At a Glance
The Clone Wars concluded its seventh and final season on May 4, 2020. While no future seasons are planned for the show, storylines from the show continued in The Bad Batch and Rebels.
Key Facts
Release Date: Oct 03, 2008
Seasons: 7
Total Episodes: 133
Creator: George Lucas, Dave Filoni
Where to Watch: Disney+
When: 3 years between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith
Recent Coverage
What is The Clone Wars?
Star Wars: The Clone Wars is an animated series that chronicles the events of the Clone Wars, a massive galaxy-spanning conflict that sees the Republic, led by the Jedi Order, fighting against the Separatists and their droid army, led by Count Dooku. The series dives deep into the personal and moral dilemmas faced by the Jedi, the political ramifications of galactic conflict, and the humanization of the clone troopers through an anthology style that highlights various groups in multi-episode arcs. In addition to featuring legacy characters like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, the show famously introduces new characters, most notably Ahsoka Tano, who is introduced as the Padawan of Anakin Skywalker before making her own mark on the history of Star Wars. By combining the harsh realities of war with trademark Star Wars humor, The Clone Wars presents the most complete and well-rounded execution of George Lucas’s original vision.
Is this the same as The Clone Wars movie?
Yes and no. The Clone Wars feature film was released in 2008 and acts as a sort of introduction to the series. It combines three episodes into a feature length movie and welcomes characters like Ahsoka Tano and Rotta the Hutt into the universe. While the film was not well received initially, it’s a perfectly acceptable piece of Clone Wars content but is not required viewing before the series.
Was The Clone Wars canceled after Season 6?
Yes, The Clone Wars was canceled after its fifth season in March 2013. At the time of the announcement, Lucasfilm acknowledged that they were no longer producing episodes for Cartoon Network, but they teased that they were working on additional story arcs that would appear elsewhere – resulting in a sixth, abridged season (titled The Lost Missions) being released on Netflix in March 2014. Further unreleased arcs were produced in other media like Christie Golden’s novel, Dark Disciple.
In July 2018, it was announced at San Diego Comic-Con that The Clone Wars would return for a seventh and final season which premiered in February 2020.
About The Clone Wars
George Lucas, Dave Filoni
Disney+ , Cartoon Network
TV-PG
Action-adventure, Drama
22-32 minutes
7
133
3 years between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith
Cast
When Does The Clone Wars Take Place in the Star Wars Timeline?
The Clone Wars is set in the Star Wars timeline in the three years between the events of Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, making it part of the era known as the Fall of the Jedi period.
Reviews
Story and Characters
Star Wars: The Clone Wars chronicles the events of the Clone Wars, a massive galaxy-spanning war that sees the Republic, led by the Jedi Order, fighting against the Separatists and their droid army, led by Count Dooku.
Throughout the series, the show follows various groups of characters in an anthology format to illustrate various key moments throughout the conflict. Although the show is undoubtedly an ensemble piece, it mainly centers around Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Captain Rex. The group begins the series as an ideal unit in the eyes of the Republic, but as the show continues, Palpatine’s master plan to create the Galactic Empire begins to reveal itself, causing ample discord between the various protagonists.
The show may best be described by the chilling quote uttered by various clones: “Good soldiers follow orders.” Not only is this mantra said to illustrate the absolute compliance required by the clones’ programming, it is also emblematic of the attitude forced upon the Jedi and allies of the Republic when they dare to argue with the authority of the Chancellor - a lesson George Lucas began teaching at the beginning of the franchise.
Although the show is also littered with a number of episodes that exemplify lighthearted adventure, the shadow of the Empire slowly growing over the vibrant light of the Republic follows our heroes throughout each season - all the way through the climactic Siege of Mandalore that acts as the series finale.
Anakin Skywalker
Arc
The Chosen One, himself, Anakin begins The Clone Wars as a reluctant master looking to prove himself as a battlefield warrior. Through his mentorship of Ahsoka, however, he becomes the General Skywalker of legend and matures into a respected leader of Jedi and clone alike.
