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Ahsoka Season 2 is now confirmed to bring four A-list villains back to the galaxy far, far away and feature them in major ways. When Ahsoka Season 1 first premiered in 2023, it introduced three brand new villains to the Star Wars universe, including Ray Stevenson's Baylan Skoll, Ivanna Sakhno's Shin Hati, and Paul Darnell's Marrok. Other bad guys were present throughout the season, such as Diana Lee Inosanto's Morgan Elsbeth, but they were ultimately killed and won't be returning for Season 2.

Ahsoka Season 2 is currently in production and is being helmed by Dave Filoni, who was also credited as the creator and writer for every episode of Season 1. The upcoming installment is expected to be released on Disney+ sometime in 2026.

The upcoming Star Wars Disney+ series is expected to pick up directly after the events of Season 1, which saw Ahsoka and Sabine trapped in an entirely new galaxy...

This article contains spoilers for "Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld."

"Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld" is the latest entry in an animated anthology series composed of mini-episodes that more deeply explore the backgrounds of some of our favorite "Star Wars" characters. Sometimes, it bridges gaps, while at other times, it reveals secrets. The first season, "Tales of the Jedi," provided us with more insight into Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein) and Count Dooku (Corey Burton). The second season, "Tales of the Empire," similarly gave us a closer look at Barris Offee (Meredith Salenger) and Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto).

In that same vein, "Tales of the Underworld" brings Asajj Ventress (Nika Futterman) and Cad Bane (Burton) into focus. Asajj is a curious character at the moment, as she has had a very interesting gap in her history that hasn't exactly been explained until now. The canonical 2015 novel "Star Wars: Dark Disciple,...

Tales of the Empire began streaming on May 4th, 2024, on Disney+, and since then, the reactions to it have been mostly positive. However, the show leaves a lot to be desired.

The positive reactions make sense, as the animation is gorgeous, the fight choreography is stunning, and the Kiners' background score hits the spot. However, this is nowhere near the quality of its predecessor, Tales of the Jedi. Tales of the Empire lacks the impactful storytelling of last year's Tales of the Jedi. Instead, we have something much shallower, and a lot of it feels pointless.

Morgan Elsbeth was a better character without her backstory

Morgan's character shined in The Mandalorian. Diana Lee Inosanto's performance never falters, and she's one helluva fighter, too. While she nails the difficult choreography in all her duels, including Ahsoka, her character arc ends abruptly when she is killed in the series.

Unfortunately, it...

Star Wars fans with Disney+ praised last year's anthology series of animated shorts titled Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, and Diana Lee Inosanto (Morgan Elsbeth in Ahsoka) is thrilled to talk about the follow-up series titled Star Wars: Tales of the Empire. As with its predecessor, the series features six short episodes, focusing on two fan-favorite characters to elaborate on their backstory. For example with the debut of Tales of the Jedi, fans were finally gifted Ahsoka’s origin story. With Tales of the Empire, Inosanto teased that fans will learn more about her character’s history when the show drops on May 4, a.k.a. Star Wars Day!

Just as Ahsoka and Dooku were each featured on three episodes in Tales of the Jedi, Tales of the Empire appears to have three episodes dedicated to Diana’s Morgan Elsbeth and three episodes featuring Barriss Offee. With Dooku, we...

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is a little over a week away, premiering on Disney+ on May 4. We got our first look at what's to come. Released on Star Wars' social media accounts, we see Nightsister Morgan Elsbeth facing down against General Grievous.

This scene occurs during the events of The Clone Wars' fourth season in the episode "Massacre," which saw the destruction of the Nightsisters of Dathomir. While we know some did survive, like Merrin in Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order, it was a decimating event for them. It was revealed in the Ahsoka series that Morgan Elsbeth was also a Nightsister who survived the massacre. Elsbeth is played once again by Diana Lee Inosanto, who reprises her role from The Mandalorian and Ahsoka.

The clip shows it's not Morgan fighting Grievous but another Nightsister. While we don't know her name now, this woman clearly holds power and command.

After a season focusing on the Jedi in Tales of the Jedi, the series is back, and this time we'll get to see Tales of the Empire. The 6 animated shorts will focus on the Empire's side of things, and it's an unexpected departure for the series but carries forward the first season's darker tone.

Barriss Offee in a scene from "Star Wars: Tales Of The Empire", exclusively on Disney+. © 2024 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

I'll admit that I expected Season 2 to continue telling stories about the Jedi, but the trailer looks still thrilling regardless. Morgan Elsbeth and Bariss Offee are two characters whose lives we haven't fully explored yet so the show will fill in the gaps of their stories. Bariss's fate after she was arrested for bombing the Jedi temple and framing her friend, Ahsoka Tano, for doing so has remained a mystery. She should've been executed, but many fans hoped she would return.

Disney+ just dropped the galaxy-sized bomb with the trailer, key art, and trailer stills for Lucasfilm’s latest animated adventure, Star Wars: Tales of the Empire. Ah, yes, we Empire and Sith fans get a cool anthology series, too!

