Disney+ excludes Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 2 from their September roundup as the series receives yet another delay. The animated sequel series to fan-favorite Star Wars: The Clone Wars first premiered in May 2021, with a story that unveils the tumultuous truth of the galaxy’s transition into the Galactic Empire, most notably within the clone army. It follows Clone Force 99, the “Bad Batch,” with members Hunter, Wrecker, Echo, Tech, Omega, and, formerly, Crosshair. Season 1 saw Crosshair and the Bad Batch ultimately go their separate ways as the galaxy shifts into a new and daunting frontier.
The Bad Batch season 2 has been on viewers’ radars ever since season 1 wrapped up last summer, though no release date has officially been set. Originally, an issue of Star Wars Insider reported that The Bad Batch season 2 would be arriving in Spring 2022, which was then changed to a mere “Coming soon” before being omitted completely. Updates on the series given at Star Wars Celebration in late May seemed encouraging, especially with brand-new looks at Clone Force 99, as well as a riveting trailer that included beloved characters such as Commander Cody and Gungi. The latest audiences heard about the release of The Bad Batch season 2 came from an official Disney+ banner that stated the season would premiere on September 28.
A new report, however, shoots down any possibilities of The Bad Batch season 2 releasing next month. Disney+ (via The Direct) shares their full list of September releases and premieres, none of which include The Bad Batch. This contradicts the information provided on the Disney+ banner that was quickly removed from the streaming service and follows not long after the nearly month-long delay of the upcoming live-action Andor series and seems to infer that the animated series is experiencing yet another delay.
While this may be disappointing news for many viewers, it doesn’t necessarily mean a Fall 2022 release window for The Bad Batch season 2 is completely out of the question. With Andor wrapping up in November, it’s possible The Bad Batch could release in the time between Andor and The Mandalorian season 3, the latter of which premieres in February 2023. The series could also still premiere while Andor is running, but on a different day of the week – just as Marvel’s She-Hulk: Attorney At Law moved from the typical Wednesday release to Thursdays. With both Andor and The Bad Batch exploring the height of the Empire and the earliest roots of the Rebellion, these two series would go well together, especially if The Bad Batch season 2 sees Clone Force 99 making more of an effort against the Empire with Captain Rex.
The Bad Batch season 2 will likely be very well worth the wait, especially with the return of Commander Cody as well as the appearance of Gungi from The Clone Wars. With Omega having grown quite a bit since season 1, she can now fend for herself in a way that will make her a very useful part of the group in their future missions. It’s as of yet unknown whether the Bad Batch is continuing to work for Cid, or if they’re moving towards Captain Rex’s early Rebellion efforts. But, in time, audiences will discover what Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 2 has to offer, no matter how much longer it may take.
