In a thrilling addition to the Star Wars universe, Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld premiered on Disney+ on May 4, 2025, coinciding with the annual Star Wars Day celebration. This six-episode animated anthology series, the third in Lucasfilm Animation’s “Tales Of” series, dives into the gritty criminal underbelly of the galaxy, spotlighting two iconic villains: Asajj Ventress, Count Dooku’s former apprentice, and the notorious Duros bounty hunter Cad Bane.
Created by Star Wars veteran Dave Filoni with lead writer Charles Murray, Tales of the Underworld follows the dual-pathway format established by its predecessors, Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi (2022) and Star Wars: Tales of the Empire (2024). Each season explores second-tier characters from the Star Wars timeline, and this installment focuses on the morally complex journeys of Ventress and Bane, voiced by returning actors Nika Futterman and Corey Burton, respectively. The series blends stunning animation with deep character exploration, offering fans new insights into these fan-favorite outlaws.
Producer Alex Spotswood, a seasoned figure in Star Wars animation with credits on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and Star Wars: The Bad Batch, shared insights with Space.com about the series’ development. “We have used the ‘Tales’ series as kind of proving grounds for a lot of technology and testing various ways of producing episodes for our normal core shows,” Spotswood explained. For Bane’s arc, the team experimented with color correction to evoke an “old world vibe,” reflecting the decades-spanning story of his transformation into the ultimate gangster.
The return of Futterman and Burton was a highlight for Spotswood, who praised their iconic performances. “Corey speaks for himself. There’s no other person,” he said of Burton’s chilling portrayal of Bane, noting that his voice is instantly recognizable even before the character appears on screen. Similarly, Futterman’s Ventress is unmistakable, her voice carrying the weight of the character’s complex history. “You hear that voice, you go with it, and everyone knows it,” Spotswood added.
Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld delves into Ventress’s journey after her apparent death in the Star Wars novel Dark Disciple (2015), exploring her resurrection and new path as she navigates the Empire’s rise. Bane’s episodes, meanwhile, trace his origins, revealing the choices that shaped him into the cold-hearted bounty hunter seen in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and his live-action debut in The Book of Boba Fett. Spotswood emphasized the allure of these characters, stating, “They are undoubtedly villains. They murder people in cold blood,” yet their compelling narratives draw fans to their dark, noir-ish worlds.
The series has been praised for its lush animation and character-driven storytelling, though some reviews note an uneven balance between Ventress’s lighter, redemption-focused arc and Bane’s darker, more cohesive origin story. IGN highlighted Burton and Futterman’s voice acting as a high point, while Empire called the series “an illuminating journey into the shadows of Star Wars’ underworld.”
What’s Next for Star Wars Animation
Looking ahead, Lucasfilm Animation shows no signs of slowing down. Dave Filoni, now Lucasfilm’s Chief Creative Officer, has hinted at further expansions of the “Tales Of" anthology format, potentially exploring other underrepresented characters from the Star Wars saga. While no official announcements have been made, posts on social media and industry buzz suggest a possible fourth “Tales Of” series focusing on characters from the High Republic era or the sequel trilogy.
Additionally, Star Wars: The Bad Batch concluded its third season in 2024, but Spotswood’s comments about the “Tales” series serving as a testing ground for new technology hint at innovative projects on the horizon. Fans are also eagerly awaiting updates on a second season of Visions, the anthology series featuring unique animation styles from global studios, which could further push the boundaries of Star Wars storytelling.
Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld is now streaming on Disney+, offering fans a chance to explore the darker corners of the galaxy through the eyes of two of its most infamous rogues. With Filoni’s signature storytelling and cutting-edge animation, this anthology continues to expand the Star Wars saga in bold, exciting ways.