This is the next chapter following the incredibly captivating Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi from 2022, and it's set to launch on the most fitting day for any Star Wars release - May the Fourth (be with you). Imagine, all six episodes ready to binge on Star Wars Day - what a blessing.

Diving into Tales of the Empire, we’re promised an epic exploration of the Galactic Empire like never before, through the eyes of two warriors, the incredible Morgan Elsbeth we've seen in Ahsoka and Barriss Offee, whose lives take wildly different paths amidst the Empire's reign. The storyline hints at a plethora of themes involving vengeance, survival, and...

Ahsoka Tano was brought to live action by Rosario Dawson in the Disney+ series Ahsoka, which follows the adventures of the titular Jedi, in 2023. Recently, the actress posted a behind-the-scenes image that confirmed she had begun the much-anticipated second season of the series.

In an Instagram post, Dawson published an image of her shadow, clearly displaying the silhouette of her elaborate Ahsoka prosthetics and makeup. The post was captioned, "& we’re off…to galaxies far, far away….!" Multiple of Dawnson’s co-stars in the series, including Eman Esfandi, who plays Jedi Ezra Bridger, and Diana Lee Inosanto, who portrays the Nightsister Morgan Elsbeth, commented on the photo, calling Dawson a "Legend" and "Icon" and wishing her luck on this journey.

The first season of Ahsoka follows the titular, former Jedi Knight as she explores the galaxy, investigating the emergence of a threat to the vulnerable New Republic. Dawson’s performance...

We got word that filming was set to get underway on the second season of Ahsoka last week during Star Wars Celebration Japan, and star Rosario Dawson has now announced that cameras are officially rolling with our first behind-the-scenes production photo.

The shot isn't especially revealing, but it's clear from the shadow that Dawson is in full Ahsoka mode here.

In many ways, Ahsoka served as a live-action fifth season of Star Wars Rebels, and season 2 looks set to introduce even more elements from the fan-favorite animated series, with Zeb Orrelios (presumably voiced by Steve Blum) set to join Ezra (Eman Esfandi), Hera (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Sabine (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) and Chopper the droid as the Og crew of The Ghost.

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Some production stills and concept art were showcased during the Star Wars Celebration panel, giving us our first...

The Star Wars Celebration event in Japan dropped tons of big news for fans of the sci-fi franchise. A Darth Maul animated series was announced along with other animated series, Star Wars: Starfighter, Shawn Levy's movie starring Ryan Gosling was announced, and more.

On top of that, Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau spent a significant amount of time talking about the second season of Ahsoka. Exciting news included the returns of several characters, including the return of Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker.

However, the most exciting revelations regarding Ahsoka season two come in the form of story details from Dave Filoni. It sounds like this season will feature even more action than the first season. Filoni said the first half of the season will feature an “all out” war.

“I'll just say what it is ‘cause they came all this way, and I know what they really want to...

Confirming rumors that have been doing the rounds for quite a while, Hayden Christensen announced that he will return as Anakin Skywalker for the 8-episode second season of Ahsoka during the Disney+ show's Star Wars Celebration panel in Tokyo, Japan.

Christensen reprised his iconic Star Wars prequels role in the first season, appearing to his former Padawan Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) when she became trapped in the "World Between Worlds" after a lightsaber duel with Baylan Skoll (the late Ray Stevenson). Anakin served as a spirit guide, of a sort, forcing Ahsoka to confront her past and (potential) future.

Skywalker returned as a Force Ghost (presumably) in the season finale, watching over Ahsoka on Peridea.

Though filming doesn't get underway until next week, some production stills and concept art were showcased during the panel, and we got our first look at Rory McCann as Baylan. We got word earlier this...

LucasfilmCCO Dave Filoni confirms the episode count for the upcoming second season of Ahsoka.

Speaking to Collider at Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Tokyo, Filoni discussed the ever-changing nature of the scripts for Ahsoka and how they evolve and shift as part of a collaborative effort on set. That being said, Filoni noted that filming for Ahsoka Season 2 starts in only a few days, meaning he has already completed every script apart from any potential last-second changes. Filoni also clarified that the second season of Ahsoka is "8 episodes" just as the first season was.

Ahsoka premiered on Disney+ in 2023 to a largely positive response from critics and audiences alike. The series stars Rosario Dawson as the titular Jedi, Ahsoka Tano, the former Padawan of Anakin Skywalker who reunites with her own former apprentice, Sabine Wren, to take a stand against the last remnants of the Galactic Empire. Ahsoka features a star-studded...

The onetime Jedi apprentice Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) will return for the second season of her eponymous Star Wars series, and now we know that her former master will, too. Hayden Christensen will return as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka. The news was revealed at this year's Star Wars Celebration convention in Japan.

After playing the character in the prequels Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, Christensen took a long hiatus from the franchise, but has returned with a vengeance in recent years. In 2022, he returned in the Disney+ miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi as both Anakin in flashback scenes (for which he was digitally de-aged) and as his cyborg alter ego, Darth Vader. He returned again in 2023's Ahsoka, appearing both in flashbacks and in spirit form to Tano when she entered the mysterious "World Between Worlds," a plane on which all periods of time occur simultaneously. While his...

