Betcha didn’t expect that news when you woke up this morning!!! Rumors were running rampant Monday about the possibility of the new “Clone Wars” cartoon making a THEATRICAL debut, and, starwars.com has confirmed it…6 months from now, in a theater close, close by, we will be lining up for another Star Wars movie!

Now, I should state some qualifiers. First, the movie is taken from the first four episodes of the new Clone Wars cartoon, which will be premiere on Cartoon Network before moving to TNT. Instead of simply putting it on television, they’re confident it will hold up as a true movie experience. Second, the story, as the title indicates, is based on The Clone Wars, taking place between Episodes II and III. That means Anakin hasn’t yet slaughtered children, Dooku still has a good head on his shoulders, and Bail Organa is still wearing turtlenecks. If you’re looking for story progression between Episodes III and IV, you’ll have to wait for the live action TV series to debut next year (who else is thinking that’s another chance to see Star Wars in theaters??).

Lucasfilm Animation has already produced 30 episodes of “The Clone Wars,” meaning we’ll be able to go straight from the movies to our living rooms, and not have to wait three years for a follow-up. I’m unapologetic in my love of Star Wars, prequels included, and am fired up about this news. It should bring out the kid in you to know that we’ll be seeing more Star Wars on the big screen. I love the world Lucas created with Episode III, and will gladly watch 30 more adventures! And for the prequel haters, I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know it’s not directed by Lucas. Also, stop being so damn negative! We’ve got a new Star Wars movie coming out!!

If you haven’t seen it, here’s the trailer for Clone Wars.

starwars.com also released their first in a series of web documentaries about Clone Wars today. It’s got a ton of footage and info about the series. Nerds click HERE!

According the TheForce.net (the ultimate nerd source for all things Star Wars), the latest issue of Star Wars Insider has Rick McCallum revealing that Boba Fett “will be an instrumental part” of the live action TV show. This is the first true confirmed character for the show. I think it’s an appropriate choice, seeing that Boba Fett was introduced to the world on television during the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special.

Now, we can all agree that Boba Fett is badass, but we’ve never had a true reason to say such things, aside from his totally sweet helmet, Wookie pelts (although his first occupation could have been as a barber), and that he’s really good at hide and seek. I remember after Return of the Jedi, Lucas said he wouldn’t have killed Boba Fett in such a lame way had he known he was such a fan favorite. Perhaps this is his attempt at redemption.

By the way, if you’ve never seen the Boba Fett cartoon from the Holiday Special, here it is in its entirety: