A new incarnation in the long-running Star Wars franchise is slated for release Aug. 15. "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" is the result of a collaboration between Lucasfilm Ltd., Warner Bros. Pictures and Turner Broadcasting System Inc.

The animated feature is helmed by Dave Filoni and follows the adventures of Anakin Skywalker (aka Darth Vader in his youth). He is still under the guardianship of Obi-Wan Kenobi. The plot takes place sometime between the episodes II and III of the Star Wars movies.

"I don't know anyone who wouldn't want it," said Stuart Snyder to variety. He is president and chief operating officer of Turner Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media, and also revealed that a theatrical launch "has always been contemplated as part of the process."

The 3D computer-generated animation will be followed by a series to be broadcast on Cartoon Network. In fact, the whole project is an expansion of the earlier "Clone Wars" microseries that aired on Cartoon Network, Variety reports.

"We have the chance to do an episode just about the clones and explore their personalities, which may be more unique than a lot of fans think," Filoni said to USA Today. "We also have the chance to use the many different Jedi, who we've only glimpsed in the features, which is exciting."

The father of Star Wars, George Lucas, serves as exec producer on the project. The Star Wars franchise was initially developed by George Lucas during the 1970s. The first film, Star Wars: A New Hope, was released on May 25, 1977 by 20th Century Fox. As of 2007, the overall box office revenue generated by the six Star Wars films has totaled approximately $4.3 billion.