Ahsoka fans at Star Wars Celebration were able to get their first official look at Rory McCann (Game of Thrones) as Baylan Skoll for Ahsoka Season 2. The Rosario Dawson-led series begins "filming in a week," according to Dawson at Celebration, which Filoni confirmed to Collider earlier today. During the panel for the Disney+ series, McCann's look was revealed. McCann replaces Ray Stevenson for Season 2, who unfortunately passed away in 2023. Revealed on the big screen, McCann's Baylan Skoll is seen in two pictures, one with and without his lightsaber. "Baylan is important," says Dave Filoni, the chief creative officer of Lucasfilm. "He's the parallel to Ahsoka, and that's a parallel that's got to continue."

During the panel, Dawson expressed, "I'm just so excited to be with this cast again." She goes on to explain. "I'm excited to bring on Rory [McCann], and Rory has that incredible balance of intensity, fierceness, love,...

Anakin is back (again), baby!

Hayden Christensen will reprise his fan-favorite role of Anakin Skywalker for season two of Ahsoka, the Lucasfilm Disney+ show that stars Rosario Dawson. The announcement was made at the Star Wars Celebration event in Tokyo, Japan.

Ahsoka creator Dave Filoni, executive producer Jon Favreau and star Rosario Dawson took the main stage for a panel to discuss the inspirations behind the show and the making of season one. Filoni spoke about the heavy influence of Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke and Favreau talked about George Lucas’ love for the character Ahsoka and reminisced about casting Dawson. The actress added that they begin shooting season two of Ahsoka next week.

After a brief scene between Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka was shown on the big screen, Christensen then walked out to rapturous applause from the crowd. But the announcement of his return didn’t come till near the end of the panel.

In the season 1 finale of Ahsoka, several characters were left stranded on Peridia when Grand Admiral Thrawn and his Nightsisters escaped with Ezra Bridger stowing away on their ship.

With former Jedi Baylan Skoll (the late Ray Stevenson) setting off on his own to discover the secrets of the planet, his apprentice Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno) is left to battle Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) and Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo).

Shin survives, and we last see her approaching a group of bandits with her lightsaber raised, seemingly as a gesture of surrender.

Hati's intentions were not fully made clear, but a short passage from the upcoming Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy book reveals that she does indeed join forces with these bandits before continuing her crusade to bring down Ahsoka and her allies.

"Shin teams with roving bandits on Peridea and resumes her hunt for Sabine and Ezra.

Ahsoka is back with another delightful update ahead of its second season’s premiere. This comes less than a month in the wake of Eman Esfandi’s filming update on social media. Per ComicBook, Star Wars has revealed more details about one of the show’s Season 1 breakout characters in the person of Ivanna Sakhno’sShin Hati. Shin was introduced as Baylan Skoll's (Ray Stevenson in Season 1; Rory McCannin Season 2) apprentice, whom he's teaching to be "something more" than a Jedi. And with the most recent update, fans can find out what Shin is up to when Ahsoka returns.

An excerpt from a piece of Star Wars merchandise has teased Shin’s journey of discovery to try and discover where she belongs, which already began in Ahsoka Season 1 with her and her master being hired by Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) to track down Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen). The passage further reads:

“Her master,...

Andor Season 2 premieres in just a few weeks, and creator Tony Gilroy is a busy man with multiple appearances as promotion ramps up.

During a Star Wars official questions and answers session with fans on YouTube, Gilroy admitted feeling pressure to deliver in Season 2, as he believes Andor has set the bar quite high.

Via ScreenRant, Gilroy said, "Holy crap, we put the bar down here, and we're gonna get crushed if we don't deliver," while discussing possible fan backlash should Season 2 disappoint. Taking it a bit further, Gilroy added, "You see all the other shows, you see other shows where people had trouble sticking the landing, and you're like, 'Oh, my god, we have to,' like, so there's a new pressure."

The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and The Magistrate (Diana Lee Inosanto) in Lucasfilm's The Mandalorian, season two, exclusively on Disney+. © 2020 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

The ScreenRant...

Natalie Portman's Queen Padmé Amidala played a vital role in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, but didn't live to witness the events of A New Hope and beyond after passing away while giving birth to twins Luke and Leia at the end of Revenge of the Sith.

Amidala's death is what ultimately pushed Anakin Skywalker to fully abandon the path of the Jedi and allow himself to be consumed be the Dark Side of the Force.

The Disney+ Star Wars shows have allowed us to revisit earlier timelines in the Galaxy Far, Far Away, and though we have seen both Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen reprise their respective roles as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin/Darth Vader, Padme has yet to make an appearance. She has showed up in The Clone Wars animated series and several Star Wars novels, but we haven't seen her in live-action since Rots.

Honestly, the...

