Star Wars: Clone Wars is an American animated television series developed and directed by Genndy Tartakovsky and produced by Lucasfilm and Cartoon Network Studios for Cartoon Network. Set in the Star Wars universe, specifically between the Star Wars prequel trilogy films Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, it is amongst the first of many works to explore the Clone Wars. The show follows the actions of various prequel trilogy characters, notably Jedi and clone troopers, in their war against the droid armies of the Confederacy of Independent Systems and the Sith.

The series aired on Cartoon Network for three seasons totaling 25 episodes from November 7, 2003, to March 25, 2005, and was the first Star Wars television series since Ewoks (1985–1986). The first two seasons of Clone Wars, released on DVD as Volume One were produced in episodes ranging from two to three minutes, while the third season consists of five 12-minute episodes and was released on DVD as Volume Two. The two volumes were released on DVD by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Plot

The series begins shortly after Attack of the Clones, as the failing Galactic Republic and the Jedi are under siege from the Separatist Confederacy of Independent Systems and the Sith. As the war rages on, more planets start slipping from Republic control.

Synopsis

The main storyline of Volume One features the Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi leading an assault on the planet Muunilinst. This is the home of the Intergalactic Banking Clan, benefactors of the Separatists wishing to break away from the Republic. The Banking Clan has hired a bounty hunter named Durge to command their droid armies on the battlefield. Obi-Wan's apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, is personally appointed to lead the space forces in the battle by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.

Surrounding this storyline are various battles focusing on other Jedi and their wartime exploits. Master Mace Windu faces a droid army unarmed In "Chapter 21", makes his first appearance in gold plating In "Chapter 22", Anakin appears with the facial scar he has in Revenge of the Sith, and it is implied that Anakin and Padmé may have conceived the Skywalker twins on Naboo.

The series is notable for introducing one of Revenge of the Siths villains, General Grievous According to Genndy Tartakovsky, George Lucas initially pitched Grievous to him and his crew as "this ruthless, totally capable Jedi killer," but later developed him into "one of those old B-serial villains who does something bad ... twirls his mustache and then he runs off." However, the CGI The Clone Wars series (2008–2014, 2020) depicts Grievous as already being in this weakened state.

Volume Two shares aspects of its storyline with the novel Labyrinth of Evil, which was created at the same time. Both the cartoon and book climax with the Jedi chasing Grievous on Coruscant to save Palpatine. The book features a different final duel between Windu and Grievous, but Shaak Ti acts as Palpatine's primary guardian in both titles. In the series, Anakin and Obi-Wan investigate a possible base for Grievous on Nelvaan before being called back to Coruscant. The novel depicts the Jedi duo pursuing Count Dooku on Tythe. While fleeing to Coruscant, Dooku stops at Nelvaan to leave a false trail. While the final season of The Clone Wars references Shaak Ti being sent to guard Palpatine, it depicts Anakin and Obi-Wan in yet a different location just before Revenge of the Sith. The character designer for the latter series attempted to translate aspects of the character designs from the 2D series to 3D. It was originally reported that the 2008 series would not supersede the continuity of the 2003 series, but following Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm, in 2014, it was announced that the CGI The Clone Wars would officially be considered canon, while the 2003 series and most other spin-off works would not.

Production

Genndy Tartakovsky claimed that Lucasfilm conceived of the series as a way to sell more action figures because the prequel trilogy figures were underselling. It was produced and directed by Tartakovsky, the creator of Dexter's Laboratory and Samurai Jack, and "it was stressful because I had to translate this world I've loved since I was a kid into something completely different."

Tartakovsky stated that he deliberately animated with moveable expressive eyes to pay homage to his animated appearances in the Star Wars Holiday Special and Droids. Additionally, the planet Nelvaan's name was a nod to Nelvana, the production company that produced all previous Star Wars animated series. In "Chapter 21", a Dulok appears, which is a species that was introduced in Ewoks. According to art director Paul Rudish, the Banking Clan planet of Muunilinst was designed to look like a U.S. dollar bill.

Although the show was largely animated in digital 2D, the motion of the spaceships was cel-shaded 3D animation.

Voice cast

  • Mat Lucas as Anakin Skywalker
  • Frankie Ryan Manriquez as young Anakin Skywalker
  • James Arnold Taylor as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Agen Kolar; For his voice-portrayal as the former, Taylor used an impression, similar to that of Ewan McGregor's.
  • Tom Kane as Yoda
  • Terrence "T.C." Carson as Mace Windu, Saesee Tiin, and General Oro Dassyne
  • Anthony Daniels as C-3PO
  • Corey Burton as Count Dooku and San Hill
  • Grey DeLisle as Asajj Ventress, Padmé Amidala, Shaak Ti, and Stass Allie
  • Nick Jameson as Palpatine / Darth Sidious
  • André Sogliuzzo as Commander Cody, Captain Typho, Captain Fordo, and all clone troopers
  • Richard McGonagle as General Grievous and Kit Fisto
  • Fred Tatasciore as Qui-Gon Jinn and Oppo Rancisis
  • Daran Norris as Ki-Adi-Mundi, Durge, Master Barrek, Even Piell, and Tarr Seirr
  • John DiMaggio as General Grievous and Sha'a Gi
  • Cree Summer as Luminara Unduli
  • Tatyana Yassukovich as Barriss Offee
  • Kevin Michael Richardson as K'Kruhk

Broadcast

The series originally ran on Cartoon Network. In addition to being shown on television, the episodes were simultaneously released online on the Star Wars and Cartoon Network websites. It was heavily advertised by the channel and was originally shown immediately before their popular Friday-night programming block, 'Fridays'.

Episodes

Season 1 (2003)

The first season consisted of 10 episodes, lasting three minutes each. Along with the second season, it was released on DVD as Volume One.

Season 2 (2004)

The second season consisted of 10 episodes, lasting three minutes each. Along with the first season, it was released on DVD as Volume One.