Premiering on May 4, 2025, Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld marks the third chapter in the Tales animated anthology series, following Tales of the Jedi and Tales of the Empire. This installment shifts focus to the galaxy’s most elusive and feared bounty hunters. Crafted by Lucasfilm Animation and written entirely by Matt Michnovetz, the series delivers six tightly packed episodes split across two arcs—one following the elusive assassin Asajj Ventress, and the other chronicling the morally complex escapades of Cad Bane.
The series was announced on April 2, 2025, and enjoyed a creative debut with a sneak peek at Celebration Japan, followed by a Fortnite Watch Party premiere on May 2. Disney+ officially launched all six shorts on May 4, adding the series to its growing Star Wars Tales collection.
Returning voice talents include Nika Futterman as Asajj Ventress and Corey Burton as Cad Bane, both reprising their roles from The Clone Wars. Other notable voice actors featured in the series include Artt Butler, Lane Factor, Clare Grant, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, and Eric Lopez. Clare Grant returns as Latts Razzi, while Barbara Goodson reprises her role as the eerie Mother Talzin, and Al Rodrigo lends his voice to the elusive Quinlan Vos.
Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld – Official Trailer
Relevant Questions Answered
What is Tales of the Underworld about?
This anthology tells two character-driven stories. One follows Asajj Ventress after her time as a Sith apprentice and Nightsister, now navigating the criminal underworld with a mysterious ally. The other centers on Cad Bane, who comes face-to-face with an old acquaintance whose loyalties have changed, testing the limits of his own ruthlessness.
How many episodes are there?
There are six short episodes, each focused on either Ventress or Bane. The arcs alternate or run in sequence depending on the viewer’s preferred watch order, but all are part of a singular thematic vision.
Do I need to watch the other Tales series first?
Not necessarily. While prior knowledge of Ventress and Bane from The Clone Wars adds context, each arc in Tales of the Underworld is designed to stand on its own, providing self-contained insights into the characters.
Does it tie into broader Star Wars lore?
Absolutely. Both protagonists are legacy characters whose roles ripple across multiple timelines. Their stories in Tales of the Underworld offer further depth to their motivations and evolution in the broader Star Wars canon.
Is Tales of the Underworld Worth Watching?
Yes—especially if you’re a fan of the darker, grittier corners of the Star Wars universe. Where Tales of the Jedi and Tales of the Empire examined the fall and survival of Force users, Tales of the Underworld strips away ideology and delves into survival for its own sake. Ventress and Bane operate by their own codes, and these shorts give us a rare and refreshing look at characters who live between the cracks of galactic power.
The emotional stakes are surprisingly high. Ventress’s arc offers themes of isolation, redemption, and trust, while Cad Bane’s tale touches on loyalty, regret, and consequences. The shorts are well-paced, and the animation—handled by returning directors Nathaniel Villanueva, Saul Ruiz, and Steward Lee—matches the quality fans have come to expect from Lucasfilm Animation.
Even if you’re not a diehard fan, Tales of the Underworld presents its stories with such clarity and precision that it’s worth watching simply for the moral complexity and narrative depth rarely found in shorter Star Wars media.
Star Wars Watch Order (Including Animated Series)
Release Order
-
- The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Attack of the Clones (2002)
- The Clone Wars (2008, film and series)
- Tales of the Jedi (2022)
- Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- The Bad Batch (2021–2024)
- Tales of the Empire (2024)
- Tales of the Underworld (2025)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
- Andor (2022)
- Rebels (2014–2018)
- Rogue One (2016)
- A New Hope (1977)
- The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Return of the Jedi (1983)
- The Mandalorian (2019–)
- Ahsoka (2023)
- Skeleton Crew (2025)
- Resistance (2018–2020)
- The Force Awakens (2015)
- The Last Jedi (2017)
- The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Chronological Order
-
- The Acolyte (2024)
- The Phantom Menace
- Attack of the Clones
- The Clone Wars
- Tales of the Jedi
- Revenge of the Sith
- Tales of the Empire
- Tales of the Underworld
- The Bad Batch
- Solo
- Obi-Wan Kenobi
- Andor
- Rebels
- Rogue One
- A New Hope
- The Empire Strikes Back
- Return of the Jedi
- The Mandalorian
- Ahsoka
- Skeleton Crew
- Resistance
- The Force Awakens
- The Last Jedi
- The Rise of Skywalker
FAQ – Tales of the Underworld
Is this show canon?
Yes, Tales of the Underworld is part of the official Star Wars canon and contributes meaningful lore about Ventress and Bane.
Is this series connected to The Clone Wars?
Yes. Both main characters originally appeared in The Clone Wars, and their stories here continue where that series left off.
Is the show suitable for kids?
While animated, the themes in Tales of the Underworld are mature and may resonate more with teen and adult audiences. The tone is darker, and the emotional arcs are complex.
How long is each episode?
Each short runs approximately 15 minutes, making it easy to watch the entire series in under two hours.
Will there be another “Tales” series?
While not yet confirmed, the continued critical success of the Tales anthology makes another installment very likely.
Conclusion – The Star Wars Underdogs Get Their Due
Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld proves that short-form storytelling can pack a serious punch. With its focus on two of the galaxy’s most enigmatic characters, this series bridges gaps in Star Wars lore and gives fans a more intimate look at life beyond the Jedi and Sith binary.
What makes this installment stand out is its commitment to emotional resonance. Ventress’s vulnerability and Cad Bane’s internal conflict are portrayed with surprising nuance, bolstered by expressive animation and voice acting that honors past performances while adding depth.
Some viewers may wish for longer episodes or more connective tissue between the arcs. However, the strength of each story lies in its conciseness—there’s no filler here, just two powerful journeys set in the harsh realities of the Star Wars underworld.
Whether you’re in it for the lore, the character development, or just to see Ventress and Bane at their most raw, Tales of the Underworld is a must-watch for anyone wanting more than just heroes and villains.
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