Ever since the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series, Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano has become one of the most beloved characters in the entire Star Wars canon. But despite continuing on to appear in later animated shows like Star Wars Rebels, Ahsoka has yet to appear in any live-action form. But according to a rumor posted by Slashfilm, that’s about to change. Emphasis on rumor, as in not officially announced or confirmed. According to Slashfilm‘s sources, Lucasfilm has cast Daredevil and Luke Cage actress Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka for season two of The Mandalorian.
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ABC’s Clayton Sandell added he has also heard that Ahsoka will indeed appear in The Mandalorian season two. However, he cannot confirm that Dawson will be the one to play her. Only that her voice actress Ashley Eckstein would not portray her in live-action.
A live-action version of Ahsoka Tano appearing in the second season of The Mandalorian is correct. I'd heard a couple names floated (Dawson was indeed one) but I can't confirm the @slashfilm casting scoop. However, I can say Ahsoka will not be played by Ashley Eckstein.
— Clayton Sandell (@Clayton_Sandell) March 20, 2020
The Hollywood Reporter’s Borys Kit backs up this rumor, too. This potential casting should come as no surprise really. Dawson expressed interest in taking the role for a couple of years, ever since a fan posted a picture of her as the character online. Although Lucasfilm had no plans for Ahsoka to wield her lightsaber in live-action at the time, some fans insisted Dawson was the woman for the job.
Ahsoka appearing in The Mandalorian makes sense more than any other Lucasfilm project we know of right now. The Star Wars Rebels series finale showed Ahsoka survives past the events of Return of the Jedi. That’s exactly when the Disney+ series takes place. Rebels ended with Ahsoka taking off for parts unknown looking for Ezra with Sabine Wren. So this could still fit in the timeline.
We should also note Dave Filoni co-created the character while working on The Clone Wars, and he’s also serving as executive producer on The Mandalorian. Some elements from the animated series Filoni’s worked on—the Darksaber and Death Watch mandos—have already appeared in the live-action show.
Lucasfilm
For those unfamiliar with the character, Ahsoka becomes the apprentice of Anakin Skywalker during the Clone Wars. The Jedi Order expelled her under false charges. She clears her name, but she decides the Jedi path is ultimately not for her. Then, Ahsoka appears as a recurring guest star on Star Wars Rebels, where she helps the budding Rebel Alliance. She even survived a battle with Darth Vader.
In Ahsoka’s most recent appearance prior to season seven of The Clone Wars ( she returns to the series today), she communicates as a disembodied voice to Rey in the The Rise of Skywalker. Eckstein voiced Ahsoka in the film.
Nerdist has reached out for comment from Lucasfilm on this casting, but we have not received a response.
Featured Image: Disney/Lucasfilm/Marvel