Star Wars fans had wondered if we might see Baylan Skoll in the galaxy far, far away again despite actor Ray Stevenson's passing, and we now have confirmation that the character will return for the upcoming second season of Ahsoka.

First reported by Jeff Sneider and later confirmed by THR, Scottish actor Rory McCann, best known for playing The Hound on HBO’s Game of Thrones, is set to take over as Skoll in season 2 of the Disney+ Star Wars series.

Stevenson, who sadly died back in May of 2023 just before his 58th birthday, played the villainous(?) former Jedi in the series, and the finale featured his last scene as the character, as we see the powerful Force-wielder standing on the ruins of a mountain-sized sculpture of the Mortis gods.

Skoll didn't have a big part to play in the events of the concluding episode, but Stevenson would undoubtedly...

According to a new report, the next actor who will play Baylan Skoll in Star Wars: Ahsoka has been revealed. The role was previously played by actor Ray Stevenson in what turned out to be one of his last performances.'

Movie insider Jeff Sneider of The InSneider has reported that the role of Baylan Skoll is set to be taken over by actor Rory McCann. As McCann and Stevenson were friends, the casting reportedly comes with the "blessing of Stevenson's widow." Game of Thrones fans will know McCann well, as he can be easily recognized from his role as the fan favorite character Sandor "The Hound" Clegane. He also recently appeared in Gladiator II after appearing in other films like XXX: Return of Xander Cage, Clash of the Titans, and Jumanji: The Next Level. Aside from Game of Thrones, McCann also has roles in the TV shows The Book Group,...

When Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy needed to restore confidence lost from the demanding Star Wars fandom, she turned in the only direction possible — Dave Filoni. The current EVP and Chief Creative Officer of Lucasfilm is a Star Wars savant and is directing us through these uncharted waters in a universe without a Skywalker at the helm.

Since the godfather of the Empire, George Lucas, asked him to develop Lucasfilm Animation, Dave Filoni has been an intrinsic "force" (pun very much intended) in the ongoing legacy of Star Wars. So, when someone sticks a camera in his face at the Star Wars: Skeleton Wars premiere, we all listen to hear what he has to say.

And he didn't disappoint with his news about Ahsoka Tano's saga in the universe.

No Disturbance in the Force Here Star Wars The Mandalorian Season 3 and Ahsoka Season 1 SteelBook. Image Credit: StarWars.com

Ahsoka created anticipation...

Hasbro unveils their Star Wars Black Series Force FX Elite Baylan Skoll Lightsaber, which is inspired by the Ahsoka series. Making his debut in the premiere of the 2023 Disney+ series, the late Ray Stevenson portrayed Baylan Skoll, a former Jedi who became a mercenary in the wake of Order 66. Together with padawan Shin Hati (Ivana Sakhno), the pair of rogue Jedi aid in Morgan Elsbeth's (Diana Lee Inosanto) search for Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen), though Baylan has grander aspirations about their journey.

After making its debut in a lethal display of power against a helpless New Republic crew, Baylan Skoll's unique lightsaber has joined Hasbro's The Black Series Force FX Elite Lightsaber line, as revealed in the Star Wars: Gift The Galaxy promotional program.

The highly-detailed replica was made to capture the appearance of the prop from Ahsoka, and features a stand similar to those found in previous releases...

It has already been five years since Disney+'s successful launch with its premier live-action Star Wars series, The Mandalorian. With three seasons and twenty-four chapters in total, each episode is sure to pack a punch. However, some stand out as extra-special.

Here are the 5 best episodes of The Mandalorian in the past 5 years.

5. Chapter 1: The Mandalorian

Taika Waititi is Ig-11 in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian.

The Mandalorian came out the gates swinging when it first launched in November of 2019 as the flagship series of Disney+. The first episode is as important as any episode in the series as it had to drive home the premise of the show while hooking the audience onto what could happen next. The reveal of what would then be known to the world only as ‘Baby Yoda’ as the target for Bounty Hunter ‘Mando’ set the Star Wars fanbase ablaze while surprisingly...

A new issue of Star Wars Insider is on the way on October 29 for the US and Canada and November 28 for the UK. While there is a spooky vibe in the air, a big focus of this issue is the upcoming anniversary of The Mandalorian.

Let's dive into all of this and more at this preview for issue #228 for Star Wars Insider.

The Mandalorian Turns 5 Years Old!

In November, The Mandalorian celebrates a milestone birthday as it turns five years old. This issue of Star Wars Insider will commemorate the series and how it's changed the franchise since its debut.

Witches, Bugs, and Body Horror

Three articles in this issue get spooky just in time for Halloween! The first is an interview with Ahsoka and Tales of the Empire star Diana Lee Inosanto, talking all about the witches of Dathomir. The other is a look at the Frankenstein-like transformation...

The Creative Arts Emmy Awards were announced this past weekend. Disney+ original Ahsoka was up for five of the categories ranging from Outstanding Sound Editing for a Comedy or Drama Series (Half-hour) and Animation to Outstanding Period or Fantasy/Sci-Fi Hairstyling. It is no surprise to fans of the series that the award the creative team took home was for Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes.

