Star Wars: Ahsoka is set to premiere on Disney+ this Wednesday, August 23rd. The series marks the highly anticipated live-action debut of fan-favorite characters from the animated series Star Wars: Rebels. 

If you have never watched Rebels, fear not! Here is our spoiler-free review with everything you need to know about Ahsoka Tano.

Who Is Ahsoka Tano?

Ahsoka Tano (originally voiced by Ashley Eckstein) was created by Dave Filoni and was first introduced to the Star Wars canon as Anakin Skywalker’s padawan in the 2008 animated film, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The film acted as a springboard for the animated series of the same name. Many plotlines of The Clone Wars revolved around Anakin trying to find his footing as a master to a fierce and passionate 14-year-old Togruta. Anakin’s struggles harkened back to Obi-Wan’s own tumultuous road as master to the would-be Darth Vader. 

Over the course of seven seasons, fans watched as Ahsoka matured into a skilled and fearless Jedi, just like her master. Time and time again, Ahsoka is faced with battles that cannot be resolved at the end of a lightsaber. Her morals and resolve are tested repeatedly, shaping her into the model of what a Jedi should be, but can never become in a Jedi Order tainted by politics and greed.

When we meet Ahsoka again in Rebels, years have passed and her beloved master and close friend is presumed dead, along with the remaining Jedi. This adult version of Ahsoka carries the great losses of her past but does not let them define her. Instead, the pain caused by the Empire put her in a position to become one of the most influential figures of the Rebellion.

Ahsoka Episodes 1 and 2

Rosario Dawson’s Ahsoka has already appeared in the live-action Star Wars universe. She made her debut in season 2 of The Mandalorian and later appeared in an episode of The Book of Boba Fett. However, Ahsoka will be the first time the character takes center stage outside of the animated universe. 

Ahsoka does not have the advantage of showing 15 years of character growth and development unfold for the titular character, like the animated shows provided. The series not only has to introduce a fully actualized Ahsoka with decades of history behind her in a brief timeframe but does so in a way that viewers unfamiliar with the character can connect with.

The first two episodes of Ahsoka tackle that task with ease. Dawson brings a somber and serious tone to the beloved character. Making it clear to viewers that there is more to learn. Ahsoka carries more than just the weight of being one of the few remaining Jedi in the galaxy. 

Ahsoka’s relationship with Mandalorian and ex-rebel Sabine Wren seen over the course of the first two episodes of the series draws a direct parallel between the master-apprentice dynamic shown between Anakin and Ahsoka in The Clone Wars.

Crafting the narrative between Sabine and Ashoka in such a way is a striking emotional beat. Particularly in the second episode of the season. Both Rosario Dawson and Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Sabine) exquisitely portray the unspoken tension between Ahsoka and Sabine. Leading audiences familiar with the animated series and those meeting the characters for the first time to want to know more.

Ahsoka will stream on Disney+ starting Wednesday, August 24.