Star Wars fans are in for a treat as the beloved character Asajj Ventress is set to return in a more prominent role within the expanding Star Wars universe. Ventress, who first appeared in the non-canon "Legends" content, was brought into the official canon through the acclaimed animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Initially portrayed as a dark side user trained by Count Dooku, her character quickly became a fan favorite, thanks in part to the compelling voice performance by Nika Futterman. In a recent development, her reappearance in the anthology series Tales of the Underworld hints at an exciting new chapter for her character.
The Clone Wars has undoubtedly influenced many subsequent Star Wars projects, including animated series like Rebels and The Bad Batch, as well as live-action adaptations featuring characters such as Saw Gerrera, voiced by Forest Whitaker in Rogue One, and Cad Bane, who was voiced by Corey Burton in The Book of Boba Fett. Rosario Dawson, who took on the role of Ahsoka Tano, has also been pivotal in bridging these narratives.
Ventress' narrative has had its share of twists and turns. Following the cancellation of The Clone Wars in 2013, a storyline involving her teaming up with Quinlan Vos to assassinate Count Dooku was adapted into the canon novel Dark Disciple. This tale concluded with Ventress sacrificing herself to save Vos, marking a poignant moment in her story. However, her tale did not end there. In the final season of The Bad Batch, she was depicted as seeking a mysterious path referred to as "The Path," aimed at protecting Jedi survivors of Order 66.
The latest installment, Tales of the Underworld, reveals that Ventress has been resurrected by the Nightsisters and has returned to a life of crime as a bounty hunter. This resurrection opens the door for further exploration of her character, especially considering the emotional weight of her previous death in Dark Disciple. With her story arc once again shrouded in ambiguity, fans are eager to see how Ventress will navigate her newfound existence.
Interestingly, while Lucasfilm Animation has announced a new animated series centered on Darth Maul set to release in 2026, it seems unlikely that Ventress will appear in it. Her conflict with Maul was resolved by the end of The Clone Wars, and her character has already undergone significant development. Instead, it would be more fitting for her to appear in a live-action project, especially given the rich narrative potential that lies in the era following Return of the Jedi.
As the Star Wars universe continues to expand, the timeline between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens is being heavily explored. Projects like The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, and The Book of Boba Fett delve into this period, leaving many story threads unresolved, including the rise of Grand Admiral Thrawn and the dark side of Baylan Skoll. Ventress, with her extensive history and complex relationships, particularly with Ahsoka, could serve as a compelling character to explore these narratives further.
Moreover, Ventress' past with Ahsoka adds an intriguing layer to her character. Although they were adversaries during The Clone Wars, Ventress played a crucial role in saving Ahsoka from a conspiracy that led to her excommunication from the Jedi Order. This shared history could create a captivating dynamic if they were to reunite in future projects.
In addition to Ventress, Star Wars fans can look forward to Ahsoka Tano's continued presence in the franchise. Ahsoka will appear in a new four-part prequel series titled LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy: Pieces of the Past, set to debut on September 19, 2025. Ashley Eckstein, who reprises her role as Ahsoka, announced at Star Wars Celebration 2025 that this new series will feature a LEGO BrickHeadz version of the character. The series aims to tackle various Star Wars what-ifs, adding a unique twist to Ahsoka's story.
Eckstein expressed her excitement about returning to the role, stating, "When I got the call that I was going to be returning as Ahsoka, I cried. I’ve missed her so much. I’ve missed you all so much. This has really been a dream come true.” She emphasized that Pieces of the Past offers a heartfelt representation of Ahsoka, showcasing how her character resonates with fans across generations.
As live-action projects continue to unfold, including the production of Ahsoka Season 2, the LEGO series presents an opportunity for fans to engage with Ahsoka in a humorous and creative way. Unlike traditional Star Wars narratives, the LEGO series is free from canon restrictions, allowing for a playful exploration of the universe.
With both Ventress and Ahsoka set to play significant roles in upcoming projects, fans are left wondering how these characters will evolve in the ever-expanding Star Wars landscape. The rich storytelling potential and complex character arcs promise to keep audiences engaged and excited for what lies ahead.
As the Star Wars universe continues to grow, it is evident that characters like Ventress and Ahsoka will remain central to its narrative fabric. With their intertwined histories and the potential for new adventures, fans can look forward to a future filled with intrigue, excitement, and the timeless struggle between light and dark.
