Meet Star Wars Rebels’ Latest New Character Zeb

IGN has debuted a first look at one of the many new characters that will be introduced in “Star Wars Rebels,” and this time around it’s Zeb, a member of an alien race unseen in the Star Wars universe previously, or is he? Set to be voiced by Steve Blum, most famous for playing Spike Spiegel in “Cowboy Bebop,” the design for Zeb is actually lifted directly from one of concept artist Ralph McQuarrie’s original sketches for what Chewbacca might look like in Star Wars: Episode IV

“I think I actually screamed when I was booked to play Zeb,” Blum told IGN. “It is literally a role of a lifetime. I’ve been lucky enough to play some major superhero roles in my career, but to be given the chance to play a new character in a Star Wars series? Brain explosion. As if working on a Star Wars series – in any capacity – wasn’t enough to cause a grown man to squee, Zeb challenges every acting skill in my arsenal and beyond. His character design is amazing. I get to vocally take on ape-like physical power and abilities, a wicked sense of humor, intelligence and integrity, and so much more that I can’t yet reveal. The attention to detail from the entire production team is inspiring. Every bit of minutia is carefully crafted to satisfy the most discerning fan of the franchise. I’m humbled and honored to be a part of the Rebels crew. I promise I will dig as deep as I’m allowed to give you guys the performance I would hope for as a fan. Get ready, guys. You’re in for one helluva ride.”​

Check out the video introducing Zeb in the player below!

Set between the events of “Episode III” and “IV” — an era spanning almost two decades never-before explored on-screen – “Star Wars Rebels” takes place in a time where the Empire is securing its grip on the galaxy and hunting down the last of the Jedi Knights as a fledgling rebellion against the Empire is taking shape.

The show will be produced by Lucasfilm Animation, featuring many of the key talents that made “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” “Star Wars Rebels” is scheduled to premiere this fall as a one hour special on Disney Channel and will be followed by the series on Disney XD.

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