Perhaps the most anticipated Disney Plus Star Wars series, the release date for the Ashoka show is August 2023. While some fans know Ahsoka from her appearances in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, the character has a rich history spanning The Clone Wars, Rebels, and Tales of the Jedi. However, watching every episode of those shows takes a huge time commitment. Plus, not every episode deals with Ahsoka.
Whether you are a long-time fan of the character or you need a crash course in who Ahsoka Tano is, these are the most important shows and episodes to watch before the Ahsoka series comes out. Plus, we look at the confirmed details and most popular rumors about the new Ahsoka Tano show.
Spoiler Warning: This article contains potential spoilers and rumors for the Ahsoka series as well as spoilers for The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Rebels, and The Mandalorian. If you are caught up on TCW, Rebels, and Mando, you read through until the “What We Know About the Ahsoka Series So Far” section. If you want to remain completely spoiler free, skip ahead to the spoiler-free Ahsoka watchlist.
What To Watch Before Starting the Star Wars Ahsoka Show?
With seven seasons of The Clone Wars and four seasons of Rebels, there is a lot of content related to Ahsoka Tano. While you could – and show – watch both of those shows, they take a significant time commitment. Here are the essential episodes to watch if you want to understand Ahsoka Tano and the new series.
1. The Clone Wars: The Malevolence Arc (Season 1, Episodes 2, 3, & 4)
While The Clone Wars movie technically introduces Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano, the Malevolence arc does a much better job of establishing the character. Not only is the story more engaging, but it does a better job of showing Ahsoka’s loyalty, compassion, and rebellious streak.
These three episodes also happen to be a few minutes shorter than the film, so it can save you time if you are rushing to catch up on the character before the new Ahsoka series debuts.
2. The Clone Wars: The Return to Geonosis Arc (Season 2, Episodes 6, 7, & 8)
Like the Malevolence arc, these episodes further establish Ahsoka’s character. Again, we see her loyalty, as well as her commitment and perseverance. It also establishes her friendship with fellow Padawan Barriss Offee.
Although the full arc is listed, you can skip most or even all of Episode 7, “Legacy of Terror.” While it does relate to the overall story, Ahsoka only appears at the beginning of the episode. You can seamlessly skip from Episode 6, “Weapons Factory,” to Episode 8, “Brain Invaders,” without missing a beat.
3. The Clone Wars: The Chewbacca Returns Arc (Season 3, Episodes 21 & 22)
Despite the name, this arc primarily focuses on Ahsoka Tano and her leadership skills. Relying on the Force and her own ingenuity, she works with other Padawans to escape a deadly trap. And yes, everyone’s favorite Wookiee, Chewbacca, does appear in the second episode of the arc.
4. The Clone Wars: The Onderon Arc (Season 5, Episodes 2, 3, 4, & 5)
Working with the Onderon Rebels against a Separatist incursion, Ahsoka begins to question if the Jedi could do more to help those in need. The arc also shows her commitment to doing the right thing, even when politics and orders get in the way.
5. The Clone Wars: The Rogue Jedi Arc (Season 5, Episodes 17, 18, 19, & 20)
Ahsoka Tano’s allegiance to the Jedi Order is put to the ultimate test in the Rogue Jedi arc. Finding herself once again at odds with the Jedi Council, she must use everything she has learned to unravel a mystery while others in the Jedi Order jump to conclusions.
6. The Clone Wars: The Siege of Mandalore Arc (Season 7, Episodes 9, 10, 11, & 12)
Ahsoka Tano and Clone Captain Rex take on their most difficult mission of the Clone Wars. Even in the face of insurmountable odds, Ahsoka remains loyal to her friends and committed to the light side of the Force.
7. Rebels: “The Future of the Force” (Season 2, Episode 10)
Now an adult, Ahsoka continues fighting for what is right and just in the galaxy. She faces off against new adversaries and shows how her Force powers have developed since the end of the Clone Wars.
8. Rebels: “Twilight of the Apprentice” (Season 2, Episodes 21 & 22)
Along with Kanan Jarrus and Ezra Bridger, Ahsoka Tano travels to a remote planet to learn secrets related to the Force. While exploring an ancient battleground, she unexpectedly encounters someone from her past. Similar to the episode in “The Future of the Force,” Ahsoka showcases her mastery of the Force.
9. Rebels: “A World Between Worlds” (Season 4, Episode 13)
Ahsoka and Ezra use the Force to explore a mystical dimension. Although Erza is the focus of the episode, it does showcase Ahsoka’s perseverance and dedication to the Force. It also expands on our collective understanding of the Force, which could play into the new Ahsoka series.
10. The Mandalorian: “Chapter 13: The Jedi” (Season 2, Episode 5)
In her first live-action appearance, Ahsoka continues to fight against fear and oppression throughout the galaxy. While it introduces a wiser, more mature Ahsoka, she has not lost her cheerful lightheartedness.