Congratulations to the cast and crew of #Ahsoka on their Creative Arts Emmy® Awards win for Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes! #Emmys pic.twitter.com/gLZhRwhg7H

— Ahsoka (@ahsokaofficial) September 9, 2024

The head of the team that won this prize was Shawna Trpcic, sharing the distinction with Elissa Alcala. Trpcic, a California native, studied fashion at the Otis College of Art and Design. She studied with Bob Mackie, the Oscar-nominated costume designer behind The Star Wars Holiday Special. After beginning her career in films in 1990 as an illustrator,...

Star Wars: Ahsoka picked up a win at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Sunday. This marks the first Emmy win for the Star Wars series, which streamed on Disney+ in 2023.

At the ceremony, Ahsoka earned the win for Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes. Specifically, it won the award for the episode, "Part Eight: The Jedi, the Witch, and the Warlord." The other nominees for the honor included Echo for "Lohawk," Fallout for "The End," Loki for "1893," and What We Do in the Shadows for "Pride Parade."

Related Diego Luna Teases How Andor Season 2 Will Make Star Wars Fans Want to Rewatch Rogue One

Andor star Diego Luna teases what fans can expect from the Star Wars series' upcoming second season.

Ahsoka earned five nominations overall for the evening. It was also up for Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Season or Movie (Shogun), Outstanding Period or Fantasy/Sci-Fi Hairstyling (Shogun...

Star Wars' latest retcon to The Mandalorian may have set up a thrilling idea for a new television show. Star Wars television shows seem to be winding down, as only three upcoming Star Wars shows are on the horizon: Skeleton Crew, Andor season 2, and Ahsoka season 2. Instead, the franchise seems to be returning its focus to movies, such as the upcoming film The Mandalorian & Grogu. Though Star Wars seems to be slowing down on TV shows, the franchise may have recently introduced something that would open the door to a new series.

The Star Wars timeline can often be a bit confusing, mainly because it's so often the subject of major retcons and changes. One of the most often changed parts of the timeline is the Great Purge of Mandalore, introduced in The Mandalorian. Now, Star Wars Outlaws has changed the date of the Purge yet again, setting it...

Even in the established Star Wars canon, one can argue that there are two different versions of Grand Admiral Thrawn in the Star Wars galaxy. Created by author Timothy Zahn, Thrawn was a major villain in the wake of Return of the Jedi, as seen in books that are now considered to be non-canon Legends. However, Thrawn has since been brought to the official canon thanks to Dave Filoni's animated series Star Wars Rebels, a live-action debut in Ahsoka, as well as new canon books from Zahn. However, there are still some discrepancies between Filoni and Zahn's versions of Thrawn.

At present, Grand Admiral Thrawn is positioned to become a major threat during the New Republic Era, just like his Legends counterpart. Having returned to the known Star Wars galaxy after years in exile, many expect Thrawn to be the main villain in Filoni's upcoming movie that will reportedly...

This incredible Sabine Wren cosplay is a dead ringer for the Mandalorian Jedi Padawan of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars. Sabine has proven to be a significant addition to Star Wars movies and TV shows. After debuting in Star Wars Rebels in animation, Sabine returned to the Star Wars screen in live-action in the Ahsoka show. Sabine's Star Wars story also isn't over yet, as she will no doubt appear in the upcoming Ahsoka season 2. In fact, the Ahsoka finale perfectly set up an epic journey for both Sabine Wren and Ahsoka Tano as they try to escape Peridea.

Now, one stunning Sabine Wren cosplay has perfectly replicated the intricate Mandalorian armor she dons in both animation and live-action. The cosplay, posted by universeofemily on Instagram, even offers a side-by-side comparison, revealing how truly impressive this armor is.

View this post on InstagramA post shared by Emily Boe (@universeofemily)

This...

A star-studded cast brings iconic Star Wars characters to live-action for the first time in Ahsoka. The series follows Ahsoka as she searches for Grand Admiral Thrawn amidst Imperial Remnants. Ahsoka features beloved characters from Star Wars Rebels in a new live-action setting, continuing their stories.

The Ahsoka Disney+ TV show features an all-star cast bringing some classic Star Wars characters to live-action for the first time. The latest Star Wars TV series set during The Mandalorian era, Ahsoka tells the ongoing story of Anakin Skywalker's Padawan several years after the fall of the Empire. According to Lucasfilm's Dave Filoni, Ahsoka is essentially Star Wars Rebels season 5 - which explains why it features quite a few of the characters from that animated series, translated into live-action at last.

The Mandalorian season 2 introduced Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano, and set her on a quest to locate the missing Grand...

Ahsoka VFX Supervisor Richard Bluff has lent his talents to many franchises, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Transformers and, most recently, Star Wars. 

He counts The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and even Disneyland and Disney World's "Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run" ride among his credits. However, Ahsoka marks Richard's most recent foray into a Galaxy Far, Far Away.

