

Filoni's initial idea for the series revolved around a recurring cast of characters who traveled aboard a spaceship similar to the Millennium Falcon the ship's crew would have included a smuggler, his girlfriend, a Gungan named Lunker, a Jedi padawan named Ashla, and her Jedi Master.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars was then announced at April 2005's Celebration III, which Lucas referred to as "a 3-D continuation of the pilot series." Dave Filoni was hired as supervising director, and was familiar with previous Star Wars animation projects. Star Wars: Clone Wars aired on Cartoon Network from 2003 to 2005, produced by Genndy Tartakovsky. George Lucas first had the idea for a Clone Wars animated series in 2002. (left to right) George Lucas, Dave Filoni, and Catherine Winder discuss the series.
