Star Wars spin off series gets underway

A television spin-off of sci-fi franchise Star Wars is getting underway, said creator George Lucas, with the main characters conspicuous by their absence.

The film director admitted he was ‘taking chances’ by leaving out the likes of Darth Vadar and the Skywalkers and focusing on minor characters – much to the disappointment of TV executives.

‘It’s completely different. But it’s a good idea, and it’s going to be a lot of fun to do,’ he said.

Few details have been revealed about the series, but it is believed writers are currently being hired.

Producer Rick McCallum said previously that the spin-off could run for as many as 100 episodes.

LucasFilm is also working on an animated TV series entitled Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which picks up from Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones.