In the second season of The Mandalorian, Star Wars fans were thrilled to see the introduction of a live-action version of the beloved character, Ahsoka Tano. The character was originally brought to life in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, voiced by Ashley Eckstein.
Ahsoka quickly became a favorite among the fans. However, her appearance in The Mandalorian was just the beginning of her journey onto the live-action screen. After a wait of fifteen years since the character debuted, Ahsoka’s standalone series is now almost here, and we’ve finally received some eagerly awaited details about what to expect. Here’s everything we now about this highly anticipated new series.
When is Ahsoka releasing?
Ahsoka will premiere on August 22, one day early as initially it was set to hit screens on August 23 on Disney+. The series will begin with two episodes and then will be released every Tuesday at 6 pm PT. As we approach closer to the series, you can catch up on all of the Star Wars shows if you haven’t already.
Ahsoka Cast: Who will be in it?
Rosario Dawson, known for her role in Daredevil, will be stepping into the shoes of Ahsoka, thanks to a viral fan campaign that made her dream come true. The warm welcome she received from the fans after her short appearance in The Mandalorian convinced Lucasfilm that they had found the perfect fit.
Ahsoka’s dynamic crew includes her Rebels comrade, the fierce Mandalorian warrior Sabine Wren, who will come to life in the live-action realm through the talents of Australian actress Natasha Liu Bordizzo, renowned for her role in Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny. Another exciting addition to the lineup is Diana Lee Inosanto, who will take on the role of Morgan Elsbeth. Lars Mikkelsen will also portray the famous figure Grand Admiral Thrawn in live-action, after previously voicing the character in animated form in Star Wars Rebels.
On the villainous side of things, Ukrainian actor Ivanna Sakhno steps in as Shin Hati, while the late Ray Stevenson assumes the character of Baylan Skoll. Notably, both Shin Hati and Baylan Skoll sporting orange lightsabers. David Tennant (Doctor Who) will reprise his role as the lightsaber-making robot Huyang from The Clone Wars. Eman Esfandi is set to portray Ezra, adding to the anticipation as Ahsoka and Sabine embark on their quest to find their lost friend.
Who is making Ahsoka series?
Taking the helm as the writer and showrunner is Dave Filoni, a key figure in almost every Star Wars TV endeavor, spanning both animation and live-action. This choice is particularly fitting since Ahsoka was one of Filoni’s earliest creations for The Clone Wars and he’s also the mastermind behind Rebels.
As usual, he’s joined by Jon Favreau and Kathleen Kennedy in producing the show. Adding to his already impressive plate, Filoni is also set to direct episodes. While the full list of directors is yet to be unveiled, we can anticipate the involvement of Peter Ramsay, the director of Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse.
Ahsoka Plot: What is it about?
Ahsoka is set five years after Return of the Jedi and following the conclusion of Season 2 of The Mandalorian. The official synopsis reads:
Set after the fall of the Empire, Ahsoka will follow the former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.
While speaking with Vanity Fair, Filoni talked about what he hopes to achieve with the series, “Ahsoka is a continuous story. It is definitely driving toward a goal, in my mind, as opposed to being little singular adventures. That’s what I want the character to be doing, and I think that’s what fans want now. They have such a relationship with her. I’ve only recently started to understand that all those kids that watched Clone Wars are now a lot older, they’re very excited about all the things they grew up with, as they should be.”
Ahsoka Trailer
On July 11, Disney and Lucasfilm released the first official trailer for the series. The teaser gives us sneak peek into the live-action introduction of Sabine Wren and Hera Syndulla. We’re treated to a fleeting glimpse of Ezra Bridger as well. The trailer tantalizingly hints at the impending appearance of Grand Admiral Thrawn and provides a glimpse at the fresh Sith character, Baylan.
How many episodes will Ahsoka have?
Ahsoka will feature eight episodes, which means that Star Wars fans will get a new episode every week until Tuesday, October 3. Two episodes will be released on the first night, followed by a weekly release schedule.
Where does Ahsoka fit in the Star Wars timeline?
Decades after her debut in The Clone Wars, Ahsoka’s latest adventure in the upcoming series Ahsoka is set to be her most recent escapade. Rosario Dawson remains in the lead role, with the story taking place after her appearance in The Mandalorian Season 2 and possibly after her cameo in The Book of Boba Fett. Though fans are eager for a potential first meeting between Ahsoka and Luke Skywalker, the exact timeline remains a mystery. Positioned between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, the series bridges the gap between the fall of the Empire and the rise of the First Order.
And for those yearning for a glimpse into Ahsoka’s early years during the Clone Wars, flashbacks seem to be on the horizon, with a certain sand-averse Jedi confirmed to appear. If you’re new to Ahsoka’s story, the ideal starting point is the original animated series.
Will Darth Vader return for Ahsoka?
Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker and his nefarious alter ego Darth Vader have been teased in the latest trailer for Ahsoka. The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Christensen had inked a deal to return as Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader. Following his well-received portrayal in Obi-Wan Kenobi, it’s no wonder that fans are buzzing with excitement and optimism about his potential substantial involvement in the series.
