Our JP attended a special “Star Wars” event in San Francisco promoting the new Disney+ series, “Ahsoka.”
The “Star Wars” universe continues to expand with a pivotal character, whose self-titled series “Ahsoka” premieres on Disney+.
It is us fans who are treated to the first look at this fascinating new world. Once the Padawan learner of respected Jedi master Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano became quite the respected Jedi in her own right. During the clone wars, she fought fiercely alongside Master Jedis’ Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi and, of course, Anakin. However, as the empire’s reign loomed over the galaxy, the Jedi order began to fall.
The character of Ahsoka Tano (voiced by Ashley Eckstein) debuted in the animated film and TV series, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” and also appeared in animated “Star Wars: Rebels,” live-action “The Mandalorian” and “The Book of Boba Fett,” and other Disney projects, such as video games and novels. This is the first live action TV series (played by Rosario Dawson) to boast her character alone (technically “Ahsoka” is a spin-off of “The Mandalorian,” where Dawson first played the character on TV). And it is one worth paying close attention to as she plays an important role in “Star Wars” canon.
On August 17, 2023, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) in San Francisco’s Presidio hosted a major fan event, as they rolled out the red carpet; granting us a once in a lifetime viewing experience that kids and adults will share for years to come. Die-hard fans and press gathered in droves to witness the first two episodes of this new series, and I have to say I was quite allured by Ahsoka’s presence. The atmosphere was certainly imbued with the presence of the force, due to many cosplayers wielding lightsabers.
Part of the festivities included a DJ stationed in the theater, and fans were given raffle tickets for a chance to win some pretty awesome prizes. Replicas of Ahsoka’s dual white lightsabers were part of the prizes among other cool items.
Ahsoka: The TV Show
Personally, I was thrilled to finally see “Ahsoka” on screen as she sparks fresh interest in an ever expanding series.
Set after the fall of the Empire, “Star Wars: Ahsoka” follows the former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy.
In addition to Dawson in the title role, “Ahsoka” stars Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Hera Syndulla, Ray Stevenson as Baylan Skoll, Ivanna Sakhno as Shin Hati, Diana Lee Inosanto as Morgan Elsbeth, David Tennant as Huyang, Lars Mikkelsen as Grand Admiral Thrawn and Eman Esfandi appearing as Ezra Bridger.
The series is written by Dave Filoni, who executive produces alongside Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Colin Wilson, and Carrie Beck. Karen Gilchrist is co-executive producer.
Premiered on August 23, 2023, stream Disney+ for weekly episodes of “Ahsoka.”