Forces of Destiny is the first 2D animated series produced by Lucasfilm since the 2003 Clone Wars series and the first 2D animation project created by Lucasfilm Animation itself, since earlier 2D shows like Ewoks and Droids predate the studio's formation.

The series was created as short web episodes because producers felt this format better matched how children consume content today, combining digital and linear viewing habits rather than a traditional TV show structure.

Forces of Destiny was first announced and previewed on April 12-14, 2017 at Star Wars Celebration Orlando, as part of a broader franchise expansion initiative by Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media.

Several film actors reprised their roles for the series, including John Boyega as Finn, Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, and Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, alongside animated-series veterans like Ashley Eckstein as Ahsoka Tano and Vanessa Marshall as Hera Syndulla.

Felicity Jones voiced Jyn Erso in season 1, but the role was recast with Helen Sadler for season 2.

The series' original score, opening theme, and closing theme were all composed by Ryan Shore.

The show is a female-centric anthology, mostly focusing on characters such as Princess Leia, Sabine Wren, Jyn Erso, Rose Tico, Ahsoka Tano, Padmé Amidala, Hera Syndulla, and Rey, with each episode written by Jennifer Muro and directed by Brad Rau.

A companion toy line by Hasbro introduced an 11-inch 'adventure figure' format for the six core female characters, designed to fill the gap between traditional action figures and dolls, launching August 1, 2017.

SyFy Wire criticized the series as 'a great concept in search of a far better execution,' comparing it unfavorably to Genndy Tartakovsky's 2003 Clone Wars shorts and calling its stories disconnected despite a consistent visual style.