Summary
Transitioning from animation to live-actionStar Warsis just one ofAhsoka Tano’s many great feats. After her introduction inStar Wars: The Clone Wars, Ahsoka’s ascension from annoying Padawan to one of the franchise’s best characters has become an endearing arc for fans.Her determination matches her kindness and desire always to do the right thing, especially if it’s difficult. Ashley Eckstein’sClone WarsandRebelsperformancescaptured our hearts and invigorated spirits. That said, I understand why her transition to live-action has been difficult for some fans.
When Ahsoka made herStar Warsdebut inThe Mandalorian, fans were ecstatic to finally see the former Jedi in live-action. Of course, there were questions about how Dave Filoni would transition his beloved character from the animation sphere into the live-action one. The biggest question was how Rosario Dawson’s portrayal would be compared to Ashley Eckstein’s. She would assume the role of an Ahsoka, who became a ronin after theGalactic Empire’s fall. Because of this,Dawson undertook changes that differentiate the live-action Ahsokafrom the animated version, some of which vastly changed things for viewers - such asQueener_Weener.
Where Was Ahsoka During The Star Wars Original Trilogy?
Given her importance to the Rebellion’s creation and her role after the Empire’s fall, where was Ahsoka Tano during Star Wars' Original Trilogy?
Ahsoka In Live-Action Is Vastly Different From Animation
Fans Say That Without Ashley Eckstein, Ahsoka Doesn’t Feel Like Herself
Ahsoka’s transition into live-action was met with praise thanks to Dawson’s well-executed portrayal of an older, wiser Ahsoka, tracking downEzra BridgerandGrand Admiral Thrawnby going afterMorgan Elsbeth. After about three decades since Ahsoka’s departure from the Jedi Order, the changes in her personality show themselves to be more Jedi-like. She’s tranquil, graceful, and more detached from things. Ayoung Ahsoka was brash, headstrong, and overconfident during the Clone Wars. She would learn to hone in on these traits as the war went on and especially afterward.
Now that she is older and wiser, there are noticeable changes in Ahsoka’s behavior. There is a logical reason for this;she’s not a child anymore. Ahsoka’s mindset has altered many years after growing up as a soldier during the Clone Wars. The Padawan enjoyed the thrill of battle, at times even competing with her Master to see which of them could destroy more droids. After witnessing the deaths of many clones, her exile from the Jedi order, the revelations about her master, and the toppling of theGalactic Republic, she is a changed character.
Since transitioning into live-action, Ahsoka has taken on a more serious tone. While she still has her wit, stubbornness, and kindness, Dawson’s portrayal is more professional than the animated Ahsoka’s. The animated Ahsoka was afforded more opportunities to be comedic than the live-action version.Dawson’s Ahsoka is a more stoic characterat this point of her journey. She’s patient and meticulous, displaying a more impassive Ahsoka than we saw during the Clone Wars. Starkly different from Ashley Eckstein’s Ahsoka, it’s understandable to feel that Ahsoka is not the same because she isn’t.
Rosario discussed the differences between live-action and animated Ahsoka and where she is at in her Star Wars journey with Screen Rant.
Some Fans Prefer The Live-Action Version To Animation
Rosario Dawson Has Been Excellent as Ahsoka Tano
Ahsoka Tanois a character whose unwavering determination and caring heart are the most essential parts of her arc. Ahsoka learned many things from Anakin’s teachings. She was conditioned to never give up on situations, propelling her compassion toward others and motivating her to do the right thing. Ahsoka has become a wiser, more selfless version of her younger self in her live-action version. Dawson attempts to show these qualities, and it pays off in spades.Her portrayal of a more mature, graceful Ahsoka has attracted many fanstowards those who have and have not seenThe Clone Wars.
Newcomers to the franchise have noted Dawson’s excellent performance, with some claiming nobody else could have portrayed her better. In the case of live-action Ahsoka, this is true. As mentioned earlier, Dawson does an excellent job capturing Ahsoka’s personality and mindset. She dedicated time to mastering Ahsoka’s dual saber fighting technique. Having trained for two hours a day, seven days a week, she deserves to be commended for getting a handle on Ahsoka’s fighting style. Rosario Dawson’s portrayal of Ahsoka is excellent by most metrics, as fans continue to support the character.
Star Wars: The 20 Most Empowering Ahsoka Tano Quotes
Ahsoka Tano has come a long way from Jedi Padawan to receiving a live-action spinoff. Here are some of her most empowering quotes in Star Wars.
Most Fans Still Miss Eckstein’s Performance As Ahsoka
It Is Difficult To Compete With The Original
Ashley Eckstein started as the voice of Ahsoka Tano in 2008, and after the conclusion ofThe Clone Warsseason 7, it was thought that might be the last time Eckstein would get to voice the character. That changed the announcement forTales of the Jedi. Hearing Eckstein as Ahsokaagain was a delight for fans, as many began to miss her portrayal of the beloved character she helped shape. Her famous token, “Ahsoka lives in all of us,” became the fabric of her character’s impact off-screen, creating bonds not shared by many otherStar Warscharacters.
It’s no secret that anytime a character undergoes a casting change, there will be some nostalgia for the older version, and that is no different in the case of Ashley Eckstein’s Ahsoka. It is well documented that Eckstein’s Ahsoka got off to a rough start upon her introduction to the franchise. Many fans disliked the snippy Padawan of Anakin Skywalker, but given time,she became a treasured characterwithin the franchise. Her reveal as Fulcrum inStar Wars Rebelswas welcomed by fans as many feared she was killed duringOrder 66afterThe Clone Warsseries was canceled.
I empathize with fans who miss Eckstein’s voice with Ahsoka’s character. She brought so much heart to a character who has been through war, death, and emotional trauma. Transitioning her into live-action is excellent for the character and extends her shelf life within the franchise. Missing Eckstein performing her voiceover is natural,as long as those who do so do not diminish Dawson’s portrayalin the same breath.
Should Ahsoka Have Stayed In Animation?
She’s Earned The Right To Crossover Into The Live-Action Sphere, and The Move Legitimizes Her Character
Ashley Eckstein’s Ahsokaprobably has some bias in her favor because she has been through so much more than Rosario Dawson. That said,pulling Ahsokainto the live-action sphere ofStar Warshas given her the prominencethat she deservesas arguably the franchise’s best character. Both Eckstein and Rosario’s portrayals are worthy showcases of the character. They portray a character in two different parts of her life. Saying one is better than the other is just a waste of time and energy.
Dave Filoni’s decision to transfer Ahsoka Tano to the live-action part ofStar Warshas worked out brilliantly, and the biggest reason for that is the casting of Dawson. Being able to take all the work he did and handing the keys of the character to Dawson was a wise choice.Boxing Ahsoka in with the animated shows would have limited the good she could doin the galaxy.Although I understand some of the divisiveness amongst fans,Ahsoka Tanois a staple ofStar Wars, and having her in both the animated and live-action space is a good thing.
Ahsoka Tano
The apprentice of Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano was an accomplished Padawan who served during the Clone Wars. Ahsoka left the Jedi after she became disillusioned with the Jedi Council, but returned to serve in the Siege of Mandalore at the end of the Clone Wars. She survived Order 66, becoming a Rebel agent during the Dark Times of the Empire’s reign, and her adventures continue in the New Republic era. Ahsoka was last seen stranded in a distant galaxy, having failed to prevent Grand Admiral Thrawn’s return.
