New 'Star Wars' series with Jude Law in works as Disney targets streaming

Thousands of fans attended the Star Wars event in Anaheim -- some of them in costume

Disney announced a new live-action "Star Wars" series featuring Jude Law at a major fan convention Thursday -- but any mention of upcoming films in the beloved sci-fi franchise was conspicuously absent, as the company focuses on its streaming service.

Harrison Ford and Ewan McGregor were among the stars who appeared on stage before a raucous and outlandishly dressed crowd in Anaheim, California for "Star Wars Celebration," a four-day gathering held every few years, usually tied to new movies.

Fans in attendance will be the first to watch two episodes from the series, the day before it launches on Disney+.

As for Law, he will appear in the previously unconfirmed series "Skeleton Crew," created by "Spider-Man: No Way Home" director Jon Watts, it was announced.

- Fans 'showed up' -

The decision followed diminishing box office returns and mixed reviews -- and the all-important launch of its Disney+ streaming service.

"One group, the 'Star Wars' fans, showed up when they launched Disney+... you all helped make Disney+ a success," said Favreau.

Tony Gilroy, who wrote the Jason Bourne action films, said another new series "Andor" will be set five years before spin-off movie "Rogue One," and will feature two 12-episode seasons.

"The beauty of this show is, there's no way they'll kill me," he joked.

But while Disney has three "Star Wars" movies on its schedule, and has previously announced films from directors Taika Waititi, Rian Johnson and Patty Jenkins, none were mentioned on stage Thursday.

- Indiana Jones -

Williams -- who turned 90 this year -- was lauded by Ford, who played Han Solo in the original "Star Wars" films, as well as "Indiana Jones."

"I passed," he added, to laughter and loud cheers.

Meanwhile outside the convention center, thousands of hardcore "Star Wars" fans waved multi-colored lightsabers, exchanged gossip on the upcoming shows, and posed for photos dressed as their favorite bounty hunters, droids and Jedi warriors.

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Originally published as New 'Star Wars' series with Jude Law in works as Disney targets streaming