Rosario Dawson’s portrayal of Ahsoka Tano in The Mandalorian has significantly impacted Dave Filoni’s confidence in developing the character’s story. Filoni has been involved in shaping Ahsoka’s character since her introduction in The Clone Wars animated series. In an interview with Screen Rant, he discussed how Dawson’s performance gave him the assurance he needed to create the upcoming Ahsoka series. Filoni acknowledged that casting the right actor to play Ahsoka was crucial to the show’s success. After multiple discussions, he believed Dawson was the best choice to embody the character.
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“The biggest question is, “Who is going to portray this character?” That is no small thing. In fact, it’s probably the most important thing. And luckily, through different discussions, Rosario really rose to the top. When I met her, I was like, “There’s no doubt to me that she’s going to be this person.” And it’s a fascinating thing when you walk on set, because she’s there so early. When I show up, she’s already Ahsoka. I’m in the village, and I’m talking to Ahsoka, and then we go on set, and we’re in the Star Wars galaxy. And then we go back off, but she’s Ahsoka. Because by the time I leave, she’s still getting off.”

Despite initial concerns about bringing Ahsoka to live-action, Dave Filoni learned to trust Rosario Dawson’s ability to embody the character. He describes how he expected the transition from animated to live-action to be a big challenge and anticipated the need to help Dawson bring Ahsoka to life. However, after directing Dawson in The Mandalorian episode “The Jedi,” he realized she had the character fully under control.

“It’s a very bizarre thing, but you learn to trust that this person is going to take and embody this, and she really does. What was funny was, of all the complications I thought there would be to bring Ahsoka to live-action, I thought, “That’s going to be a big challenge. I have to really help Rosario.” And then I start directing her in the episode “The Jedi” [in] The Mandalorian, and I’m like, “Okay, she’s got this. Now I can worry about all these other things, and I can focus on all this, because this is gonna be good.” And I’ve just felt that way. It really made me confidant to do the series. Who knows where that goes now?”

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Rosario Dawson Takes Center Stage in Ahsoka Trailer

Disney+

The first trailer for the highly anticipated Ahsoka series was recently revealed during Star Wars Celebration 2023. The series will follow the character of Ahsoka Tano on her mission to find Grand Admiral Thrawn, a villainous character from the expanded universe of Star Wars. The trailer hints that the series will focus on the mystery surrounding the disappearance of the Jedi, Ezra Bridger, as Ahsoka hopes that finding Thrawn will lead her to Bridger.

The trailer gives fans a glimpse at several major characters, including Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Hera Syndulla, Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine, and Genevieve O’Reilly as Mon Mothma. However, it’s the appearance of Thrawn that has fans buzzing with excitement, as the character is one of the most beloved villains in the Star Wars universe. Thrawn was first introduced in the Expanded Universe of Star Wars and was later reintroduced into the canon through the animated series Star Wars Rebels. Check out the trailer below.

Details about the plot of the series are being kept under wraps, but based on the trailer, it promises to be an exciting addition to the Star Wars canon. Ahsoka is set to release on Disney+ in August 2023.