Genndy Tartakovsky, creator of the iconicStar Warsvillain Asajj Ventress, addresses her history, return, and future in the franchise. Asajj first debuted in Tartakovsky’s 2003Star Wars: Clone Warsmicro-series that aired on Cartoon Network. She returned in 2008’sThe Clone Warsand played a prominent role in seasons 1-5.
AfterThe Clone Warswas canceled, her unfinished arc from the show was told in theStar WarsnovelDark Discipleby Christie Golden, where she died after making a noble sacrifice. Years later, Asajj was back from the dead inThe Bad Batchseason 3, and she also had her own three-episode arc inTales of the Underworld.
While speaking withInverse, Tartakovsky explains how he and his creative team developed Asajj into the character fans know and love after initially having nothing but a drawing of her. He also discusses howClone Warsopened the door forStar Warsbeyond George Lucas, along with addressing Asajj’sStar Warsfuture and potential live-action debut. Check out his comments below:
Asajj, they gave us just a drawing of her, and that’s all we had, so we had to figure out what could be her shtick and her story. Any type of character creation, if it lasts, is amazing. Because it was a success, it kind of opened the door for George [Lucas] to be okay with other people doing Star Wars. Because before that, nobody really could do it, and he didn’t trust anybody. So, we were successful, and it almost opened the door to what it is now, with so many projects that other people are working on. We did it first in a way, and we didn’t mess it up. If she becomes live action, super cool. And, if they ask me to do it, that would be an interesting conversation.
What This Means For Asajj Ventress
Even though Tartakovsky’sClone Warsis not part of theStar Warscanon, Asajj went on to become a fan-favorite character, and she now has a bright future ahead of her in canon. Without the contributions of Tartakovsky and his creative team, she would not exist in the way that fans know her today.
Her appearance inThe Bad Batchseason 3 episode"The Harbinger" and herTales of the Underworldarc in many ways felt like a backdoor pilot for a new show focused on her. Asajj’s connections to the criminal underworld and her history serving the Sith also makes her a natural fit to appear in the upcoming animated seriesMaul – Shadow Lord.
Maul – Shadow Lordtakes place afterThe Clone Warsand will premiere on Disney+ in 2026.
As for live-action storytelling, Asajj was mentioned by Anakin Skywalker during a recording of his inAhsokaseason 1. Since Asajj’s death has been undone, she can appear in more movies and shows that take place afterThe Clone Warsand make her live-action debut as many other animated characters already have.
Our Take On Genndy Tartakovsky’s Comments
Tartakovsky’s comments help me further appreciate Asajj’s impact onStar Warsand make me even more excited about her future. She is a unique character, partly for being created during Lucas' final decade with the franchise, while also helping to prove that creators other than him could doStar Warswell.
Asajj was a standout character during Lucas' final years, but she also paved the way for whatStar Warswould become after being acquired by Disney, and now she has made her own triumphant return. The idea of Tartakovsky tackling Asajj for live-action is fascinating and could bring her journey full-circle, although for now, I expect her onscreen story will continue in animation.
