Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Tales of the Underworld.
Asajj Ventress has one of the most unique character arcs within the entireStar Warsuniverse. Despite originating in the non-canon “Legends” content, Ventress was brought into the official canon when she was included in theStar Wars: The Clone Warsfilm and television series, where she was established as a dark-sided force user who trained under Count Dooku. Ventress quickly became a fan-favorite; in addition to the excellent vocal performance byNika Futterman, it was interesting to see a character who could point out legitimate flaws within both the Jedi Order and the Sith philosophy.Ventress’ recent appearancein the anthology seriesTales of the Underworldindicates thatshe will have a more central role in the next stage of theStar Warsuniverse.
The Clone Warshas become one of the most influential pieces ofStar Warsmedia, and has shaped many of the most critical projects. The animated showsRebelsandThe Bad Batchpicked up with many of the same characters, but others were transferred into live-action;Forest Whitakerappeared as Saw Gerrera inRogue One, Corey Burtonreturned to voice Cad Bane inThe Book of Boba Fett, andRosario Dawsontook on the titular role inAhsoka. Given that her story once again ends on an ambiguous note, Ventress is perfectly suited to appear in an upcoming live-actionStar Warsproject.
2‘Tales of the Underworld’ Explains the Return of Asajj Ventress
Ventress’ history had become somewhat confusing due to events that took place offscreen; although a storyline in which she teamed up with Quinlan Vos in a failed attempt to assassinate Count Dooku was intended to appear in an upcoming season ofThe Clone Wars, it was instead adapted into the canon novelDark Discipleafter the series was officially cancelled in 2013. AlthoughDark Discipleended with Ventress dying, having sacrificed herself to save Vos, she subsequently appeared in the final season ofThe Bad Batch, in which she was said to be seeking “The Path.”Tales of the Underworldrevealed that Ventress had been resurrected by the Nightsisters, and that she had decided toreturn to the world of crimeto become a bounty hunter.
It would make little sense to bring Ventress back if there wasn’t a plan to use her again, as the presumed death inDark Disciplewas already a very emotional moment. AlthoughTales of the Underworldgets to show her facing off with other bounty hunters, it establishes that she has once again decided to seek out the light side of the force; she mentions “The Path,” a secret group established inObi-Wan Kenobithat helps protect Jedi that managed to survive Order 66. Although Lucasfilm Animation has announced that there will be a new animated series centeredon Darth Maul that will be released in 2026, it would make little sense for Ventress to appear in it. Ventress’ feud with Maul is already resolved by the end ofThe Clone Wars, and those that have seenRebelsknow that he dies within a battle with Obi-Wan on Tatooine.
Ventress’ role in the animatedStar Warsuniverse has been fulfilled to its potential, as viewers have gotten to see her transform from a ruthless hero to a reluctant protagonist who seeks a path of redemption. Although the future of theStar Warsanimated universe is unclear, Ventress’ adventures within the events leading up toA New Hopehave already been established. The more interesting choice would be to explore how Ventress factors into the era followingReturn of the Jedi, and how she reunites with former enemies like Ahsoka. Given that there has yet to be an animated project set in the “New Republic” era, it would make the most sense for Ventress to appear in a live-action show or film.
Despite What Bryce Dallas Howard Is Trying to Do With Samuel L. Jackson, We Should Definitely Not Have a Mace Windu Spinoff
Sorry to Jackson, but we just don’t need this spinoff.
1Ventress Still Has a Story To Tell
Lucasfilm has focused heavily on the era in the timeline betweenReturn of the JediandThe Force Awakens, as this is whereThe Mandalorian,Ahsoka, The Book of Boba Fett,Skeleton Crew,and the upcoming filmThe Mandalorian and Groguall take place. WhileShawn Levy’s upcoming filmStarfighterwill take place in the aftermath ofThe Rise of Skywalker, the “New Republic” era still has many loose story threads that have yet to be resolved, including the rise of Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) and the dark side of Baylan Skoll (Rory McCannreplacing the lateRay Stevenson). Considering the Ventress already has history with Ahsoka and the otherRebelscharacters, it would be exciting to see them appear together in a live-action project.
Ventress is an interesting character who could challenge many of the established factionswithin the “New Republic” era, as she has been around long enough to see the fall of the Republic and the collapse of the Empire. While Ventress was traditionally loyal to the Nightsisters of Dathomir, she may have less reason to trust them, given that there are several witches that have sworn allegiance to Thrawn. It’s also unclear where her relationship with Ahsoka stands. The two were enemies throughoutThe Clone Wars, Ventress did help save Ahsoka by proving thatthere was a conspiracy to frame herfor the Jedi Temple bombing, which led to her excommunication from the Order. It’s also been hinted that Ventress had romantic feelings for Vos, who was established as having died off-screen inObi-Wan Kenobi.
Ventress is one of the most dynamicStar Warscharacters, and could inject some humor, pathos, and moral ambiguity into the franchise during a period of stagnation. While reviews ofAhsokawere mixed when it came to the creative direction thatDave Filonitook, there was significant praise for Dawson’s portrayal ofone of the franchise’s most beloved characters.Tales of the Underworldsets up a new role for Ventress to occupy within the next era of the franchise, and it would be thrilling to see her make her live-action debut.
All episodes ofTales of the Underworldare available to stream on Disney+ in the U.S.
