If Marvel has taught us anything, management of a shared universe between TV and film is a dicey prospect, one even Star Wars struggles to make a two-way street. That seemed to change with news that Forest Whitaker’s Rogue One character would move from animated Clone Wars beginnings to live-action, but what does supervising producer Dave Filoni have to say?

Mind you, George Lucas originally developed the Saw Gerrera character for use in live-action TV series Star Wars: Underworld, itself the subject of bizarre speculation with the Emperor’s backstory, The Clone Wars and Rebels boss Filoni certainly has cause for celebration with the latest Rogue One news. Filoni spent the most time establishing Gerrera as a Clone Wars freedom fighter, telling ComicBook.com of his Rogue One destiny:

I have always thought of Star Wars: The Clone Wars as an extension of the Star Wars films, and now, here we are, seeing a character come to life in the flesh on the big screen. I think it’s tremendously exciting, because it’s fulfilling a promise to the fans, that this is one story, and the characters you know and love are throughout it, and influencing the story in many ways. I’m so proud of the Rogue One team, and everyone at Lucasfilm. It’s a great day for Star Wars.

Meanwhile, says Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy of the character’s status by the time of Rogue One:

Consider him kind of a battered veteran who leads a band of Rebel extremists. He’s on the fringe of the Rebel Alliance. Even [they] are a little concerned about him.

Of course, it remains to be seen how much of Whitaker’s character changed from recent reshoots, as well what, if any interaction Rogue One or Saw Gerrera might have with animated Clone Wars successor Star Wars Rebels, the Season 3 premiere of which will precede Rogue One’s debut in theaters.

In the meantime, what other cinematic connections might Star Wars Rebels or other series draw upon?

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