Return of a Warrior. Outcast. Rebel. Jedi… Ahsoka Tano. This is quite a familiar name to those who have closely followed The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Rebels, Star Wars: Tale of the Jedi and even The Mandalorian. The beloved character was first introduced into the Star Wars galaxy in the 2008 Clone Wars animated film which initially served as a pilot to the hit animated television series of the same name. At first fans were not impressed by the 14-year-old as some even called her mildly annoying. The padawan was assigned by Yoda to Anakin Skywalker to teach him responsibility as he taught her the ways of the Jedi as her Master. However, to truly understand the complexity of the character of Ahsoka, fans need some prior background knowledge of her origins. Jedi Master Plo Koon discovered that “Little Soka” was force sensitive at the early age of three, and brought her to the Jedi Council to go through training. As mentioned above, Ahsoka trained with Anakin Skywalker, in which they had a rocky start as master and apprentice as seen in The Clones Wars. Together they brought an alliance between the Hutts and the Galactic Republic, when they rescued Rotta, son of Jabba the Hutt. She fought side by side with Anakin and Obi-Wan in the Clone Wars, befriending mentor and commander, Captain Rex. Ahsoka faced many challenges throughout The Clone Wars, fighting against evil forces such as General Grievous, Asajj Ventress, Cad Bane, and many more. Ahsoka even died during one of her missions but a force wielder sacrificed themselves to resurrect her. This was also seen most recently in Rise of Skywalker, when Ben Solo sacrificed himself to bring Rey back. During one of her battles with the Empire, Ahsoka broke away from the Jedi Council, losing faith in the order, hence why her two lightsabers are white to reflect her non-affiliation with the Jedi or Sith. After Order 66, Ahsoka had to go into hiding, being one of the few who survived the execution of all the Jedi. Under the fake name of “Fulcrum”, Ahsoka joined Bail Organa’s rebellion. While fighting with the Rebels she came face to face with Lord Vader, unknown to her that it was her former Master Anakin. During the battle she cut half of his mask, which reveals her old master, she backs down from the fight and says she can not fight him. Vader speaking with half Vader and half Anakin’s voices says that if she won’t fight him, she must die. She perished during her duel with Vader, but was brought back in the World Between Worlds by future Ezra in Star Wars: Rebels. After the Galactic Civil War, Ahsoka joined Sabine Wren in the search for Ezra who disappeared along with Grand Admiral Thrawn. The first time the character of Ahsoka was seen in the live-action setting was in The Mandalorian episode titled, “The Jedi”. Ahsoka has only ever been voiced by Ashley Eckstein in all Star Wars projects up until The Mandalorian where she passed the mantle to live-action Ahsoka, Rosario Dawson. In The Mandalorian episode, while Ahsoka is fighting Morgan Elsbeth, she asks who her master is, she replies by telling her it is Thrawn. This is an exact tie into the Ahsoka series which will follow Ahsoka as well as her fellow Rebels, Sabine, Hera, Chopper, and possibly Zeb, in search for Thrawn and Ezra to continue where Star Wars: Rebels left off. 

Ahsoka will be following the release of The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Andor. Similar to The Mandalorian, the Ahsoka series will have six different directors; Ahsoka creator himself, Dave Filoni, Steph Green, Peter Ramsey, Jennifer Getzinger, Geeta Patel, and The Mandalorian executive producer, Rick Famuyiwa. Fans have been joking that Ahsoka will just be a continuation or season five of Star Wars: Rebels and just to add to this suspicion, Filoni revealed that Clone Wars and Rebels composer, Kevin Kiner, is set to return to score Ahsoka. It was announced that the series will only contain eight episodes which each one has been written by Filoni. The most exciting part of this journey is bringing fan-favorite characters from the animated Rebels series to live-action for the first time like Sabine Wren, Hera Syndulla, Ezra Bridger, and most excitingly, the “Heir to the Empire”, Grand Admiral Thrawn himself. 

