George Lucas's long-hidden animated comedy, Star Wars Detours, is finally coming to light. The series will be showcased at the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art this September.
The 39 Completed Episodes of Star Wars Detours
Developed by Seth Green and Matthew Senreich—the creative duo behind the stop-motion hit Robot Chicken—Star Wars Detours was an ambitious attempt to blend the Star Wars universe with a lighthearted, family-friendly comedic tone. while the creators are known for adult-oriented satire, George Lucas specifically requested that this series be accessible to children, blending his storytelling instincts with a more playful approach.
The scale of the project was significant, far exceeding a mere pilot or conceptual sketch. According to the report, the production team fully completed 39 episodes and had written over 62 scripts before the project was halted. This volume of work suggests a fully realized vision that was nearly ready for broadcast before it was relegated to the archives.
Disney's 2012 Decision to Scrap the Satire
The disappearance of Star Wars Detours is inextricably linked to the 2012 acquisition of Lucasfilm by The Walt Disney Company. As the report says, the two parties held fundamentally different visions for the franchise's trajectory. While George Lucas had showcased a slate of diverse projects at Star Wars Celebration VI in 2012, Disney eventually pivoted toward a more traditional sequel trilogy.
Disney executives reportedly feared that introducing satirical or comedic versions of iconic characters would confuse the general audience or undermine the serious tone of the upcoming live-action films. This corporate caution effectively buried the series for over a decade, turning Star Wars Detours into one of the most famous examples of "lost media" within the fan community.
From Seth MacFarlane to Weird Al Yankovic
The voice cast of Star Wars Detours represented a unique bridge between legacy Star Wars actors and modern comedy veterans. According to the source, original cast members including Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian and Anthony Daniels as C-3PO returned for the series, alongside Ahmed Best as Jar Jar Binks. In a departure from the films, Catherine Taber provided the voice for Princess Leia.
The comedic side of the ensemble was equally eclectic. Seth Green voiced Obi-Wan Kenobi, while Seth MacFarlane reprised his role as Emperor Palpatine. The production even featured original songs by Weird Al Yankovic, alongside contributions from actors like Joel McHale, Zachary Levi, and Donald Faison, illustrating George Lucas's willingness to poke fun at his own creation.
A September Debut at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
The decision to screen Star Wars Detours at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art this September marks a shift in how this lost content is being handled. the museum serves as a personal passion project for George Lucas, providing a venue where his original creative intentions can be dispalyed outside the strict brand-management guidelines of The Walt Disney Company.
This move comes at a time when the Star Wars brand has become more comfortable with tonal variety. The existence of the "Vintage Star Wars" tab on Disney+, which hosts older animated series and the 2003 microseries, suggests that the original fears regarding audience confusion have largely evaporated. The current landscape of the franchise, which now includes various kid-friendly and experimental series, makes the eventual emergence of Star Wars Detours feel inevitable.
Will Disney Ever Grant a Full Digital Release?
While the museum screening is a victory for fans, it leaves a critical question unanswered: will Star Wars Detours ever receive a wide digital release on Disney+? The source confirms the museum screening but does not clarify if Disney has granted a broader license for the 39 completed episodes to be streamed globally .
Furthermore, it remains unclear if the 62+ written scripts will ever be developed or if the museum screening is intended as a limited, archival event rather than a commercial relaunch. Until Disney explicitly addresses the streaming rights, the series remains in a state of partial liberation.
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