Last week, we were fortunate enough to sit down with the Emmy nominee ("Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Season Or A Movie") to discuss his work on the critically acclaimed Star Wars TV series. 

We started by asking Richard about translating the World Between Worlds from animation - where it first debuted in Star Wars Rebels - to a phenomenal live-action sequence featuring Rosario Dawson's Ahsoka Tano and Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker.

"I think a lot of it comes down to audiences being familiar with that world through animation.

Being the daughter of legendary martial artist Dan Inosanto and the godchild of Bruce Lee, Diana Lee Inosanto walked in their footsteps and excelled in the realm of martial arts. Her expertise in it would eventually contribute to the actor’s stint in the Galaxy Far, Far Away, in which she first appeared as Magistrate Morgan Elsbeth in episode 13 of The Mandalorian season 2.

Magistrate Morgan Elsbeth | Credit: Disney Plus/Lucasfilm

But her appearance in the other Star Wars spin-off, Ahsoka, starring Rosario Dawson, really put her in the spotlight. However, the actress recently recalled that she had to hide during the show’s filming in order to avoid risking spoilers.

Diana Lee Inosanto Hid From Star Wars: Skeleton Crew‘s Kids To Avoid Risking Ahsoka Spoilers Star Wars: Skeleton Crew | Credit: Disney Plus/Lucasfilm

During her appearance at Fan Expo Chicago, Diana Lee Inosanto touched on her experience in Ahsoka.

Thrawn's complex character and goals set him apart from other Star Wars villains, seeking influence rather than power. Artist Kiara's Ahsoka artwork captures anticipation for Thrawn's return, showing growth and improvement over time. Ahsoka season 2 brings excitement as we anticipate the interaction between Ahsoka and the returning Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Many believe Ahsoka season 2 will feature more of Grand Admiral Thrawn, and this incredible Star Wars art perfectly captures the sense of anticipation. Thrawn was lost in hyperspace at the end of Star Wars Rebels,stranded on the distant planet of Peridea with Ezra Bridger for years. Before that, he was a member of the Imperial Military, often going head-to-head with the Rebel Alliance. Though Thrawn was not a direct enemy of Ahsoka specifically, Ahsokas past as a Jedi and her allegiance to the crew of the Ghost.

Artist Kiara posted her Ahsoka artwork on Instagram, pairing the image...

Star Wars fans wondered if Baylan Skoll would be recast following the death of actor Ray Stevenson, and we may now have our answer.

The season 1 finale of Ahsoka, "The Jedi, The Witch, And The Warlord," unfortunately, served as a farewell to the late Thor and Punisher: Warzone actor, who sadly passed away last May just before his 58th birthday.

Stevenson played a villainous former Jedi in the live-action Star Wars series, and the finale featured his last ever scene as the character, as we see the powerful Force-wielder standing on the ruins of a mountain-sized sculpture of the Mortis gods.

Skoll didn't have a big part to play in the events of the concluding episode, but Stevenson would undoubtedly have reprised the role at some point. Considering how important his character would appear to be to the ongoing story, there's been a lot of speculation that Baylan might be recast down the line,...

Rosario Dawson turned down a Star Trek role for Ahsoka Tano. Dawson is a fan of both Star Trek and Star Wars, and she dreams of playing a Q. She revealed her love for Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Rosario Dawson turned down a mystery role in Star Trek to play Ahsoka Tano. Dawson debuted as Ahsoka in The Mandalorian season 2, and she went on to play the Jedi ronin in Star Wars: Ahsoka. However, Dawson is a fan of both Star Trek and Star Wars, and says it's okay to "cross streams," but Rosario had to choose when both franchises offered her a role.

Appearing on stage at Fan Expo Boston, Rosario Dawson revealed that she was offered a role in a Star Trek on Paramount+ series, but she had already signed on for Ahsoka. Dawson also discussed her love of Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart...

Han Solo's history is filled with hilariously nonsensical moments, from absurd bets to outlandish family lore. Chewbacca's life debt to Han was actually flipped in canon, with Chewie saving Han before swearing loyalty. Han Solo's iconic last name "Solo" was given to him by an Imperial officer due to the fact he was traveling "solo."

Though forever beloved by all, several Han Solo storylines and character elements in Star Wars are just hilariously nonsensical. As a third of the core trio of main characters in the original Star Wars trilogy, Han has one of the galaxy's most storied lives. This spans across many years, both in-universe and in real life, stretching from Star Wars Legends (previously known as the Expanded Universe) to Star Wars canon. Such a storied life would no doubt call for some moments and facts that are simply laughable.

This is especially the case for Han Solo,...

Even as we rapidly approach five decades since the series began, fans continue to eat up behind-the-scenes stories from Star Wars. At Boston Fan Expo, Collider's Maggie Lovitt hosted a panel with Ahsoka stars Eman Esfandi and Diana Lee Inosanto and dug into some behind-the-scenes stories from the Disney+ series. With Ahsoka, bridging the gap between the animated and live-action Star Wars universes, fans are eager for any tidbits about the show's production. One fan, in particular, had a burning question for Esfandi, leading to a delightful recounting of an on-set experience involving lightsabers.