So far the cast includes…  Rosario Dawson (Ahsoka Tano), Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Sabine Wren), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Hera Syndulla), Eman Esfandi (Ezra Bridger), Genevieve O’Reilly (Mon Mothma), Diana Lee Inosanto (Morgan Elsbeth), Ivanna Sakhno (Shin Hati), Ray Stevenson (Baylan Skoll), and Lars Mikkelsen reprising his role of Grand Admiral Thrawn. It is rumored that Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen may cameo as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker in Clone Wars era flashbacks. Recently it has been reported that Temuera Morrison is set to make his live action debut as Captain Rex from The Clones Wars and Star Wars: Rebels. It is unknown where he’ll show up in the show, will he continue in the timeline after Return of the Jedi or if he’ll appear in flashbacks. Something that fans are most anticipating is wondering if original Ahsoka voice actress, Ashley Eckstein, will make a subtle cameo. As someone who promotes Star Wars and the character of Ahsoka all over social media and even through her founded lifestyle brand, Her Universe. It would not be a surprise if she were to be in the Ahsoka show, Ahsoka was her character that she made her own and is widely respected in the Star Wars community now as one of the most popular, fan-favorite characters in the universe. The self positive company of Her Universe was created as a mission to create non-sexist, stylish merchandise for female sci-fi fans. Using her fame as Ahsoka for the better, Ashley Eckstein used her leading voice for the female fandom to spread positivity, “Hoping to change the perception that science fiction and fantasy is just for boys.” Not just only has this changed due to Her Universe but the character of Ahsoka as well, she isn’t some stereotypical damsel in distress. Ahsoka’s journey did not shy away from emotionally developing her, which made it easy for viewers of The Clone Wars and Rebels to resonate with her. Ahsoka is a not just a Warrior, or a Outcast, or even a Rebel. But most importantly a Jedi. 

If you haven’t yet go check out the official teaser trailer for Ahsoka series (released at Star Wars Celebration Europe on April 7th, 2023) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnzNZ0Mdx4I

• (0:02) The Ahsoka trailer starts off with everyone’s favorite Jedi outcast walking alone through the ruins of a suspected abandoned Jedi temple. All that can be seen of the rebel is her lone silhouette, most notable her montrals, as her hooded cape blows swiftly in the wind. 
• When Ahsoka made her live action debut in The Mandalorian, fans commented and complained about her montrals. Fans said they were way too short to be accurate to Ahsoka’s timeline. Dave Filoni, Rosario Dawson, and others who worked on The Mandalorian announced that they tried to give Ahsoka longer montrals but it didn’t work out due to stunts. However, her montrals have slightly changed in the Ahsoka series, as they appear to be a bit longer. 
• (0:04-0:15) Ahsoka narrates, “Something’s coming. Something dark”, as she cuts her way beneath the ruins of a suspected Jedi temple with her sabers. This dark force she senses is none other than the Heir to the Empire himself, the one everyone has been fearing… Grand Admiral Thrawn. 
• Fans may recognize Ahsoka’s move from The Clone Wars as it is the way she helps Captain Rex escape Order 66. Which is a great callback but in such a heartbreaking way. 
• (0:19) “I sense it.” Fans get their first up close look of Rosario Dawson as the title character of Ahsoka Tano. 
• (0:23) After the red Lucasfilm logo appears, fans get their first look at some of the Rebels Crew. We see Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) kneeling in front of her Mandalorian helmet, which she seems torn towards… After The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett had very strong themes about the way of the Mandalorian creed, it should be interesting to see her position on it. But if fans watched Star Wars: Rebels and her time with the DarkSaber, her way seems to be set. Her usual short, colorful hair has been grown out to show that time has passed since she was last on the Ghost during the Rebels series finale. 
• (0:24) The Mandalorian featured the first live action debut of the Loth-cat, a creature that has previously only been seen in animation. It has been revealed through the trailer that Ahsoka’s adventure will take her to the critters native planet of Lothal. Though Loth-cats have made brief appearances in The Mandalorian, they were CGI. However, the one seen in the Ahsoka trailer is animatronic. Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who plays Hera Syndulla, commented on the Loth-cat, “It was real, it was there!!” 
• (0:23) Baylan Skoll narrates, “This is a new beginning…” Which is very similar to one of Ahsoka’s most popular quotes, “This is a new day, a new beginning.” 
• (0:25) Fans get their first up close look of Natasha Liu Bordizzo as the character of Sabine Wren. We have been waiting quite some time to get the Rebels Crew live action, and now it’s finally happening!! 
• Natasha Liu Bordizzo will be taking over the role of the Mandalorian warrior and artist, who was only ever seen in Star Wars: Rebels, voiced by Tiya Sircar. Sabine was once the wilder of the DarkSaber when Ezra and her discovered it in the Nightsister’s lair. The responsibility of wielding the blade only fell to Sabine when she simply picked it up. Fans can see her gain it on Star Wars: Rebels, Season 3, Episode 15, “Trials of the DarkSaber”. 
• (0:30-0:32) Fans get the first look of the green Twi’lek who is the Captain of the Ghost, Hera Syndulla, as she is piloting the small detachment pod of her ship called the Phantom. In Star Wars: Rebels the character was voiced by Vanessa Marshall, in the Ahsoka series, Mary Elizabeth Winstead is making her Star Wars debut as Hera. However, this is not her first rodeo in the Star Wars universe as she is married to Ewan McGregor, AKA Obi-Wan Kenobi himself. 
• This is the first time fans are seeing her live action, however she has appeared and cameoed in past Star Wars projects besides Rebels. Although Hera Syndulla doesn’t technically appear on screen in Rogue One, there is a brief mention of her. The pilot of the ghost, “General Syndulla”, is summoned over an intercom at the Yavin base. 
• A younger version of Hera and Chopper have both appeared in the animated Disney+ series, Star Wars: The Bad Batch. This is set 14 years before Rebels, but the original voice actress, Vanessa Marshall, returned to voice her. 
• (0:33) Hera is not only the captain and pilot of the Ghost, she is the owner of the fellow Rebel astromech droid, Chopper, who is seen still tagging along with Hera on her adventures. 
• Fans were teased back in Rogue One when they showed a glimpse of Chopper in the background of the Yavin IV Rebel Base. Since it is implied that Hera is on the base during Rogue One, it would make sense that her right hand droid would be alongside her. 
• (0:34) As Baylan Skoll narrates, “This is a new beginning. For some… War. For others… Power.” Fans get their first look at Ray Stevenson’s character. We know that Baylan Skoll is a heavily armored Force user (as seen from the trailer). 
• The actor most notably known for his role in Marvel Studios’ Thor films, as Volstagg, part of the Warriors Three alongside Lady Sif as they honorably protect Asgard from any dark forces. This is not the first time Stevenson has been a part of the Star Wars universe, he has previously voiced the Mandalorian commander, Gar Saxon, in the third season of Star Wars: Rebels. But now is making his live action debut as a completely different character, one much darker. However, the Marvel and Star Wars families were saddened to hear about the actor’s sudden passing on May 21st. Although his role and character were already shot for Ahsoka, it is still upsetting to hear that the actor was not able to see the final work and receive the praise of his portrayal. He will be missed by many. 
• (0:35-0:38) Another evil presence lurks in the Ahsoka trailer, Ivanna Sakhno makes her debut as Shin Hati. It has been revealed that Baylan and Shin will be working together as master and apprentice in the Dark Side of the Force. However, one very important thing fans took away from the trailer as well as these characters are, even though they signify and clearly look evil, they are not using red lightsabers. They are actually a shade of orange. This is sparking massive debates online, Ahsoka creator, Dave Filoni, has tried to clear up some of the theories. He has revealed the decision for the orange was not an accident and will play a major role for the characters and the Jedi/Sith as we know it. 
• So, is Dave Filoni taking inspiration from past Legends?? Are Baylan and Shin from the Secret Order?? Or are they what remains of the Inquisitors, who fans have been seeing a lot of in recent Star Wars projects, most recently the Obi-Wan Kenobi series. Based on the orange lightsabers, perhaps Baylan and Shin will be the cannon versions of Dark Jedi. Dark Jedi are villain type characters who aren’t as vicious as the Sith but don’t religiously follow the Light Side. Which if this sounds familiar, when Ahsoka broke away from the Jedi Council, her two white lightsabers reflect her non-affiliation with the Jedi or Sith. 
• The Dark Jedi served the Imperial Remnant, in the original Star Wars Legends, which have since then become un-canonized. However, Dave Filoni is best known for taking inspiration from the Legends, which is making fans believe this theory. Dark Jedi can be read about in the Heir to the Empire novels. It is highly recommended that fans read the Timothy Zahn trilogy before Ahsoka, as it is rumored it is loosely based on them.
• (0:42-0:46) When Sabine and Ahsoka reunite finally in the trailer, they do so in a very familiar Rebels location; Lothal. This is the same place the two were in the epilogue during the Rebels finale, where the two team up in search of Ezra. 
• (0:47-0:49) But in the trailer, Sabine tells Ahsoka, “It’s been a while.” Ahsoka replies, “Things have changed.” Implying that though Ahsoka will lead off of the Rebels finale, it will not be as continuous as fans originally thought. This comment by Sabine, as well as her grown out hair, implies that some time has passed since the last time fans have seen these two characters.
• (0:52) It was known that these Rebels, like Ahsoka, Hera, and Chopper, have connections to the Rebellions through Bail Organa and Mon Mothma. In the trailer, Genevieve O’Reilly from Rogue One and Andor will be reprising her role as Mon Mothma. Her exact role in Ahsoka is unknown, but since the series is taking place in the New Republic era, we see Ahsoka reaching out to Mon and other New Republic officials. It’s suspected that she is warning them about Thrawn’s looming threat. 
