“Ahsoka” — the live-action “Star Wars” series starring Rosario Dawson in the title role of Ahsoka Tano — is the next live-action series coming to Disney+.
It is based on a character writer and executive producer Dave Filoni created 15 years earlier. Judging by the thunderous applause at the recent Star Wars ceremony, Ahsoka is a fan-favorite that will only increase in popularity with this upcoming show. Jon Favreau and Kathleen Kennedy also serve as executive producers.
Who is Ashoka?
Ahsoka is a character created by George Lucas and Dave Filoni for the 2008 animated film “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and the subsequent animated series of the same name that ran from 2008–14 and for one final season in 2020. Lucas wanted Anakin Skywalker to have a padawan of his own, thus Ahsoka was created. She was trained as a Jedi, but fell apart from the Order. And we all know what happened to Skywalker.
Ahsoka later appeared in the animated series “Star Wars Rebels” assisting the crew of the spaceship Ghost. We won’t spoil too much about his role in “Rebels” for those who want to catch up, but this upcoming live-action series is a continuation of that show. Filoni also served as executive producer on “Rebels”.
The live-action Ahsoka made her first appearance in season 2 of “The Mandalorian,” when she was assigned to train Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) in the ways of the Force. But sensing Grogu’s connection to the Mandalorian, she refuses. She later appears in “The Book of Boba Fett” to give further guidance.
He is a fierce warrior who wields two lightsabers. Dawson says she became bisexual after training with props.
Who plays Ahsoka Tano?
Ashley Eckstein voices the animated Ahsoka. Rosario Dawson, who plays the live-action version, gave Eckstein props during a Star Wars Celebration panel, saying “she did a remarkable job developing her” and praising the “complexities and nuances.”
What is “Ashoka” about?
“Ahsoka” follows the title character as she uncovers the threat of Grand Admiral Thrawn, a villain introduced in “Rebels.” In Trailer released during celebrationAshoka warns “Something is coming. Something dark. I begin to hear whispers about Thrawn’s return as heir to the Empire.
Filoni described Thrawn as Moriarty — referencing the brilliant fictional professor who was a match (or more) for Sherlock Holmes.
“He’s formidable and nobody’s unlikely,” Dawson elaborated in Celebration. “She knows these enemies are not easily dismissed.”
With the threat of Thrawn re-emerging, Ahsoka crosses paths with Sabine Wren, Hera Syndulla and other characters from “Rebels.”
Who Is In The “Ashoka” Cast?
“Ahsoka” includes a cast of characters both new and familiar. Those appearing at the ceremony include:
- Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker’s former apprentice
- Natasha Lee Bordizzo as Sabine Wren, Mandalorian warrior and artist
- Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Hera Syndulla, a New Republic general and pilot of the Ghost as well as her trusty droid Chopper
- Ray Stevenson as Baylon Skoll, a new character. He is a Force user and wields an orange lightsaber.
- Ivanna Sahkono as Shin Hati who is tied to Baylan. She also wields an orange lightsaber. Both are described as being in alliance with Thrawn.
- Diana Lee Inosanto as Morgan Elsbeth, who lost her besker spear in battle with Ahsoka. Described by Inosanto as “very loyal to the throne” and a “hard worker” whose background will be explored.
- Lars Mikkelsen as Grand Admiral Thrawn, an Empire officer whom Mikkelsen refers to as “the strategic mastermind”. His face was revealed in a special festival-only trailer.
- Huang, David Tennant as a droid. Filoni confirmed Tennant’s involvement in the series. He had completed all of his recording prior to primary filming, so his voice was actually played on set, it was revealed.
Also seen in the trailer:
- Iman Esfadi as Ezra Bridger
- Genevieve O’Reilly as Mon Mothma, Chancellor of the New Republic, reprising her role from “Endor”
Not seen (yet):
- Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, Ahsoka’s former Jedi master
Filoni also teased the possibility of other “Rebels” characters appearing in the present day or in flashbacks.
All episodes are written by Filoni. He also directs the first episode. Guest directors revealed during the festival include Peter Ramsey, Steph Green, Jennifer Getzinger, Geeta Patel and Rick Famuyiwa.
Kevin Keener returns to do the music for the series.
When does Ashoka happen?
Executive producer Jon Favreau has stated that “Ahsoka” takes place at the same time as “The Mandalorian”, approximately 5+ years after the events of “Return of the Jedi” when the Empire was defeated. In lore, this period is known as new republic era,
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Do I need to watch “The Clone Wars” and “Rebels” before “Ahsoka”?
With 75 episodes, watching each animated series is a significant time commitment, but doing so — “Rebel” in particular, will equip viewers with most of what they need to know about Ahsoka, Sabine, Hera, and Thrawn. .
“There’s a relationship that the audience shares with these characters,” Favreau said.
Where can I watch “Ahsoka”?
Ahsoka is coming to Disney+ in August 2023. stevenson say there are eight episodes, but it is yet to be confirmed. The length of the episodes is unknown, but if it follows “The Mandalorian”, they will range from 26 to 52 minutes, with approximately 35-40 minutes.
You can also watch his previous appearances on ‘The Clone Wars’, ‘Rebels’, ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ on the streamer.
Why should the audience watch “Ashoka”?
The level of action in “Ahsoka” has been teased as the next level, with Dawson revealing she worked out and trained two hours a day, seven days a week for months for the role. “There was a lot of sweating,” she admitted.
He also praised Filoni’s involvement as series writer and executive producer. He added, “It’s impossible to do the show without David on set, without his encyclopedic knowledge.” “At the end of the day, it’s something that was in his head for years.” And now it’s finally coming to the big screen.
Watch the trailer for Ahsoka