This Monday brought with it the first in a new series of Star Wars online animated shorts. Titled Star Wars: Forces of Destiny, the 16 part microseries will showcase the kickass women of the galaxy far, far away. With the first two episodes having focused on Rey, episode three hops backwards in the timeline to feature an adventure with Princess Leia.
Titled “Ewok Escape,” the two and a half minute short sees Leia and Wicket the Ewok encounter a pair of Stormtroopers. As well as Leia showing off her courage and quick-thinking, the Ewoks also prove once again that the might of the Empire is no match for their plucky charms.
Just as Rey’s adventures in the two previous episodes sat neatly within the framework of The Force Awakens, so too does Leia’s story connect with the original trilogy. Specifically, it takes place during the events of Return of the Jedi, after Leia meets Wicket the Ewok once she’s separated from Luke in the forests of Endor. The short also explains where Leia got that brown dress from – it’s a gift made for her by the Ewoks.
Interestingly, there’s a running theme developing throughout the episodes so far of the female leads protecting and rescuing cute little critters. It’s a neat way of nailing the series’ two main goals – combining kickass feminism with kid-friendly animated escapades – though it might get old soon if this formula is used throughout the entire run.
Subsequent episodes will feature other Star Wars leading ladies like Jyn Erso, Padme Amidala, Ahsoka Tano and Sabine Wren. Most of these will be portrayed by their original actresses. Princess Leia, however, is voiced by Shelby Young, after the tragic passing of Carrie Fisher last year.
Stars Wars: Forces of Destiny will continue airing on YouTube as well as being broadcast on the Disney Channel starting July 9th.