• (0:56) As Ahsoka narrates, “I started hearing whispers… about Thrawn’s return…” Fans get their first look of the back of a very familiar character. The Heir to the Empire himself. Just what’s discussed about him in the trailer is eerie enough for fans to fear him. Though we do not see much of the character, it was announced at Star Wars Celebration Europe that Lars Mikkelsen will reprise his role as Grand Admiral Thrawn. Much word and rumors were spread wondering who would take on such a character as villainous as Thrawn, many big name actors were thrown into the hat. But who is not better to play him than the man who voiced him originally in Star Wars: Rebels. 
• (1:02) Ahsoka herself calls Thrawn, “the Heir to the Empire”. Which is a direct nod to Timothy Zahn’s Thrawn novels of the same name. 
• (1:06) As Grand Admiral Thrawn walks onto the bridge of the ship, the next shot in the trailer shows the returning character of Morgan Elsbeth, played by Diana Lee Inosanto, walking on the same bridge of a star cruiser. You may recognize her from The Mandalorian which Ahsoka defeated her when trying to track down Thrawn. In “The Jedi” while fighting Elsbeth, Ahsoka asks who her master is, she replies by telling her it’s Thrawn. That was the first time Thrawn’s name was mentioned since the finale of Star Wars: Rebels. Which left off with Ahsoka and Sabine preparing for a quest to find Ezra, and of course, Thrawn would just happen to be with him. 
• (1:08) Ahsoka says the Jedi fell a long time ago, meaning that everything they know about the Jedi should be accounted for and protected. But can she be seeking answers and leads about the World Between Worlds?? This is a Force nexus that allows one to move between the weary lines of space and time. We learned a lot about this place in Rebels, and Ahsoka played a big part in that. Not only have we seen her visit it but when she perished during her duel with Vader. She was brought back through World Between Worlds by future Ezra. Now in the trailer we see her dueling Ray Stevenson’s Baylan Skoll, who is wielding his orange saber, in a place that looks very similar to this realm. Meaning she most likely managed to go back there. 
• (1:10) “We have to prepare for the worst”, Hera announces as she is standing beside a Mon Calamari pilot. Not only do we get a better look at the live action version of Hera, which fans are a bit mixed with how her design pivoted from animated to live action. But we love seeing familiar Star Wars creatures, especially Mon Calamari. 
• (1:12) Once again as Ahsoka only wields one white saber, instead of her usual two, we see a very familiar skyscrape as the background. Most likely being the World Between Worlds. Mentioned above, she’s in a pretty intense, heated battle against Baylan there. 
• (1:20) Ahsoka says, “The Jedi fell a long time ago.” As she narrates, “There aren’t many left.” Right as she says this, we get the slightest glimpse of Ezra Bridger, who will be played by Eman Esfandi. Though we don’t actually see Ezra, it’s just a holographic image of him, it’s implied that the Ahsoka series will be Sabine’s second chance at finding her lost friend. Just from the looks of his outfit and haircut, it’s the same clothes and style he was wearing the last time fans saw him in the finale of Rebels. Mentioned above, Ahsoka and Sabine reunite in Lothal, the very same place they set off to find Ezra in the epilogue. The last we saw of Ezra, he stayed on the ship to ensure that Thrawn wouldn’t escape, which was warped to some unknown location. This location was riding a wave of a purrgil, which was massive space whales, most recently seen in The Mandalorian. But since we see Thrawn has escaped and is in the trailer, it begs the question, where is Ezra?? What has happened to him since Rebels?? And most importantly, is he one of the final hopes for the Jedi?? 
• (1:22) In the darker side of the trailer, some mysterious person is challenging Ahsoka with a double-bladed spinning lightsaber of what is suspected to be an Inquisitor. Is this a member of Inquisitorius?? While she’s battling said Inquisitor, she does one of her iconic Rebels moves, which is just beyond cool seeing live action. 
• (1:34) “Perhaps it is time to begin again”, says Huyang, voiced by David Tennant. Quite a familiar, droid, face to the Jedi. He was once a lightsaber smith for the Jedi Order, who was seen in The Clone Wars. He has trained with thousands of generations of Jedi, most notably Yoda and Mace Windu, who he actually crafted weapons for. Once again, it’s great to see animated characters from fan-favorites like The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels in the live action scene.
• (1:41) The Ahsoka series logo has a suspiciously similar design to the World Between Worlds, I’m just saying… The original series will start streaming weekly episodes in August, only on Disney+. But until then, get caught up on some The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Rebels, The Mandalorian, and even The Book of Boba Fett which all tie into Ahsoka’s storyline but also have such major characters like Anakin, Obi-Wan, Sabine, Hera, Ezra, and, of course, Thrawn.

Ahsoka starts streaming in August, exclusively on Disney+!!