Asajj Ventress Returns: Her New Force Alignment & Love Quest Explained

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Lucasfilm is marking May 4th with panache by launching a fresh six-part miniseries titled “Star Wars: Tales from the Underworld“. This exciting new series delves back into the less Jedi, more scoundrel and villain side of the Star Wars universe. The show features the comeback of beloved rogues such as Cad Bane, a Duros bounty hunter. This series is under the expert guidance of Dave Filoni, the mastermind behind Star Wars: The Clone Wars, who has been instrumental in shaping the franchise’s direction across animation and live-action for quite some time now.

The series “Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld” brings back Asajj Ventress, a character who was thought to have been killed off in the 2015 novel “Star Wars: Dark Disciple” by Christie Golden. Originally introduced in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”, Ventress has had one of the longest and most profound transformations among any villain in the Star Wars franchise. In “Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld”, Nika Futterman, who previously voiced Count Dooku’s former apprentice, reprises her role.

Joe Deckelmeier from ScreenRant recently had a chat with Nika Futterman about the unexpected return of Asajj Ventress in ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld’. Futterman expressed her thoughts on how Ventress’ second life has impacted her, revealing how past events have influenced her moral outlook. Additionally, Futterman speculated what Ventress might aim for in the future.

Tales Of The Underworld Introduces A New Asajj Ventress

“She’s Just A Little Softer”

In the animated series “Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld,” Cad Bane and Asajj Ventress are the main characters, but don’t be surprised if Ventress doesn’t come off as the same character from previous animation projects. Voice actress Nika Futterman explained that while recording her lines, she spoke extensively with Dave about adjusting Ventress’s voice slightly to make her seem less aristocratic and more streetwise. She went on to say that although Ventress has always been tough, she previously felt that she had a certain regal mindset, but in this series, Ventress carries herself differently.

Currently, she seems to be expressing something like, “I am a bounty hunter and I am weary,” Futterman stated. “Now I understand the sensation of love.” She appears more tender now.

She might still threaten you with her lightsaber and possibly harm you, but she’s more tender-hearted.

Nika Futterman Explains Ventress’ Relationship With The Force

“She Wants To Use Her Force And Her Capabilities For Good”

The preview for Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld suggests that Ventress, usually known as one of the galaxy’s top assassins, is taking on a new role – that of a protector. As Futterman explained, “If you consider her entire story, she was trained as a Jedi, she has powers akin to witchcraft, and she’s connected to the dark side. However, at this point in her life, despite being a loner, it seems she’s aligning herself more with the Jedi mindset. She appears to want to harness her Force abilities for good purposes, even if she doesn’t openly acknowledge it.

Regarding why Ventress appears to assume that role, Futterman explained that “She’s a character of great complexity. At her age now, there seems to be a part of her that can’t help but act as a mother. Despite her solitary nature, it feels like she’s recognizing the sensation of caring, something she has suppressed for a long time.

How Tales Of The Underworld Enriches The Star Wars Franchise

“The Underworld … Is Way More Interesting”

1. “Star Wars: Tales from the Underworld” marks the third installment in Lucasfilm’s “Tales of” series, succeeding “Tales of the Jedi” and “Tales of the Empire.” When asked about how this new project would contribute to the Star Wars universe, Futterman stated, “I believe that the underworld is infinitely more captivating than what lies above. It’s the allure of stories like The Sopranos that keeps us hooked.”

2. In the third installment of Lucasfilm’s “Tales of” series, we find “Star Wars: Tales from the Underworld,” following previously released titles such as “Tales of the Jedi” and “Tales of the Empire.” When questioned about how this latest venture would expand the Star Wars universe, Futterman responded, “In my opinion, the underworld offers a level of intrigue that surpasses the mysteries found above, much like the captivating world portrayed in The Sopranos.”

Typically, the most intriguing characters are the ones with multiple layers, Futterman explained. “These aren’t mere heroes fighting to save the world; their complex backgrounds shape them into who they are. Often, the villains aren’t purely evil from the start. It’s fascinating how these creators chose to delve into the lives of characters that initially appear wicked but are actually multi-faceted, like onions with layers to be peeled back.

Futterman Reflects On Ventress’ New Driving Purpose In Tales Of The Underworld

“There Is Now A Searching For Love”

Regarding Asajj Ventress’ future, Futterman confessed, “I’m not sure about the specifics of her storyline.” However, the actress who has portrayed her for years believes that Ventress now has a new motivation: “She is on a quest for love.” Although Futterman hinted at keeping some details secret, she added, “When you find love, what lengths would you go to protect it? Would you sacrifice anyone or anything? Where will this journey lead her?

“I think that is a lot of what we could possibly see down the line.”

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2025-05-02 23:30