The end is nigh for Star Wars Rebels. After building up an ardent fanbase over the last few years, the popular animated series is drawing to close with its upcoming fourth season. But where one thing ends, another begins. And, in the case of Rebels, that means its conclusion will directly segue into the events of A New Hope.
The show has so far brilliantly filled the gap between the prequel and original trilogies and the final season looks set to put the last few pieces into place in the lead-up to the formation of the Rebel Alliance. That’s what’s heavily hinted at in this latest trailer for the new run, anyways, which puts the emphasis firmly on the Rebels part of the title.
The preview initially teases dark times ahead for the crew of the Ghost, as an ominous voiceover from their nemesis Grand Admiral Thrawn (Sherlock‘s Lars Mikkelsen) taunts them for their failures. However, Star Wars is all about facing darkness with the light and one of our heroes is soon on hand with an inspirational speech. “This is how a rebellion starts,” says Ezra Bridger (Taylor Gray). “Small, with a few people standing together.”
And start it will, Ezra. Season 4 will see various members of the fledgling rebellion come together, with both Forest Whitaker and Genevieve O’Reilly reprising their roles from the movies for more appearances as Saw Gerrera and Mon Mothma, respectively. The Empire will also be making their move, however, with the previous trailer featuring Grand Moff Tarkin discussing his “Operation: Stardust” – a codename for the Death Star.
Recently shared synopses for the opening episodes reveal that the first two installments will form a thrilling two-parter called “Heroes of Mandalore,” in which Sabine’s past mistakes will be used against her. Namely, the “devastating weapon” that she once created.
Be sure to catch Star Wars Rebels when it lands on Disney XD on Monday, October 16th.