'Star Wars' spin-off set for long stay

The television series spin-off of Stars Wars will run for at least 100 episodes, says producer Rick McCallum.

Writers will soon start work to prepare for filming and release in 2008, McCallum told Radio 1.

The series will introduce "a whole bunch of new characters" and be "much more dramatic and darker", he explained, adding: "Hopefully if we can make it work and everybody's excited and watches it we will keep on going."

It will be set between episodes three and four of the film series, covering the mystery of Luke Skywalker's 20-year growing up period.