In The Mandalorian's latest episode, "Chapter 13: The Jedi," Din Djarin met his first Jedi, who happened to be none other than Jedi-Knight, Ahsoka Tano.
Actor Ashley Eckstein originally voiced Tano in Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars: The Clone Wars and within various video games. She reprised her role in 2019's Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, being one of many Jedi voices leading Rey to stand up against Darth Sidious. Although Eckstein won't be voicing Tano within The Mandalorian, this didn't stop the actor from voicing support for Rosario Dawson's recent portrayal of the role on social media.
Although some Star Wars fans were disheartened to not have Eckstein playing the role of Tano alongside Mando, the actor showed nothing but gratitude to her fans and reminded them that Tano doesn't belong to any singular person, using the hashtag, "#AhsokaLivesInAllOfUs."
"To understand Ahsoka Tano is to understand what she means to people," she wrote on Instagram. "Millions of people are meeting Ahsoka for the first time after watching her in The Mandalorian and I’m excited for them to hopefully go back and watch her journey in The Clone Wars and Rebels. Millions of fans already know Ahsoka and her presence has come to mean more to them than words in a script. In Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Ahsoka became the eyes of the audience. Viewers experienced the show through Ahsoka, and even though these stories happened in a galaxy far, far away, her feelings and emotions are very relatable to our everyday lives. Ahsoka’s strength has inspired, changed and literally saved millions of lives all over the world."
She continued, "In turn, Ahsoka has become a beacon of hope, light and genuine goodness. Everyone’s relationship with Ahsoka is very different because she triggers the memory of a certain point in a person’s life where she’s inspired them. Even in the darkest of times, Ahsoka brings people joy and that’s what truly matters... After 12 years (and hopefully many more to come!) of having Ahsoka in our lives, #AhsokaLivesInAllOfUs now. I am blown away by everyone’s kindness... 'Thank you' does not even feel adequate enough to express what your kind words mean to me."
She ended her message by saying, "It’s my wish that Ahsoka continues to bring people joy, light and most importantly hope. This is the way of Ahsoka Tano."
Actor Rosario Dawson read her letter and replied with, "Thank you forever for your brilliance Ashley!!! I'm so honored to be a part of Ahsoka's legacy alongside you. #AhsokaLivesInAllOfUs indeed this is the way of Ahsoka Tano, #AhsokaLives."
Eckstein replied, "Congratulations Rosario!!! Welcome to #TeamTano."
In April, it was reportedly confirmed that Rosario Dawson's contract with Lucasfilm extends beyond The Mandalorian, suggesting that the actor would portray Ahsoka Tano in several upcoming television projects. At the time of this writing, there's been no word on how this development would alter future casting decisions, though fans have speculated that Dawson might go on to portray the character in live-action film and television projects only.
Created by Jon Favreau, The Mandalorian stars Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers and Giancarlo Esposito. New episodes arrive Fridays on Disney+.
Source: Instagram