Now this is a May the Fourth/Star Wars Day tradition I can get behind. Lucasfilm has announced the next expansion of the “Tales of” shows with Tales of the Underworld, dropping 6 new episodes for 2025’s May 4! As is expected, two characters get the deep dive for three episodes each, but what might be unexpected is the who: Cad Bane and Asajj Ventress!! Check out the appropriately moody and seedy trailer above and check out some additional thoughts and the key art below!
Much like Tales of the Jedi and Tales of the Empire before it, I’ll be reviewing Tales of the Underworld per character, exploring the three episodes together, and those should be out sometime shortly after it premieres May 4. I find it interesting both characters section’s sound more connected than previous “Tales of” shows, following a single story rather than hopping around in time.
Of the two, I’m pumped for Asajj Ventress the most, as her story has been a wonderful ride through the Clone Wars and her recent resurgence in a playful Brotherhood and the big return in season three of The Bad Batch opened a whole new direction and hope to see where she’ll go next. I was hoping it meant a full show for herself and adventures in the time of the Empire, but I’ll this works as well; look how well Barriss Offee’s episodes worked, giving us a promising cliffhanger to boot! According to the official reveal, Ventress’ section will be about:
“…former dark side assassin Asajj Ventress as she’s given a new chance at life and must go on the run with an unexpected new ally…”
We get a glimpse of this ally, a young Jedi in a post-Order 66 world whom Ventress decides to help, which is kind of becoming her thing these days. I’ve seen some debate on who this character could be if they aren’t new, with some thinking Corran from Obi-Wan Kenobi, the young child the trickster ‘Jedi’ was initially helping, Petro from the younglings arc of The Clone Wars, both which would be intriguing and could lead to them in post-Return of the Jedi stories depending on how things go. Ventress will be facing off against what looks to be an Inquisitor, given the mysterious new species is holding one of their typical blades in Underworld‘s poster, and I wonder if it’s because she’s on the Empire’s list or it’s due to them already hunting the kid. Also, she’ll run into Latts Razzi, the two having worked together in the past, though depending on when this is set, Razzi might be running her own syndicate, per the Smuggler’s Guide book. They don’t specify if her episodes will be set before or after her Bad Batch appearance, but I’m betting on afterwards.
Cad Bane’s always been a formidable character in his appearances, though I’ve never been the biggest fan or ever felt like I needed to know more about him to better understand him. After how The Book of Boba Fett did him dirty, despite looking pretty cool in the transition, I guess a chance to give him something to make up for it is in order. Here’s what his story is said to be about:
“…outlaw Cad Bane as he faces his past when he confronts an old friend, now a marshal on the other side of the law.”
This does sound interesting at least, Bane having friends seems like a surprise and watching him try to work on that despite his pal now being the law will force him to be less of the shoot first and not worry about the consequences type of guy.
Of course the voice cast will being back Nika Futterman as Asajj Ventress and Corey Burton as Cad Bane, but the series is said to also have Artt Butler, Lane Factor (Cheese from Reservation Dogs!!!!!!), AJ LoCascio, Clare Grant, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, and Eric Lopez.
Check back to the Manor after watching Tales of the Underworld in the days following May 4 for my reviews!
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him and the website on Bluesky.
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