Disney+ finally delivered a live-action Star Wars series in the form of The Mandalorian last fall. But long before the House of Mouse acquired Lucasfilm, George Lucas had his own plans for the franchise’s small-screen future. Lucas spent several years developing a completely different TV series, which was reportedly going to be called Star Wars: Underworld. Now, we have our first-ever glimpse at what might have been.
Via Geek Tyrant, a test scene from the abandoned TV project has made its way online. The series was expected to take place in the Coruscant underworld during the time period between Episodes III and IV. In the footage, a mysterious woman emerges onto the planet’s crime-infested lower levels and appears to steal plans for a Star Destroyer from a nearby kiosk. Unfortunately, it isn’t long before Imperial patrols become suspicious and give chase. The video also includes a making-of portion, complete with picture-in-picture to show how the actors performed in front of a green screen before the special effects were added in.
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Lucas first teased plans for a live-action Star Wars series in 2005, with the goal to produce 400 episodes. Apparently, Lucas’ team of writers were likewise able to complete 100 scripts. But by 2010, the project fell apart due to financial issues. Former Lucasfilm producer Rick McCallum previously revealed that the series would have explored corners of the Star Wars universe that fans had never seen before.
“Basically, it is like The Godfather,” said McCallum. “It’s the Empire slowly building up its power base around the galaxy, what happens in Coruscant, which is the major capital. And it’s a group of underground bosses who live there and control drugs, prostitution.”
You can watch the Star Wars: Underworld test footage below. Would you like to see Disney revive the series? Let us know in the comment section!
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