The premiere of the series 'The Bad Batch' is timed to coincide with May 4th—International Star Wars Day. The project is released on Disney+ and will present fans with Clone Force 99 after the events of 'The Clone Wars'.

Disney Studios continues to fill gaps in the Star Wars universe with quality projects like The Mandalorian and promises to continue this positive trend with the series The Bad Batch. We won't provide a recommended list of episodes to watch beforehand, but we will give you a brief backstory and introduce the rumors surrounding the show. For those who don't have time to watch the previous series but want to dive into this new Star Wars project, there's still a chance to join along with this new spinoff.

Who Are They?

"The Bad Batch" refers to defective clones with certain mutations. They are also known as Clone Force 99, an experimental clone squad that fought in the war. Their defining traits are calculation, cunning, and originality in problem-solving. They operate with 100% efficiency, without seeking rewards or praise. Their motivation is the thrill and successful completion of the mission. The squad was conceived by George Lucas, but they were officially introduced only in The Clone Wars. Interestingly, they became popular even before the episodes featuring them aired.

Who Is in the Squad?

Grand Moff Tarkin described them as: "Five modified clones... better trained than a whole army. At the same time, headstrong and not inclined to follow orders."

Like what you hear? Clone Force 99 is led by Sergeant or Hunter. Initially, the team consists of four clones: the commander, plus sniper Crosshair, the "muscles" and strength of the squad—Wrecker, and the calculating Tech. Later, Echo joins them.

Series Synopsis

The story takes place after the end of the Clone Wars, when the Empire came to power. The story centers on a squad of "defective" soldiers being hunted by Wilhuff Tarkin. The heroes must hide not only from their former brothers but also from other dangers the galaxy holds.

The Rise of the Empire

The Clone Wars officially ended, and the galaxy began to change under Palpatine's command. We will likely become more familiar with his regime, its consequences, and the fears of the rest of the Republic. Fans have a general idea of the aftermath of Order 66, but they don't know exactly what happened during the rise of the Empire. Rogue One gave us a glimpse. The new series promises to focus not only on clones but also on other soldiers, mercenaries, and bounty hunters.

What's the Intrigue?

The biggest open question for fans is: how did the "Bad Batch" clones survive Order 66? Do they have inhibitor chips? Did they react to the order? If not, what did they do when their fellow soldier-clones started killing their Jedi colleagues? So we're asking.

Whose Cameos to Expect?

The series promises several familiar supporting characters. The trailer introduces Grand Moff Tarkin. Fennec Shand, first introduced in The Mandalorian, will make an interesting cameo. According to rumors, Bo-Katan Kryze might also appear from the same series. We will definitely see Saw Gerrera's group. It's unknown who else we'll see from the Imperials, but we're expecting someone very cool. Rumors suggest it could be a squad of deserters.

The biggest fan favorite you've probably heard about is Captain Rex. He earned respect from both Jedi officers and clone soldiers as a noble commander, known as one of the best and strongest clone soldiers in the Grand Army. Rex was Ahsoka Tano's mentor.

Any appearance from familiar Jedi would be a big surprise.

A Brief Backstory

During The Clone Wars, we learned more about the missions of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Other Jedi and clones who fought alongside them were also introduced. Later came the familiar Order 66, when clones betrayed the Jedi and began their extermination. The war was planned and prepared by Palpatine. These events led to the rebirth of the Galactic Empire.

The Clone Wars were notable not only for the rise of the Empire and Vader himself but also for the personalities of some clones. Here, the problems of the galaxy can be viewed from different angles—squad commanders, subordinates, deserters, and the defective clones themselves.

Since The Bad Batch begins immediately after the war's events, they could potentially become a kind of resistance or freedom fighters who don't particularly like the Empire's orders.

The Bad Batch will definitely fill gaps in this time period in the familiar galaxy and build a bridge between the movies, animated series, and The Mandalorian.