The headline refers to Star Wars: Tales of the Empire, not a new adaptation of Shadows of the Empire. The six-episode animated series follows Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee; the similarly named Shadows of the Empire was a separate multimedia project from 1996.
What the headline refers to
Germain Lussier’s April 4, 2024 Gizmodo report announced Star Wars: Tales of the Empire as the second installment in the Tales animated anthology series. It reported that all six episodes would arrive on Disney+ on May 4, 2024, with stories centered on Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee. That is the historical release date in the announcement, not confirmation of present-day availability in every region.
Why ‘Shadows of the Empire’ is a different project
The wording echoes Shadows of the Empire, but the name refers to a separate 1996 multimedia project. StarWars.com’s retrospective on Star Wars in the 1990s describes a project set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, spanning a Steve Perry novel, a Joel McNeely soundtrack, Dark Horse comics, toys and vehicles, and a Nintendo 64 game.
The available announcements do not establish that Tales of the Empire adapts that 1996 project. The shared reference to the Empire is a source of headline ambiguity, not evidence that the two works are connected as adaptation and source material.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964)
- The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964)
How the two titles differ
| Title | Identity and format | Date and focus |
|---|---|---|
| Tales of the Empire | Animated anthology series; described as the second Tales installment | Six episodes reported for Disney+ on May 4, 2024; character arcs follow Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee |
| Shadows of the Empire | Multimedia project including a novel, soundtrack, comics, game, and licensed products | 1996 project positioned between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi |
Characters and related official coverage
The 1996 project has also appeared in later Star Wars collecting coverage. A StarWars.com report on Hasbro’s 2025 Star Wars Celebration Japan panel identifies Dash Rendar as a hero of Shadows of the Empire and reports a Black Series figure reveal. A separate Lucasfilm Animation feature notes that Prince Xizor’s Virago appeared in the 1996 project and had a model kit at the time. These references provide context for the older project; they do not indicate a new Shadows of the Empire animated series.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- THIS IS AN EXPANSION FOR STAR WARS REBELLION: This is not a standalone product. A copy of the Star Wars Rebellion Core Set is required to play.
- EXPERIENCE THE GALACTIC CIVIL WAR LIKE NEVER BEFORE: In Star Wars Rebellion, you control the entire Galactic Empire or the fledgling Rebel Alliance. Command starships, account for troop movements and rally systems to your cause.
- A NEW REBELLION EXPERIENCE INSPIRED BY ROGUE ONE: Send Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor to recover the Death Star plans. Confuse Imperials with false orders and assaults behind enemy lines. Command Director Krennic and his finest death troopers. Set traps for the Rebel pilots and soldiers to lure them away from their base and into massive battles with more fully cinematic combat and tactics.
- RISE OF THE EMPIRE: Expansion introduces 8 new leaders, 36 plastic miniatures, 5 target markers, 2 attachment rings, 3 new dice, and over 100 new cards. You'll find U-wings, TIE Strikers, Nebulon-B frigates and the Interdictor. Gain new ways to subvert your opponent's plans and discover a whole new chapter in your ongoing Galactic Civil War!
- NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND AVERAGE PLAYTIME: Star Wars Rebellion is a strategy board game for 2 to 4 players and is suitable for ages 14 and older. Average playtime is approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Rank #3
- GATHER YOUR FRIENDS: Rally your friends for thrilling adventures in the vast Star Wars galaxy.
- LEARN-AS-YOU-GO ADVENTURE: Dive into a complete learn-as-you-go adventure, perfect for newcomers and seasoned roleplayers.
- PRE-GENERATED CHARACTER FOLIOS: Keep the rules at your fingertips with pre-generated character folios, ensuring smooth gameplay.
- CUSTOM DICE SYSTEM: Experience an exciting narrative gameplay system where every roll unfolds a unique story.
- HOURS OF ENTERTAINMENT: Detailed rules provide endless entertainment as you create your own tales in a galaxy far, far away.
Rank #2
- THIS IS A CORE RULEBOOK FOR THE STAR WARS EDGE OF THE EMPIRE ROLEPLAYING GAME. This is not a complete game experience. A copy of Star Wars Edge of the Empire Roleplaying Game is required to play.
- PREPARE FOR ADVENTURE IN THE STAR WARS GALAXY: Participate in grim and gritty adventures in places where morality is gray and nothing is certain. Ply your trade as a smuggler in the Outer Rim, collect bounties on the scum that live in the shadows of Coruscant, or try to establish a new colony on a planet beneath the Empire’s notice.
- CORE RULEBOOK: The Star Wars universe is at your fingertips with this Core Rulebook. The 448-page Core Rulebook includes everything players and GMs need to begin their Star Wars roleplay campaign and a wealth of advice for GMs on how to create and run an Edge of the Empire campaign.
- A COMPLETE INTRODUCTORY ADVENTURE: Concise rules allow you to quickly generate and advance all manner of memorable characters. Clear descriptions of the game’s skills and talents, rules for conflict, combat, and Force Sensitive Exiles in an Edge of the Empire campaign and a convenient charts of weapons, gear, devices, starships and vehicles help you launch into action.
- NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND AVERAGE PLAYTIME: Star Wars Edge of the Empire is an exciting roleplaying game for adults and kids designed for 3 to 5 players and is suitable for ages 10 and older. The average playtime is approximately one hour.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.