Dave Filoni's original plan for Ahsoka in Star Wars: The Clone Wars was much darker than her final version. George Lucas helped refine Ahsoka's story to be more uplifting and fun in the show. Ahsoka's vision in the Ahsoka show highlighted the trauma she experienced in the Clone Wars, reflecting Filoni's darker original intent.

Dave Filoni, one of the co-creators of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, recently revealed his original plans for Ahsoka Tano's story in the show. Ahsoka has become one of the most influential characters in Star Wars, but she began by being the most influential in The Clone Wars. Ahsoka was one of the most prominent characters in The Clone Wars, and much of the show's story hinged on her character. Recently, however, Filoni spoke about how different Ahsoka originally was, and his first plan for her could have redefined the entire Clone Wars timeline.

While speaking with WGA West,...

The spotlight is shining on Ahsoka's Shin Hati with a new Star Wars Black Series figure featuring premium detail and a Lightsaber accessory. Hati served as the apprentice to Dark Jedi Baylan Skoll in season 1 of the Disney+ show, though ultimately left him to align with Morgan Elsbeth and Admiral Thrawn. With the Ahsoka season 1 finale seeing Hati abandoned by them all and left on the planet of Peridea with Tano and Sabine Wren, season 2 could see her head down the path of redemption, or further descend into darkness.

Following her explosive debut in the Disney+ show, Ahsoka's Shin Hati is getting the spotlight in a new Star Wars Black Series figure. Played by Ivanna Sakhno, Hati is introduced to the Lucasfilm franchise as the apprentice to Ray Stevenson's Dark Jedi Baylan Skoll, having been rescued by him from Order 66 and helping him in his quest to acquire more power,...

Star Wars actor Hayden Christensen has revealed that he knew about the World Between Worlds before appearing in last year's Ahsoka series.

Speaking at a Disney FYC (For Your Consideration) event for Ahsoka, Christensen was asked about his character, Anakin Skywalker, appearing for Rosario Dawson's Jedi in the World Between Worlds. On this subject, Christensen said that he knew about the World Between Worlds before filming, giving him a greater understanding of the story at hand and the role Anakin would play. This will come as no surprise to some Star Wars fans as Christensen has previously said that he watched the animated series The Clone Wars and Rebels before returning to a galaxy far, far away.

Hayden Christensen was already aware of a World Between Worlds when Dave Filoni called for #Ahsoka and loved seeing what was created in Star Wars animation. Star Wars (@starwars) June 2, 2024

Related Ray Stevenson...

Ahsoka Season 2 Cast: What Characters Will Appear in the Star Wars Series? - Main Image

Who are the cast and characters expected to appear in Ahsoka season 2?

After the massive success of the first season, Lucasfilm officially announced earlier this year that Ahsoka season 2 is in the works with Dave Filoni returning as the showrunner.

A lot of fans are looking forward to the new season since the first season finale ended on a massive cliffhanger for the main characters and left a couple of storylines unresolved.

All the Cast and Characters Expected to Appear in Ahsoka Season 2

So far, Lucasfilm has not confirmed the full list of cast members that are set to appear in Ahsoka season 2.

We can expect the majority of the cast members from the first season to reprise their roles in the upcoming season.

Here are the cast and characters that will likely appear in...

With 11 feature films, six live-action series, nine animated series — and, lest we forget, one holiday special — the original “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” is starting to feel like it was a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. “Ahsoka” occupies an interesting spot at the nexus of “Star Wars” storytelling from the past couple decades, though.

The Disney+ series acts as a bridge between the worlds of Dave Filoni’s work on the excellent animated “Rebels” and the innovative technical approach to “The Mandalorian.” Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), former apprentice to Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), may have the challenge of trying to preserve the galaxy in the face of sinister threats from Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) and others, but “Ahsoka” has the challenge of blending templates set in animation with the demands of live-action — and pushing both forward, as the show takes Ahsoka and the...

Is Baylan Skoll in Any Star Wars: Tales of the Empire Episodes? Morgan's Mercenary Explained - Main Image

Is Baylan Skoll in Star Wars: Tales of the Empire? Considering he had been instrumental in Morgan Elsbeth's escape and in finding Grand Admiral Thrawn, Star Wars fans surmised we'd also get a glimpse of him in the animated series. So, did he make a cameo?

Content Spoilers: This article includes spoilers for Star Wars: Tales of the Empire, so proceed with caution.

Who is Baylan Skoll? Meet the Villain From Ahsoka

Dave Filoni promised Star Wars fans that Tales of the Empire would get to highlight two interesting characters choosing their destined paths: Morgan Elsbeth (played by Diana Lee Inosanto) and Barriss Offee (Meredith Salenger).

With the involvement of Grand Admiral Thrawn, fans couldn't help but question if we'll get to see Baylan Skoll in one of the Tales of the Empire episodes.

