Animators Michael Hirsh and Clive Smith, the two men who introduced Boba Fett to the world in 1978, attend Star Wars Celebration Japan.
Before ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars‘, before ‘Star Wars: Rebels‘, before ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch‘, before ‘Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures‘, there was ‘The Story of the Faithful Wookiee‘ an animated short that introduced one of the most iconic villains in entire Star Wars Saga.
Legendary animation pioneers Michael Hirsh and Clive Smith—co-founders of Nelvana and the creative minds behind some of the earliest Star Wars animated adventures gather together for a special one-hour panel at Star Wars Celebration Japan!
An original sketch of Boba Fett from Michael Hirsh and Clive Smith for ‘The Story of the Faithful Wookiee‘.
These two trailblazers will take the stage to share the inside story of ‘The Story of the Faithful Wookiee‘, the groundbreaking animated short that introduced Boba Fett to the galaxy back in 1978 during the ‘Star Wars Holiday Special‘. Hirsh (producer) and Smith (director) will reveal what it was like working with George Lucas, how the short was brought to life, and why it remains a beloved cult classic decades later.
Hirsh and Smith chatted with me having been friends and working together for 47 years, that have helped shape three generations of fan experience and the creation of everyone’s favorite Mandalorian. During our interview we had to pause for a moment as a 5.2 earthquake hit San Diego, surprising Smith as to how calm I remained during that moment of uncertainty.
An animation cell that introduced Boba Fett to the world in ‘The Story of the Faithful Wookiee‘.
Fans will also get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the iconic animated series ‘Ewoks‘ and ‘Droids‘, also produced by Hirsh and Smith. From creative challenges to international success, they’ll share never-before-heard stories from their journey expanding the Star Wars universe through animation.
Tickets for Star Wars Celebration Japan are sold out and only those in attendance will have the pleasure of hearing these once-in-a-lifetime stories from two legendary animators that helped establish the foundation for a galaxy far, far away.
The panel takes place at the Makuhari Messe University Stage on Saturday, April 19, 2025, 10:30 a.m. JST.
