July 16, 2016
In news that will send shivering shock waves across the world and beyond, Tom Baker has been announced as part of the cast in the third season of the animated television show, Star Wars: Rebels.
The award-winning series, which airs on Disney XD, has been a worldwide hit and is set in the Star Wars universe before the 1977 movie Episode IV: A New Hope. Its voice cast already includes impressive names such as: Freddie Prinze, Jr. (Fred in the Scooby-Doo films), David Oyelowo (Selma, Interstellar), and Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer).
Tom is set to play the mysterious Bendu - a character that uses the Force but is neither Sith or Jedi. The news was announced at Star Wars Celebration Europe 2016, which took place in London's ExCel, by Rebels showrunner Dave Filoni, who informed a packed audience that he was a lifelong fan of The Fourth Doctor actor.
Describing Tom as "bigger than life", Filoni told host Warwick Davis (Porridge in Nightmare In Silver) that Baker's character will make a "big difference" to the series, so we can look forward to regular appearances! The opening two episodes, due to air later this year, heavily feature Bendu.
Fact fans may note that this is not the first Doctor Who actor to provide a voice in a Star Wars animated series. Dave Filoni also cast David Tennant in the previous spin-off The Clone Wars, a role which won the Scottish actor an Emmy.
Take a look at the trailer below, and marvel in Tom Baker's unique tones!
Star Wars: Rebels starring Tom Baker airs later this year on Disney XD
