Epic Games and Disney are set to launch their most ambitious collaboration yet, bringing the expansive universe of "Star Wars" into the popular game Fortnite. This partnership marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time Disney+ premieres a show inside a video game, specifically with the animated series "Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld." The series will debut in Fortnite on May 2, 2025, just two days before its official release on Disney+ on May 4, 2025.
Beginning at 10 a.m. ET on May 2, players can watch the first two episodes of the series on the "Star Wars" Watch Party island within Fortnite. The episodes will focus on the criminal underbelly of the "Star Wars" galaxy, featuring iconic villains such as Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane. Ventress, a former assassin and bounty hunter, will embark on a new adventure, while Bane confronts his past.
Sean Shoptaw, Executive Vice President of Disney Games & Digital Entertainment, expressed excitement about this groundbreaking collaboration. He stated, "For the first time, Disney+ is premiering a show inside a game, launching alongside our largest Star Wars collaboration with Fortnite to date – giving fans and players an exciting first look at the kinds of experiences they can expect as we shape a new future together." He emphasized the potential for fans to play, watch, create, and connect in a new era of digital entertainment.
In addition to the animated series, Fortnite will introduce a themed season titled "Galactic Battle," which will transform the Battle Royale mode with new "Star Wars" content every week. Players will have the opportunity to suit up as characters like Darth Jar Jar or Emperor Palpatine and pilot iconic ships such as X-wings and TIE Fighters. This season will culminate in a live in-game event called "Death Star Sabotage," promising an epic conclusion to the collaboration.
To further engage players, Fortnite is offering a free First Order Stormtrooper skin. To unlock this exclusive outfit, players must connect their Epic Games account with a MyDisney account by August 31, 2025. This skin is a new addition to the collection, differing from previous Stormtrooper skins that represented various eras from the franchise. Players can expect to see both a Fortnite style and a LEGO® style for the outfit.
The process to connect accounts is simple. Players need to log into their Epic Games account, navigate to the Apps & Accounts section, and select the option to connect to their MyDisney account. Once linked, the First Order Stormtrooper skin will automatically appear in their Fortnite locker.
The Star Wars Watch Party island is not merely a viewing experience; it also allows players to engage with the game by using lightsabers and blasters to fend off waves of Stormtroopers while racking up points on a leaderboard. This interactive experience will be available until May 11, 2025, and players who watch both episodes will receive an Asajj Ventress Loading Screen within 72 hours.
Epic Games President Adam Sussman remarked on the innovative nature of this collaboration, stating, "Disney and Epic are pioneering the future of social entertainment together, and this expansive Star Wars collaboration offers a glimpse into the type of interactive experiences we envision. We are reimagining what’s possible with immersive storytelling in Fortnite with one of the world’s most beloved franchises – stay tuned for a lot more to come." This partnership not only showcases the potential for storytelling in gaming but also highlights the evolving landscape of digital entertainment.
As May the Fourth approaches, fans and players are gearing up for a season filled with Star Wars-themed quests, skins, and weapons. The anticipation is palpable as Epic Games prepares to unveil a plethora of Star Wars-related content, ensuring that players can immerse themselves fully in the galaxy far, far away.
In summary, the collaboration between Epic Games and Disney signifies a new chapter in the intersection of gaming and entertainment. With the debut of "Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld" in Fortnite, players will experience a unique blend of storytelling and gameplay that pushes the boundaries of what fans can expect from their favorite franchises. As the launch date draws near, excitement continues to build, promising an unforgettable experience for gamers and Star Wars enthusiasts alike.
