Launched last week on Disney+, the Ahsoka series is the latest addition to the sprawling Star Wars universe, providing a much-needed refresh for fans. Originally introduced as Anakin Skywalker’s Jedi padawan, Ahsoka Tano bridges the gap between the original trilogy and the prequels released from 1999 to 2005. Her character weaves together multiple storylines from the first six major films, making her one of the most complex and intriguing figures in the franchise.
Before Rosario Dawson brought Ahsoka to life in live-action form during the second season of The Mandalorian in 2020 and subsequently in The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka’s tale was confined to animated series. These animated installments, held in high regard by Star Wars aficionados, were mainly the work of Dave Filoni, a leading creative mind in the Star Wars realm, who co-created the character with franchise founder George Lucas.
The expansive world-building of the Star Wars franchise can make it difficult to delve into every aspect of Ahsoka’s character in one go, especially given her deep connections to key figures like Anakin Skywalker, who becomes Darth Vader, and her intrinsic link with the Force. However, the character has been explored through key moments in the animated series, including last year’s Tales of the Jedi, which features six standalone shorts exploring various timelines and characters in the Star Wars universe.
The first episode of Tales of the Jedi serves as an origin story for Ahsoka, showcasing her Force sensitivity as an infant. In a poignant scene, young Ahsoka uses her nascent Force powers to protect herself from a dangerous wild animal on her home planet. Another short in the series focuses on crucial moments later in her life as she undergoes training under Anakin Skywalker.
With the Ahsoka series now live, fans can expect to dive deeper into the enigmatic character’s backstory, including her complex relationship with the Force, her mentor Anakin, and other significant characters in the Star Wars universe.
