How do you teach preschool-age padawans about the ways of the Jedi? Thankfully, the creative team at Lucasfilm led by James Waugh, Jacqui Lopez, and Josh Rimes joined forces with Puppy Dog Pals writer, Michel Olsen, to deliver a galaxy just a little bit closer to home.
With snack-sized teasers airing on Star Wars Kids YouTube and Disney Junior since March 27, the brand-new animated series: Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures takes preschool and grade school kids through the journey of a Jedi. Vibrant animations, iconic characters, and punchy plots surround Jedi younglings training at a sacred temple outpost on Tenoo.
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While creators have taken stabs at appealing to younger audiences with series like The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, The Bad Batch, and Tales of the Jedi, none have quite cracked the code like Young Jedi Adventures seems to do. James Waugh attributes that to the hopeful High Republic period in Star Wars history when the series takes place.
Waugh explained:
The point of that era was a hopeful time, back when the Jedi were guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy. So younglings were not wrought with the burden of a Jedi Order towards the end of its lifecycle and about to be in a massive civil war. The worldbuilding framework of the timeline allowed for bright expressions that would inform the storytelling.
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The gentle introduction of lightsabers (sans violent stand-offs) and themes centered around friendship, loyalty, and teamwork set the stage for a proper Force 101 course. The best part? It’s the first Star Wars series that Millennial parents can dive into alongside their kiddos.
New heroes like Master Yoda, Kai Brightstar, Nash Durango, Lys Solay, RJ-83, and Nubs are a welcome addition to Disney Junior’s line-up, especially for budding Star Wars fanatics. Similarly to how Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends bridged the gap between Marvel-verse parents and children, Young Jedi Adventures sits in a sweet spot where kids and parents can become one with the Force.
Disney Junior and Disney+ officially launched Young Jedi Adventures on the only reasonable date available: May 4, 2023. The series includes 25 shorts for Millennial parents and their pocket-sized padawans to enjoy.