Significance
A protagonist of not only The Clone Wars but the entirety of the Skywalker Saga, Anakin drives the entirety of George Lucas’s vision for Star Wars.
Ahsoka Tano
Arc
Beginning the war as a naive yet incredibly driven Padawan, Ahsoka’s evolution is one of the most impressive in all of Star Wars. By the end of the series, she becomes the definition of an ideal Jedi despite the failure of the Order to deserve her.
Significance
Through her appearances in the Clone Wars, Rebels, The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka, Ahsoka has become one of the most prolific characters in Star Wars history; defining the career of creator Dave Filoni and crafting an entire generation of Star Wars fans.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Arc
Obi-Wan spends The Clone Wars fulfilling the role of perfect mentor. His tutorship of Anakin is key in creating one of the most iconic friendships in the saga, but the series also expands his character significantly to show the more human side of Obi-Wan that he so often is called to quell in service of the greater good.
Significance
From Alec Guinness’s original portrayal in A New Hope to Ewan McGregor’s star-turning performance in the Prequel Trilogy, Obi-Wan has remained a staple of Star Wars since the beginning. His presence in The Clone Wars not only grounds his fellow characters but also the series as a whole.
Captain Rex
Arc
A consummate soldier of the Republic, Rex begins The Clone Wars as a no-nonsense leader meant to inspire confidence and order in the younger recruits. While he maintains that air of authority throughout the show, his connection and dedication to his men and his Jedi allies deepens to the point where he is the only clone able to briefly defy Order 66 in order to maintain Ahsoka’s safety.
Significance
Rex’s inclusion in the series allows viewers to understand clone troopers in an entirely new way. While all of the individual clones assuredly make their mark on the series, Rex’s involvement in major operations as well as his subsequent appearances in Rebels change the entire perception of clones in Star Wars.
Darth Maul
Arc
One of the best arcs in the history of Star Wars, Maul’s reintroduction places his story amongst those of the greatest franchise villains. What begins as an escape from madness turns into a potential conquering of the galaxy as Sam Witwer elevates him to true legendary status.
Significance
Although not introduced until rather late into the series, Maul quickly becomes a major antagonist of The Clone Wars. While his introduction in The Phantom Menace will always be iconic, this show is what makes him one of the best villains in all of Star Wars.
Key Episodes
This arc serves as the series’ grand finale, intertwining with the events of Revenge of the Sith. It covers Ahsoka Tano’s final confrontation with Darth Maul and the impact of Order 66 on the galaxy.
Ahsoka, Anakin, and Obi-Wan are drawn into the mysterious realm of Mortis, where they confront physical manifestations of the Force. This arc is crucial in exploring Anakin’s destiny, the mythology of the Force, and the connection between the three protagonists.
This episode marks a turning point for Ahsoka Tano, who leaves the Jedi Order after being wrongfully accused of terrorism, setting her on a new path and raising questions about the Jedi’s role in the war.
A climactic episode that features the fall of Mandalore, this episode pushes a usually calm Obi-Wan Kenobi to the breaking point after an unthinkable loss, highlighting the tragic consequences of the conflict.
Design
The design of The Clone Wars combines classic elements of the Star Wars saga with entirely unique visual traits that separate it from any other piece of media in the franchise. The stylized animation of the show is perhaps the most obvious distinction of the series. An overly angular art style is consistent through the character models, architecture, and natural environments of the show - allowing a sense of visual continuity to be maintained across multiple planets and biomes that are filled with a vast assortment of colors and natural formations.
The war-time aesthetic of the series is also employed continuously to show the evolution of the conflict as well as the characters. As the show progresses, the armor design of the clones becomes more worn yet more individualized to show the evolution of the soldiers beneath the weight of the war. This aesthetic is translated onto the environments of the show as well as planets appear to be more battle-scarred and cities more decrepit.
