Iron Man director Jon Faveau to create 'Star Wars' series for TV

Jon Favreau, director of the 'Iron Man' and 'Jungle Book' movies, will write and produce a live-action 'Star Wars' series for an upcoming Walt Disney Co streaming service, the company announced on Thursday.
Favreau previously voiced a character in the animated series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and has a role in the May 2018 film "Solo: A Star Wars Story." He is currently producing Disney's remake of "The Lion King" movie.

"If you told me at 11 years old that I would be getting to tell stories in the Star Wars universe, I wouldn't have believed you," Favreau said in a statement. "I can't wait to embark upon this exciting adventure."

Disney is developing the "Star Wars" series for a family-oriented, direct-to-consumer streaming service it plans to launch next year as the media and theme park company aims to capture online viewers who are leaving traditional television. 

"I couldn't be more excited about Jon coming on board to produce and write for the new direct-to-consumer platform," Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said in a statement. "Jon brings the perfect mix of producing and writing talent, combined with a fluency in the Star Wars universe. This series will allow Jon the chance to work with a diverse group of writers and directors and give Lucasfilm the opportunity to build a robust talent base."

The new series does not yet have a release date, Disney said.