The “Star Wars” Galaxy gets a little bit larger next year with two new Disney+ shows on the way: “Ahsoka” and “Skeleton Crew” (both on our Anticipated 2023 TV list). And of the two, “Ashoka” takes the crown as the most anticipated “Star Wars” project that isn’t “The Mandalorian” Season 3. So, why so much hype? Well, Rosario Dawson returns to play the former Jedi Padawan, but another big reason is that several characters from the animated series “Star Wars: Rebels” will join the series. That’s right, live-action debuts for the likes of Ezra Bridger, Grand Admiral Thrawn, and more.
And ‘Rebels’ leader and pilot Hera Syndulla will show up in “Ahsoka,” too. After months of speculation, Bespin Bulletin, who have pretty solid ‘Star Wars’ sources, confirms that Mary Elizabeth Winstead will play the Rebellion leader. Winstead’s casting news for the series broke last January, but her role in “Ahsoka” remained unknown. However, after a brief glimpse of Syndulla in a teaser for “Ahsoka” at Star Wars Celebration this past May, fans theorized Winstead might be playing her. Now, it seems to be official: Winstead indeed plays the fan-favorite “Star Wars: Rebel” character.
Other confirmed roles on “Ahsoka” include Hayden Christensen returning as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader (likely in flashbacks with a younger Ahsoka), Nastasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren, and Eman Esfandi as Ezra Bridger. Other actors on the show include Ivanna Sakhno, Lars Mikkelsen, and Ray Stevenson. Dave Filoni writes the series and also directs multiple episodes.
There’s no official premiere date yet for “Ahsoka” next year. However, Disney did include footage from the series in their Disney+ 2023 promotional video from earlier this week, so it is coming, probably after “The Mandalorian” Season 3 on March 1. Watch the Disney+ promotional video for next year below.