More than any other Star Wars project, however, the design of The Clone Wars places an intense importance on the magnitude of different cultures that are present in the Star Wars galaxy. From backwater planets on the Outer Rim to the bustling metropolises that litter the Core, The Clone Wars presents a galaxy that is filled with color, culture, and variety throughout its seven seasons; a variety that extends even to the genetically identical clone troopers who continuously prove their individual humanity throughout the series.
Technology and Effects
Special Effects
The Clone Wars is one of the most technically impressive animated shows of all time. The evolution in the technology across the seasons is remarkably evident regarding the smoothness and fluidity of individual character animations, the density and detail of environments, and even the complexity of the fight choreography. This change is most evident between the third and fourth seasons as the budget of the show increases and the animation department tackles larger challenges regarding things like water simulation and vastly improved textures. By the end of the series, the visuals presented in The Clone Wars rival those of any theatrical Star Wars release.
Behind the Scenes
The Clone Wars was originally conceived by George Lucas, himself, as a way to flesh out the mythology he established in the Prequel Trilogy. Genndy Tartakovsky directed a miniseries surrounding the Clone Wars in 2003, but Lucas’s vision caused him to start anew with a young animator, Dave Filoni, to create a new show that would end up being such a crucial piece of Star Wars lore. Beginning in 2008 with a movie that was deemed a commercial flop, The Clone Wars was unwavering in its dedication to Lucas’s trademark tone that mixed intense stakes with lighthearted banter, and over the years, the show brought in familiar faces such as Mark Hamill and cemented new staples of the franchise like Ashley Eckstein and even future Mandalorian creator, Jon Favreau.
Related TV Shows & Films
When The Clone Wars was originally canceled, Rebels was the next animated Star Wars show to air. Series creator Dave Filoni was the head of Rebels and brought over plenty of characters, story arcs, and easter eggs for the new show.
First seen in Season 7 of The Clone Wars, the characters of The Bad Batch received their own spin-off series that ran for three seasons. The show’s animation style directly follow that of The Clone Wars and features events that happen directly following the events of the original show.
Set after Ahsoka’s appearance in Season 2 of The Mandalorian, this show follows the titular character in her search for Grand Admiral Thrawn. In addition to story elements from The Mandalorian, this show features many references to Rebels.
Books & Comics Related to The Clone Wars
Awards & Recognition
Primetime Emmy Awards
Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program (Nominee)
Jim Cummings (Hondo Onaka), 2013
Sam Witwer (Darth Maul), 2013
Mark Hamill (Darth Bane, 2015
2013, 2015
Primetime Emmy Awards
Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program (Winner) David Tennant (Huyang)
2013
Primetime Emmy Awards
Outstanding Music Direction and Composition (Nominee) Kevin Kiner
2013, 2015, 2021
Primetime Emmy Awards
Outstanding Special Class Animated Program (Winner)
2013, 2014
Primetime Emmy Awards
Outstanding Special Class Animated Program (Nominee)
2015
Top Critics
“Having matured with every season since its inauspicious 2008 pilot movie, The Clone Wars has become a cinematic actioner as enjoyable for adult fans as its target youngling audience.”
- Christian Blauvelt, Entertainment Weekly
“As ever, the jaw-dropping sophistication of the animation plays an enormous role in making the episodes come alive.”
- David Wiegand, San Francisco Chronicle
“Infinitely rewatchable and deserving of every ounce of praise it has received."
- Keith Garlington, Keith & the Movies
“It works to rectify the mistakes of the prequels by filling in all the gaps and adding many, many layers of nuance to the major characters. It manages to have fun while also telling serious and sometimes even tragic stories.”
- Sonia Saraiya, AV Club
“This is one of the biggest contributions that The Clone Wars brings to the Star Wars franchise. While the series rehabilitates the weaker parts in the Prequel trilogy, it breaks away from the light-vs.-dark dichotomy that defines the franchise.”
- Andrew Liptak, Polygon
