Get out your lightsaber and clean your blaster. May the 4th is upon us once again.

With the return of the annual Star Wars-themed day, Disney+ continues to give gifts to the fans. With the debut of Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld on Disney+, the streamer continues a series that began with Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi and Star Wars: Tales of the Empire, the franchise shorts are generally low risk, high reward for Disney. After all,

But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t fun. And, in fact, Underworld might be some of the better stories the series of shorts have had to offer.

(L-R): Lyco Strata (voiced by Lane Factor) and Asajj Ventress (voiced by Nika Futterman) in Lucasfilm’s STAR WARS: TALES OF THE UNDERWORLD. Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm. © 2025 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

While the series continues the same style of animation that has marked the franchise since The Clone Wars, what has made these animated series special is their writing. Created by Dave Filoni, the animated Star Warsworld has always been willing to take a few more risks than their onscreen counterparts. And that tradition continues in Underworld.

Once again, taking the form of two stories told over multiple episodes, Tales of the Underworld follows some of the Star Wars universe’s most dangerous outlaws. With Assajj Ventress, the show helps continue an evolution that stems back many years. Voiced by Nika Futterman, we’ve watched Ventress grow from an elite Sith assassin to a much more nuanced bounty hunter. But Bane’s origin story helps provide some insight into the development of one of the Wars universe’s darkest rogue villains. Beginning in his childhood, Underworld gives key moments in his development that helped shape him into the merciless and mysterious (but beloved) character that we know.

In this way, the two storylines offer alternative character arcs. But, by holding them up against one another, Underworld creates a fascinating dichotomy. Whereas Ventress’ story gives us hope for an ascent, the origin of Cad Bane serves as a descent into darkness. Together, they show the different outcomes that can come as a result of our choices, especially when it comes to doing the right thing.

Cad Bane (voiced by Corey Burton) in Lucasfilm’s STAR WARS: TALES OF THE UNDERWORLD. Photo courtesy of Lucasfilm. © 2025 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

For Ventress, the journey towards (almost) redemption stems from her willingness to open herself up emotionally. Though only a small chapter of Ventress’ story, it’s clear that Filoni and co. care deeply about the character as they leave the door open for more adventures. Teaming with a young Jedi, their story tends to play more lighthearted, even at its most serious moments. (Though, it’s worth noting that her lightsaber battle in the first episode is particularly well-executed.)

Even so, it’s Cad Bane’s arc that really cooks. Leaning into the spirit of old Westerns, the shorts tell a complete arc with genuine intrigue and intensity. By the time the 3rd (or, technically, 6th) episode rolls around, Bane’s quest for revenge has some heat that makes the final confrontation fascinating, especially for an animated short.

Again, these shorts are designed to simply draw attention to the Wars universe on its annual pseudo-celebration. However, Filoni and his team make the most of the opportunity. Though brief in length, Tales from the Underworld remain both well-executed and entertaining excuses for revisiting a galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld joins an expansive collection of Star Wars films and series on Disney+, just in time for May the 4th.