While the zeitgeist is abuzz with all things Star Wars: The Force Awakens at the moment, Star Wars canon will also be continuing on the small screen. It was announced today that Lucasfilm and Disney XD have renewed the animated series Star Wars Rebels for a third season, bringing the Ghost crew back for more adventures in 2016. Created by Dave Filoni, Simon Kinberg, and Carrie Beck, the animated series takes place during the time period between Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope, as a fierce rebel resistance begins to form.

Star Wars Rebels was the first piece of new canon to arrive after Disney bought Lucasfilm, and it’s done a fantastic job of incorporating franchise favorites like Darth Vader and Lando Calrissian while keeping the focus on new characters and a new story. Production is already underway on the show’s third season, which will air in 2016. For her part, Lucasfilm SVP of Development Kiri Hart had this to say about the renewal:


“We’re very proud of our incredibly creative Rebels team. The show continues to tell fun, heartfelt, exciting newStar Wars stories week after week, and it’s beloved by fans of all ages. Season Three will see our rebel heroes face new obstacles and find new allies in their fight against the Empire.”

The second season is currently airing on Disney XD, with the Season 2 finale slated to debut on December 12th. Star Wars Rebels features the voices of Freddie Prinze Jr., Vanessa Marshall, Steve Blum, Tiya Sircar, Taylor Gray, Ashley Eckstein, Dee Bradley Baker, David Oyelowo, and Sarah Michelle Gellar.

To catch up on all of the renewals and cancellations of your favorite shows for the 2015-16 TV season, click here to peruse our comprehensive TV Lifeline guide.

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Image via DisneyXD