Kanan Jarrus, Freddie Prinze Jr. In this week’s fan question segment, Andi asks our resident coffee connoisseur Pablo Hidalgo about the difference between a Jedi that’s fallen to the dark side and a Sith. We also find out the species of our newest Inquisitor. Finally, we ask the cast and crew about their favorite moments from season two and what they’re looking forward to next season.