Ahsoka: everything to know about the new Star Wars series

Ahsoka. The Mandalorian season 2. Courtesy of Lucasfilm.
Ahsoka. The Mandalorian season 2. Courtesy of Lucasfilm.

Ahsoka is about to debut on Disney+, and fans are more than excited to see this long-popular character coming to live action! Not only that, but she brings with her a bevy of popular animated characters, likewise making the jump and becoming a sequel to one of the most-loved Star Wars series ever. Here’s what to know about this hot new show!

The character of Ahsoka Tano first appeared in 2008’s animated The Clone Wars movie, which led to the TV show of the same name. She was Anakin Skywalker’s apprentice during the conflict and was soon on the road to becoming a Jedi. However, after being framed for a bombing, Ahsoka left the Jedi Order and later was shown to barely survive Order 66, which wiped out the Jedi.

The Rebels animated series revealed Ahsoka was now Fulcrum, a Rebel agent. She aided young Jedi Ezra Bridger, and the show ended showing Ahsoka was still around after the Empire fell. She debuted in Season 2 of The Mandalorian, played by Rosario Dawson. 

Now, this series sends Ahsoka on a personal mission that can have ramifications for the galaxy. 

What is Ahsoka about?

Picking up where her appearance on The Mandalorian left off, Ahsoka is hunting for brilliant Imperial tactician Grand Admiral Thrawn. That has her reuniting with former Rebels friends Sabine Wren and Hera Syndulla. As they realize Thrawn is working with other Imperial remnants, Ahsoka uncovers a darker conspiracy that could hint at the beginnings of the First Order. 

Who stars in Ahsoka?

Rosario Dawson reprises her role as Ahsoka, aided by a great makeup/CGI job to create her look. Natasha Liu Bordizzo takes on Sabine Wren, while Mary Elizabeth Winstead stars as Hera. While not shown yet, Eman Esfandi is expected to show up as Ezra Bridge. Biggest of all is Lars MIkkaelsen will reprise his Rebels role as Thrawn, finally bringing this long-popular Star Wars villain to life. 

Also, Genevive O’Reilly reprises her Andor role as Mon Mothama, now Chancellor of the New Republic. In what is sadly one of his final roles, the late Ray Stevenson is Baylan Skoll, a former Jedi who now serves Thrawn. Ivanna Sakhno plays Shin Hati, his apprentice. Finally, Hayden Christensen will appear, although it’s unsure if it will be in a flashback or if he will appear as Anakin or Darth Vader. 

  • Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano
  • Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren
  • Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker
  • Eman Esfandi as Ezra Bridger
  • Ivanna Sakhno as Shin Hati
  • Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Hera Syndulla
  • Ray Stevenson as Baylan Skoll
  • Genevieve O'Reilly as Mon Mothma
  • Diana Lee Inosanto as Morgan Elsbeth: An Imperial Magistrate who is a servant of Thrawn.
  • Lars Mikkelsen as Grand Admiral Thrawn 
  • Maurice Irvin as Senator Mawood 
  • Jacqueline Antaramian as Senator Rodrigo 
  • Nelson Lee as Senator Hamato Xiono

When does Ahsoka premiere?

The eight-episode series is scheduled to debut on Disney+ on August 23, 2023. Dave Filoni will write all the episodes with himself, Peter Ramsey, Steph Green, Jennifer Getzinger, Geeta Patel, and Rick Famuyiwa directing. 

With the arrival of several beloved Star Wars characters to live-action and building on a post-Return of the Jedi galaxy, Ahsoka looks to be one of the most anticipated Star Wars projects in years. 

Ahsoka debuts on Disney+ on August 23, 2023.