Disney and Lucasfilm's plans utilize the Star Wars property between now and 2030 isn't just limited to the annual release of the saga episodes and Star Wars Stories on the big screen. In addition to the deal which sees developer and publisher Electronic Arts (EA) replace Lucasarts as the primary producer of Star Wars licensed video games, Lucasfilm will also be looking to capitalize on the growing popularity of small screen video-on-demand (VOD) services. With Star Wars Rebels approaching its conclusion in the coming weeks after a four-season run it is unsurprising to learn that Disney and Lucasfilm are considering developing a live-action Star Wars serial show that will likely spearhead the companies move toward small screen VOD entertainment, with plans for the show to stream on Disneys forthcoming VOD service with an expected release date of late 2019, according to Variety.
Speculation is rife, with many fans calling for the live-action TV show to be set within the Old Republic, while we suspect the chances are that this new show will likely be Star Wars: Underworld, a concept developed by veteran Star Wars producer Rick McCallum. Underworld is reported to be set between Star Wars, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope and explore the criminal and political power struggles during the Empires rise to power, and has been in development since 2005 with at least fifty scripts written (according to Digital Spy).
It is also highly likely that if the live-action TV serial does indeed prove to be Star Wars: Underworld, or an adaptation thereof, that it will also likely include concepts and materials that were developed for Boba Fett: A Star Wars Story standalone movie and the video game Star Wars 1313, both of which were canceled after considerable development and investment. If this speculation proves to be true, then it would reduce the likelihood of a similarly themed movie starring Boba Fett and other bounty hunters. However, seeing Boba Fett feature in a TV serial could see prequel trilogy star and New Zealand actor Temuera Morrison return to the franchise. A veteran of the franchise and of the small screen (Shortland Street), Morrison would be ideally suited for the cast of Star Wars: Underworld, alongside possible co-stars and Star Wars alumni Sam Witwer and Freddie Prince Jr.
