Star Wars has always been a universe of infinite possibilities, and the Disney Galaxy’s Edge theme park and animated series The Bad Batch are excellent showcases for how the franchise continues to expand and inspire fans’ imaginations. Both present distinctive avenues into the Star Wars universe, but both of them do so in distinctly special ways.
Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Disney World demonstrates just how committed Disney is to providing an immersive, real-feeling experience for fans of Star Wars. The resort is designed in Black Spire Outpost on Batuu, a new location within the Star Wars galaxy. This new environment provided Disney’s Imagineers and the Lucas Story Group an opportunity to construct a world that is real-feeling but also new. Guests can experience a crowded marketplace full of awesome Star Wars gear. From creating your droids at the Droid Depot to browsing unusual treasures at Dok-Ondar’s den of antiquities, there’s something for kids and adults alike.
That being said, the park is not without its negative aspects. Although the immersive environment is a major attraction, the expense and time involved in getting the most out of it can be considerable. For example, building your lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop is a unique experience but comes with a pricey ticket, which might be tough for younger visitors or families on a budget. Plus, Galaxy’s Edge currently has only two rides—Smuggler’s Run and Rise of the Resistance—both of which are interactive and may not be for everyone, especially if you’re looking for a more laid-back visit.
At the same time, The Bad Batch, a Disney+ animated show, provides a more intimate experience of the Star Wars universe. The series is set during a period when the creators could be a little more creative. It follows Clone Force 99—a set of individual clones and their attempts to find their place, having split off from the Galactic Empire. Since the show isn’t bound by so much of the existing canon, the crew working on the series can introduce new concepts and characters. As producer Brad Rau explains, though the Lucasfilm Story Group is still around, they give the creators enough room to tell more character-centric, human stories.
What sets The Bad Batch apart really is how intensely it’s character-driven. Perhaps the most interesting addition is Omega, a teenage clone whose adventure injects much heart and emotional richness into the series. Her arc, and that of the rest of the team, brings something new to Star Wars—to demonstrate that the franchise can be more than simply about huge battles and blockbuster space shootouts. It’s a reminder that emotional storytelling belongs in the galaxy as much as lightsabers and starships do.
If you compare Galaxy’s Edge and The Bad Batch, it’s easy to see how Star Wars continues to expand in new, significant ways. Whether you step into an immersive, real-world outpost or view a tale through the lens of richly realized characters, both are something special. Star Wars remains a living thing, always challenging fans to enter its universe anew—through tales that fire the imagination and sustain the magic.