A little over a week ago, I reported a viral interview that Wired.com had conducted with Clone Wars bounty hunter Cad Bane. The viral was the first from the Star Wars universe to my knowledge, and I was hopeful more would emerge as the premiere for the show’s next season draws ever closer. Granting my wish, a brand new trailer has emerged on YouTube, and Cad Bane once again has something to tell us.
The trailer itself begins in traditional Star Wars trailer fashion; the audience is treated to shots of space battles while Yoda’s voice over explains the current state of the galaxy. Out of nowhere though, Yoda’s comments cease, and Bane appears via hologram with an introduction, “Greetings kind audience, I do hate to interrupt.” He further explains that bounty hunters are not bound to the laws of the galaxy like Jedi are, and warns us that in a world of give and take, he and his cohorts are in business to take. His remarks are brief, and the trailer finishes with an array of footage from the upcoming season.
I love the way both Clone Wars viral spots have centered strictly upon Cad Bane. He’s by far the most interesting new character in the series (despite only appearing in one episode), and may very well be the star of the season two. It’s a brilliant move on the part of show creators and the marketing team to allow him and the audience to establish a relationship the likes of which already exist with characters like Yoda and Anakin. When new episodes return, Bane will be seamlessly included in the narrative because necessary action has been taken to endear him to the audience through these viral moments.
I’m glad Lucasfilm has taken the advice from my previous post (I can dream right?) and added another viral tease to their marketing campaign for season two. While The Clone Wars retains flaws typical of many kids shows (the dialogue can at times be atrocious), Star Wars fans certainly have a lot to look forward to in the coming months. For now though, is it too much to ask for more Cad Bane before the October 2nd premiere?