The Force may bind the galaxy together, but it’s the shadows that tell the juiciest stories.
Premiering on May 4, 2025 — Star Wars Day — Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld is the latest animated anthology series from Lucasfilm, and it trades Jedi heroism and lightsaber duels for bounty hunters, crime syndicates, and the morally gray figures who thrive in the seediest corners of the galaxy. It’s dark, stylish, and a refreshing tonal shift for the franchise that continues to explore every layer of its sprawling universe.
A Galaxy Not So Far From Noir
Tales of the Underworld explores the Star Wars galaxy through the lens of outlaws, assassins, and survivors. Each episode in the anthology centers on a different character operating outside the reach of the Republic or the Empire — figures who often get overshadowed by Skywalkers and Sith Lords.
Among the fan-favorite characters making a return are Asajj Ventress, the former Sith apprentice turned bounty hunter, and Cad Bane, the cold-blooded sharpshooter who’s been terrifying audiences since The Clone Wars. Their episodes delve into betrayal, survival, and power in a galaxy where morality is a luxury.
This isn’t just a side-story collection — it’s a full-fledged dive into the galactic criminal underworld, showcasing everything from spice runners and arms dealers to back-alley Jedi relic traffickers and broken Force-wielders trying to survive in lawless space.
Animation with an Edge
Visually, Tales of the Underworld distinguishes itself from previous animated Star Wars series with a grittier, stylized aesthetic — somewhere between The Clone Wars and a neo-noir graphic novel. The series uses sharp contrasts, shadow-heavy scenes, and atmospheric worldbuilding to immerse viewers in dangerous cantinas, forgotten outposts, and grimy cityscapes.
Each episode feels like its own short film, complete with unique visual tones and musical arrangements. While the anthology format allows for one-off stories, the thematic thread remains clear: power always comes at a cost in the underworld.
Star Wars for Grown-Ups (Without Losing the Heart)
Though still accessible to longtime fans of all ages, Tales of the Underworld leans into more mature themes. The storytelling isn’t afraid to get messy — exploring betrayal, addiction, revenge, and trauma in ways rarely seen in animated Star Wars content. But even in its darkest moments, the show maintains the franchise’s emotional depth and humanity.
It also gives space to lesser-known or long-missing characters, offering new lore and emotional backstories that expand the Star Wars mythos without relying on familiar tropes or timelines.
The Future of the Anthology Format
Following the success of Star Wars: Visions, which brought experimental animation styles from around the world to the galaxy far, far away, Tales of the Underworld proves the anthology format is more than just a novelty — it’s a necessary playground for storytelling experimentation. It allows Lucasfilm to explore uncharted territory without the pressure of an overarching saga, offering creative freedom and thematic richness.
Final Verdict
Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld is a gritty, captivating twist on the familiar. It turns away from destiny and prophecies and focuses instead on the scrappy survivors, the dangerous mercenaries, and the morally ambiguous outcasts that make the galaxy pulse behind the scenes.
For fans of The Mandalorian, Andor, or the criminal arcs in The Clone Wars, this anthology is a must-watch — a raw, compelling exploration of Star Wars at its most human.
The Force may not be strong here, but the storytelling absolutely is.
