If you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan who can’t get enough of its sprawling universe, then the newest addition to the Tales anthology is bound to catch your eye. Released on Disney+ on May 4, 2025, Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld splits its screen time between two of the franchise’s most colorful characters—former Separatist assassin Asajj Ventress and the ever-charismatic bounty hunter Cad Bane. And while the series dazzles with jaw-dropping visuals and a fresh soundtrack twist, it’s a mixed bag in terms of storytelling.
Visuals, Sound, and a Fresh Spin on the Force Let’s kick things off with what immediately grabs you: the look and sound of the show. Lucasfilm Animation has clearly been busy perfecting their painterly art style, and these episodes look so gorgeous they might just make you forget all about your last binge-watching spree. The textures, lighting, and even water physics are cranked up to a whole new level—so much so that they outshine even The Bad Batch and other Tales series. And the music? It abandons the somewhat familiar motifs of traditional Star Wars fare in favor of a unique vibe that makes the series feel refreshingly distinct. If you adore beautiful animation and innovative auditory experiences, prepare to have your mind blown.
Astounding Voice Acting and Surprise Debuts The animation isn’t the only area where the show shines. Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld might also set a new benchmark for voice acting in the franchise. Veteran talents Corey Burton and Nika Futterman give powerhouse performances as Cad Bane and Ventress. Their work is thrilling enough to almost distract you from a few narrative hiccups, especially in Bane’s storyline. And for those of you who love shows like FX’s Reservation Dogs, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by Lane Factor’s voice acting debut as Lyco—a character who adds a much-needed spark with his endearing, honest energy.
Asajj Ventress: A Familiar Journey Reinvented? The first half of the series spots Ventress front and center in three swift, approximately 15-minute chapters. Here, we hoped for a deep dive into the dark, seedy underbelly that has made Star Wars so legendary since the days of Mos Eisley. Instead, Ventress finds herself on more of a lighthearted romp that ends up reiterating some well-known Star Wars lessons—like the old-school value of friendship—without really breaking new ground. Sure, there are moments of fun inadvisories like a quirky heist and fierce inquisitorial action, but much of it feels like rehashing tales we already saw in The Clone Wars, Rebels, and The Bad Batch. And while it’s cool to see Ventress return (even if it means bending the rules of canon as found in Dark Disciple where her story got a pretty emotional farewell), it doesn’t stretch her character in the way fans might have hoped. It’s as if the series is saying, “Hey, she’s back on the roster,” without offering a compelling reason to explore her complexities anew.
Cad Bane: The Underdog That Lives Up to His Name In contrast to Ventress’s underwhelming journey, Cad Bane’s arc is a wild, raucous ride that truly embraces the scum and villainy of the galaxy’s underworld. Structured like a classic western in three acts, his storyline features divergent paths, dramatic friend breakups, and all the theatrical melodrama that makes a bounty hunter’s life so irresistible in a Star Wars context. Bane’s narrative even dives into themes of class, poverty, and the formative impact they have on a young mind—territory that’s rarely explored in the franchise and one that makes the character feel all the more authentic. However, even this standout storyline isn’t without faults. The arc’s pacing, while generally well-managed, forces some of the more subtle details to be cut short. One puzzling aspect is the jarring shift in Bane’s vocal style—from sounding like your average kid in the opening episode to channeling a more seasoned, hardened tone later on, courtesy of Corey Burton. It’s a curious choice that leaves you scratching your head, wondering if there’s a hidden backstory to that quirky accent transition that just wasn’t given enough time to breathe.
Balancing Old and New in the Star Wars Universe What makes Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld so interesting is its attempt to blend the familiar with the unexpected. On one hand, you get that distinct Star Wars charm, whether it’s through epic space opera visuals or heartfelt themes of sacrifice and camaraderie. On the other hand, the series is not afraid to borrow from classic cinema and even sprinkle in a bit of telenovela-style drama to keep things lively. The cadent and sometimes convoluted plot threads might make you feel like you’re watching someone try to juggle too many lightsabers at once, but the series’ ambition is clear. It’s a noble attempt to keep long-standing characters in the limelight while also venturing into fresh narrative territory—even if not every twist hits the mark.
Who Should Watch Tales of the Underworld? If you’re a fan of visually stunning, narratively ambitious Star Wars content that isn’t afraid to take risks—even at the expense of a few narrative missteps—then this series is for you. Casual viewers may enjoy the vibrant action and dynamic character studies, but die-hard fans looking for deep, transformative journeys will find themselves wishing for a little more development, especially with Ventress’s storyline. Cad Bane’s segment, with all its classic underworld drama, remains a highlight and makes the series worth watching even when one half feels like it’s been on autopilot.
Final Thoughts At its core, Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld is a mixed bag. One half of the anthology manages to capture the raw excitement and dramatic intensity that we love about the galaxy far, far away, while the other half seems content to revisit familiar ground. It’s like ordering two courses at your favorite eatery—one is an epic feast, while the other is a slightly under-seasoned appetizer that leaves you wondering if they could have added just a touch more spice. Regardless, there’s enough heart, flair, and innovation here to keep even the most skeptical fans entertained. In the end, it’s a reminder that even in a universe as expansive as Star Wars, new stories can emerge from old legends—even if they sometimes take a detour down the scenic route.
Source: This article was inspired by content from Ign . All images belong to their respective owners.