A Star Wars animated Super Bowl telecast is coming in 2027

Disney is launching a Star Wars-themed animated broadcast of the 2027 Super Bowl, according to a report from Variety. The special telecast, part of the company's "Funday Football" series, will air on the Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney+, and will be available via the ESPN app.

The Hollywood Reporter notes that the show will recreate the live game in real time, turning players into animated avatars and inserting characters from the galactic franchise. C-3PO, voiced by original actor Anthony Daniels, will guide viewers, with other Star Wars figures appearing during key plays.

The technology driving the animation uses player tracking data from the NFL and Sony, per Variety. Disney plans to announce more specifics, including the commentators and visual style, in the coming weeks.

This Star Wars altcast is just one of several alternate broadcasts Disney has lined up for Super Bowl LXI. The main game will air on ABC and ESPN, with other options including a ManningCast on ESPN2 and a stats-focused telecast on NFL Network.

Additionally, The Hollywood Reporter states that Star Wars highlights with a themed visual style will begin appearing on the SportsCenter streaming service on Disney+ later this month, featuring animated segments with Darth Vader.