Star Wars director George Lucas is expanding the sci-fi adventure franchise to give cult fans a laugh - he's planning an animated sitcom for US TV.
The filmmaker is taking a backseat to Back at the Barnyard's Todd Grimes, who will direct the comedy series for Lucasfilm.
According to a statement from the production company, the show will "look at the saga's characters with a playful and irreverent tone".
Robot Chicken creators Seth Green and Matthew Senreich will work as creative consultants on the project, while Brendan Hay of US TV comedy The Daily Show has signed on as head writer.
Producer Jennifer Hill tells Daily Variety, "They'll be shaping the type of comedy we're looking for and the look of the show."
Lucas' Star Wars franchise has spawned merchandise, video games and spin-off series that have earned more than US$22 billion over the last three decades, according to a 2007 report in US magazine Forbes.
An air date has yet to be set for the new animated series.
WENN.com