Warning! This post contains Spoilers for Tales of the Empire episode 1, "Path of Fear"

Star Wars reestablishes how fearsome General Grievous truly is with his new Tales of the Empire appearance. Grievous's terrifying massacre showcases his lethal combat skills with no desire for a cowardly retreat. Tales of the Empire brings back the truly fearsome Grievous with nods to his brutal past from the 2D Clone Wars micro-series.

Star Wars has finally remembered to truly fear General Grievous 19 years after Revenge of the Sith thanks to Tales of the Empire. Making a horrifying appearance in the new series' very first episode, Star Wars has recaptured what truly made Grievous such a frightening villain (despite his canonical cowardice). Featuring nods to his very first Star Wars appearance even before Revenge of the Sith, General Grievous is the embodiment of fear for a very important reason.

In celebration of Star Wars Day...

Disney+ made a unique release choice for Star Wars: Tales of the Empire, dropping the show in every territory at midnight local time. The release coincided perfectly with Star Wars Day, sparking confusion and speculation about whether it was intentional or a coding error. While this format may not be used for major shows, it provides Disney+ with a new release option for special occasions like Star Wars Day.

Star Wars: Tales of the Empire's release has completely changed Disney+, in the strangest possible way. May 4 is officially Star Wars Day, and Disney+ has gotten in on the act.Today, Lucasfilm Animation released the six-part TV show Tales of the Empire, exploring the Dark Times of the Empire's reign. These six animated shorts focus in on Diana Lee Inosanto's Morgan Elsbeth and Meredith Salenger's Barriss Offee, characters from Ahsoka and Star Wars: The Clone Wars respectively.

Disney...

Warning! This post contains Spoilers for Star Wars: Tales of the Empire episodes 1-3

Morgan Elsbeth's dark path and secret role in Star Wars Rebels is explored in Tales of the Empire episodes 1-3. The reveal that Morgan Elsbeth created the Tie Defender designs explains her alliance with Grand Admiral Thrawn. The Tie Defender program and Elsbeth's operations on Corvus are key plot points in Tales of the Empire, providing an exciting new context for her character and backstory.

Star Wars has just retconned a major Ahsoka villain into the events of Star Wars Rebels thanks to the new Tales of the Empire show. With Lucasfilm having released all six episodes on Star Wars Day 2024, Tales of the Empire reveals the never-before-seen origins of Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) and finally reveals the ultimate fate of Barriss Offee (Meredith Salenger) after The Clone Wars. To that end, the new...

Warning! This post contains Spoilers for Tales of the Empire episodes 1-6

Tales of the Empire is a new Star Wars show on Disney+. Released in celebration of Star Wars Day (May the Fourth) all 6 episodes are available to stream. The series explores the tragic origins of Nightsister Morgan Elsbeth and the fate of the rogue Jedi Barriss Offee. Episodes delve into dark paths, Imperial alliances, and Inquisitor recruitment, revealing major character fates and exciting new conflicts.

Star Wars has released the new Tales of the Empire show on Disney+. Celebrating Star Wars Day 2024 in epic fashion, all six episodes of the new animated series were released at once by Lucasfilm, allowing fans of the galaxy far, far away to binge the entire series as part of their May the Fourth festivities. As a result, Screen Rant has created a comprehensive episode guide for the new Tales of the Empire series.

A turn to the Dark Side is teased in a new Star Wars: Tales of the Empire trailer as a Nightsister rises and a Jedi Padawan falls. Morgan embraces the Dark Side, while Barriss faces challenges as an Inquisitor in the trailer. Six new episodes release on Disney+ on May 4th, with familiar faces like Ahsoka Tano and Darth Vader.

Darkness rises in the latest trailer for Star Wars: Tales of the Empire, as a Nightsister becomes a warlord and a Jedi Padawan falls from the light. Following on from 2022's Tales of the Jedi, the six-episode anthology series will explore the untold stories of two of the Galaxy Far Far Away's most influential individuals, as fallen Padawan Bariss Offee and Nightsister survivor Morgan Elsbeth take center stage. Diane Lee Inosanto and Meredith Salenger reprise their respective roles, while Jason Isaacs, Lars Mikkelsen, Rya Kihlstedt, and Dee Bradley Baker are also set to return.

Plot: A six-episode journey into the fearsome Galactic Empire through the eyes of two warriors on divergent paths, set during different eras. After losing everything, young Morgan Elsbeth navigates the expanding Imperial world toward a path of vengeance, while former Jedi Barriss Offee does what she must to survive a rapidly changing galaxy. The choices they make will define their destinies.

Review: While fans have been somewhat divided over the live-action offerings in the Disney era of Star Wars, we can all agree that the animated projects have been fantastic. From the revival of The Clone Wars to the spin-off The Bad Batch and the unique anthology Visions, animated Star Wars is stronger than ever. Following the 2022 series Tales of the Jedi, the latest series again gives us a bite-sized limited series focusing on secondary characters in the Star Wars canon. Tales of the Empire sounds like it would focus...