In the vast universe of “Star Wars,” familiar characters like Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Han Solo, and Princess Leia have gained iconic status. However, the franchise has expanded far beyond these well-known figures envisioned by George Lucas. With numerous sequels, prequels, TV spinoffs, and adaptations in different mediums, it can be challenging for casual viewers to keep up with all the recurring characters. While many may recognize R2-D2, C3PO, and BB-8, lesser-known droids like L0-LA59, C1-10P, and L3-37 may go unnoticed.
The upcoming series “Ahsoka,” set to premiere on Disney+ on August 23, may be unfamiliar even to knowledgeable “Star Wars” fans. The character Ahsoka Tano, played by Rosario Dawson, has never appeared in a live-action film before (although she had a brief voice cameo in “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”). Yet, Ahsoka is considered one of the most significant figures in the fictional universe, adored by fans.
Created by Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, who have brought us “The Mandalorian,” “The Book of Boba Fett,” and “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” “Ahsoka” is crafted for dedicated “Star Wars” enthusiasts. It is intricately linked to the franchise’s previous shows, movies, comic books, and novels. These series are a treasure trove of Easter eggs, abundant in lore and subtle references. While not entirely necessary, familiarity with the broader “Star Wars” universe outside of the main film trilogies can greatly enhance the viewing experience.
If terms like “Thrawn,” “Togruta,” “Ashla,” or “Ahsoka” leave you perplexed, don’t worry. Let’s dive into who Ahsoka is and her journey within the “Star Wars” universe.
Ahsoka Tano, a member of the Togruta species from the planet Shili, began her story as a young Jedi apprentice or Padawan under Anakin Skywalker after the events of “Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones.” Initially, Ahsoka had a turbulent relationship with Anakin due to her brash and arrogant nature. However, they grew to trust and rely on each other as they faced various challenges leading up to “Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith.” This phase of Ahsoka’s life is depicted in the animated feature film “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”
Since then, Ahsoka has made multiple appearances on screen. She is the central character in the animated series “The Clone Wars,” which originally ran from 2008 to 2014 on Cartoon Network and was later revived for another season on Disney+ in 2020. The series delves into Ahsoka’s deepening bond with her mentor, Anakin, and her growing concern as he edges closer to the dark side of the Force. It also explores complex Jedi politics, including Ahsoka being framed for a crime and her otherworldly resurrection following her apparent death.
When Emperor Palpatine initiates Order 66, leading to the execution of all Jedi by Clone Troopers in “Revenge of the Sith,” Ahsoka flees and hides in the Outer Rim under the alias Ashla. Eventually, she becomes a crucial part of the Rebel Alliance that opposes the Empire, working as a covert intelligence agent and leading a spy network. These events are chronicled in the animated series “Star Wars Rebels,” which aired on Disney XD from 2014 to 2018. (Ashley Eckstein provided the character’s voice in the animated shows and films.)
Ahsoka has since made cameo appearances in “The Mandalorian” and “The Book of Boba Fett.” In “The Mandalorian,” her live-action debut played by Rosario Dawson, Ahsoka helps the title character, known as Mando, discover the true identity of his ward, Baby Yoda (officially Grogu). In the final moments of “Boba Fett,” Ahsoka appears during Grogu’s one-on-one training with Luke Skywalker and imparts some advice to Mando before embarking on her own adventures.
Ahsoka possesses immense power, as depicted in “The Clone Wars.” She starts as a talented young Jedi and grows to fulfill her potential. Towards the series’ conclusion, she defeats the Sith Lord Darth Maul, who was the antagonist in “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace.” In “Rebels,” she confronts her former master, now known as Darth Vader, in an evenly matched lightsaber duel.
While the exact details of “Ahsoka” remain mysterious, the series appears to take place around the same time as “The Mandalorian” and “The Book of Boba Fett,” roughly five years after the events of “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.” During her time in “The Mandalorian,” Ahsoka mentioned her pursuit of Grand Admiral Thrawn, suggesting that the series will continue her mission. The trailers also reveal the presence of Sabine Wren, a former bounty hunter turned rebel soldier from “Rebels.”
Grand Admiral Thrawn, introduced in the early 1990s through popular “Star Wars” novels by Timothy Zahn, is an admired villain among fans. Although Disney initially declared that the expanded universe content, including books, did not form part of the official canon, Thrawn was reintroduced in “Rebels” in 2016 due to his popularity. In “Rebels,” Thrawn is a villainous blue-skinned alien occupying a high-ranking position in the Empire’s army. As “Ahsoka” takes place years later, after the Empire’s fall, Thrawn’s role as the primary antagonist remains uncertain.
Overall, “Ahsoka” promises to be an exciting addition to the “Star Wars” universe, shedding further light on the complexities of Ahsoka Tano and her ongoing adventures.
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