May 07, 2008 01:08 PM Eastern Time 

First Theatrical Trailer for Animated STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS to Premiere Exclusively Across Multiple Turner Networks Thursday, May 8

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--STAR WARS fans will get an unprecedented look at the newest intergalactic adventure on Thursday, May 8, when the world-premiere trailer for the upcoming CG-animated movie STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS debuts across five Turner networks simultaneously.

“By combining the power of the Turner Networks and the power of the Force, we’re able to create a fantastic event for Star Wars fans of all ages”

At 7:58 p.m. in all U.S. time zones, Cartoon Network, TNT, TBS, CNN, and Boomerang will debut an action-packed, two-minute preview of the animated adventure from creator George Lucas and Lucasfilm Animation. It marks the first time a theatrical trailer has received a simultaneous, cross-network airing on Turner Networks. The trailer debuts in theaters on Friday, May 9, along with the first poster for the movie.

Opening nationwide on August 15, 2008, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

“By combining the power of the Turner Networks and the power of the Force, we’re able to create a fantastic event for Star Wars fans of all ages,” said Howard Roffman, vice president of Lucasfilm Ltd. “We’re incredibly proud of The Clone Wars, and eager to be able to showcase it for the first time in such an exciting way.”

The newest tale of adventure, intrigue and excitement in a galaxy far, far away combines the legendary storytelling of Lucasfilm and the Star Wars Saga with a signature animation style from Lucasfilm Animation.

Following its broadcast debut across the Turner Networks, the trailer for STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS will be available for viewing exclusively at the official Star Wars website, www.starwars.com.

On the front lines of an intergalactic struggle between good and evil, fans young and old will join such favorite characters as Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padmé Amidala, along with brand-new heroes like Anakin’s padawan learner, Ahsoka. Sinister villains – led by Palpatine, Count Dooku and General Grievous – are poised to rule the galaxy. Stakes are high, and the fate of the Star Wars universe rests in the hands of the daring Jedi Knights. Their exploits lead to the action-packed battles and astonishing new revelations that fill STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS.

The theatrical release of STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS tells an all-new story that leads directly in to this fall’s premiere of a weekly, animated STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS television series on Cartoon Network, followed by airings on TNT.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

Lucasfilm, STAR WARS, THE CLONE WARS, Lucasfilm Animation and related character names, vehicle names and properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.