The Prequel Era of Star Wars changed the way that many fans perceived the franchise. Christopher Lee's Count Dooku became one of the most enlightening additions to the franchise, as the Sith Lord had an extensive history with some of Star Wars' most prominent Jedi.
The Clone Wars also made way for Dooku's ruthless and deadly apprentice Asajj Ventress. She was one of the TV series most beloved villains and was almost the main antagonist in Attack of the Clones before Christopher Lee was cast in the film. According to concept artist Dermont Power, she was one of the first sketches on the film's pre-production. Among the filmmakers, there was a lot of excitement surrounding the idea of a strong female villain's potential inclusion. Sadly, she narrowly missed the chance for a live-action adaption.
Her initial design borrowed heavily from martial arts and still maintained her bald head, pale complexion and dual lightsabers. Her design was created with great attention to detail and barely changed from concept to screen by the time she appeared in animation. She fought with more speed and ferocity than even her master, Count Dooku. Asajj Ventress would have been a formidable opponent for Episode II's Obi-Wan and Anakin.
Ultimately, Count Dooku's inclusion fell on the decision of George Lucas. Once Lee was cast in the film, there was a desire to create a dangerous character that matched Lee's calm demeanor. While he is not everyone's favorite, Lee's portrayal of Dooku pushed the narrative forward with a quiet determination that intimidated all that opposed him. His dueling skills were unmatched and his history with the Jedi Order has been weaved beautifully into the lives of many Jedi.
Dooku was a Sith of a more civilized age, and the Clone Wars needed something more chaotic. Once Ventress finally made her appearance, it was evident how much potential she had for greatness. The Clone Wars did a lot to flesh out some of Star Wars' most iconic characters, and the same was done for Asajj Ventress. Right away, it's clear why she was the initial choice for a new villain. She was fast, deadly and full of rage. However, unlike Maul, she was methodic and intelligent and gave Obi-Wan and Anakin a hard time for many seasons.
Ventress represented the youthful energy that lies at the heart of the prequels. As the Clone Wars progressed, viewers were able to delve more into the mind and desires of Asajj. By the end of the series, she was more than another enemy. She was a complex character that had no master or cause to fight for and only desired to survive in a galaxy where everyone wanted her dead.
Asajj Ventress's story has always been about overcoming her own obstacles. Even in her creation, she was met with pushback. However, she still made it into the universe and built her own relationships with other major characters. She may have been robbed of a chance to be seen in live-action, but ultimately she obtained more development and attention in television than she ever could have in a film.