First Star Wars Cartoons Panel To Be Held at Star Wars Celebration

 

Star Wars and animation have a long and fruitful relationship. From Clone Wars to Star Wars Visions, the two seem like a match made in heaven. But it's a relationship that goes back even further. Right back to the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special in fact, which included the 10-minute animated short The Story Of The Faithful Wookie. Not only was is the first piece of Star Wars animation, but it also introduced the character of Boba Fett to the world. The short was produced by Michael Hirsh and directed by Clive Smith, who will be hosting the panel First Star Wars Cartoons: “Faithful Wookiee,” “Ewoks,” and “Droids” at the Star Wars Celebration in Japan next month.

The duo will host a one-hour panel where they will discuss their work on Wookie, as well as the first two animated Star Wars television series Ewoks and Droids.  They will discuss working with George Lucas to introduce the character of Boba Fett, the creation of The Faithful Wookie, its reception after it aired, how it became a cult classic among other topics. Hirsh and Smith were also producers on Ewoks and Droids and will discuss the development of these programmes, the challenges they faced and how they went on to worldwide success.

Michael Hirsh is also the author of the memoir Animation Nation: How We Built A Cartoon Empire. Hirsh and Smith are the co-founders of Nelvana Entertainment, and the book takes readers through the rise of one of the world's most influential independent animation companies. Michael has been involved with the production of dozens of beloved series including  Babar, Beetlejuice, Bee and PuppyCat, Little Bear, Franklin, The Magic School Bus, Johnny Test, Rolie Polie Olie, Cyberchase, and many more.

The memoir offers a unique insight into the creative process and the entrepreneurial spirit that fueled Michael's companies "and created an animation nation". It also includes anecdotes and insights from his collaboration with iconic figures including Tim Burton, Mr T and Debbie Harry.

You can get a copy of the book here.

The panel takes place on Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 10:30 am – 11:30 am JST at Makuhari Messe University Stage, in Tokyo, Japan. Star Wars Celebration runs from April 18-20, 2025.