What We Know About the Ahsoka Series So Far
Despite a mountain of rumors, we have very few confirmed details about the Ahsoka series right now. Rosario Dawson first appeared as Ashsoka Tano in the Season Two episode of The Mandalorian “Chapter 13: The Jedi” on November 27, 2020.
Less than two weeks later, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy announced the series during the Disney Investor Day 2020 event on December 10, 2020. The same day, a StarWars.com post confirmed that Dave Filoni would write the show, with both Filoni and Jon Favreau serving as executive producers.
An official Star Wars Twitter post confirmed that the show started production on May 9, 2022, which is coincidentally Rosario Dawson’s birthday.
Ahsoka, an Original series, starts production today. pic.twitter.com/b5WgGBihHo
— Star Wars | #TheMandalorian is Now Streaming (@starwars) May 9, 2022
On May 26, 2022, Rosario Dawson brought Chopper from Rebels on stage during the Lucasfilm Studio Showcase panel at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim.
A few minutes later, panel host Yvette Nicole Brown introduced Natasha Liu Bordizzo, confirming they were joining the series as Sabine Wren. Voiced by Tiya Sircar, Wren originally appeared in Rebels.
At Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 in London, Mary Elizabeth Winstead joined Rosario Dawson and Natasha Liu Bordizzo on stage during the Lucasfilm’s Studio Showcase panel. Limited series details and a teaser trailer followed.
Based on the trailer, Ahsoka may visit the world between worlds first seen in Rebels. Hera Syndulla, played by Winstead, is a member of the New Republic military. Sabine Wren seems to be living on Lothal. While not confirmed, it appears we will see Grand Admiral Thrawn as well.
The story appears to fit with the epilogue of Rebels, with Ahsoka and Sabine searching for Ezra and Grand Admiral Thrawn. We have already seen Ahoska searching for Thrawn in The Mandalorian.
The show is expected to take place in or around 9 ABY, shortly after the events of Mando Season Three. However, it could take place at any point on the Star Wars timeline after the start of Rebels in 5 BBY. Flashbacks or time shifts are also possible, especially if Ahsoka visits the world between worlds again.
We expect to learn more details about the new Disney+ series during the Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration London on April 8, 2023.
Confirmed guests for the panel include Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau. Filoni created the Ahsoka character for The Clone Wars and serves as the Ahsoka series Executive Creative Director.
When Does Ahsoka Come Out?
The exact Ahsoka show release date has not been announced, but the show is expected in August 2023.
Some fans think the Ahsoka Tano series release date could get revealed in a post-credit scene of The Mandalorian Season Three. This would mimic how The Book of Boba Fett was announced at the end of Season Two.
While this is certainly a possibility, the Boba Fett series was an unexpected surprise. Whereas we have known about the Ahsoka show for some time.
Who Is in the Cast of the Ahsoka Series?
So far, the only confirmed cast members are Rosario Dawson, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.
Dawson stars as the Force-sensitive Togruta Ahsoka Tano. A popular fan cast for years, Dawson appeared as Ashoka in Season Two of The Mandalorian. She later reprised the role for The Book of Boba Fett and is expected to appear in The Mandalorian Season Three. Tano first debuted in the animated series The Clone Wars and later appeared in Rebels, voiced by Ashley Eckstein.
Bordizzo costars as Sabine Wren. A Mandalorian by birth, Sabine served with the Ghost crew on Lothal before eventually joining the Alliance to Restore the Republic. In addition to being a skilled fighter and pilot, Sabine is also an artist.
Winstead plays Hera Syndulla, a Twi’lek pilot that owned and operated the Ghost. After growing up on the war-ravaged Ryloth, she eventually formed the Specter rebel cell and later joined the Rebel Alliance. The character was voiced by Vanessa Marshall in Rebels.
Dave Filoni is expected to reprise his role as C1-10P or “Chopper,” Hera’s C1-series astromech droid.
Rumored Ahsoka Cast and Characters
According to unconfirmed rumors, Eman Esfandi and Hayden Christensen will also appear in the show. Esfandi is expected to play Ezra Bridger, a Force-sensitive human that trained as a Jedi under Kanan Jarrus. Taylor Gray voiced Ezra in the series.
Hayden Christensen is expected to reprise his role of Anakin Skywalker for the new series, something he recently did in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, this certainly seems credible. He could appear in either flashbacks or as a Force ghost, similar to how Liam Neeson appeared in the Kenobi show.
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However, neither Lucasfilm nor Disney has confirmed these castings.
The Lasat warrior Zeb Orrelios made an unexpected cameo in The Mandalorian episode “Chapter 21: The Pirate” as a New Republic pilot. Voiced by Steve Blum, Zeb fought alongside the Ghost crew in Rebels. Given his appearance in The Mandalorian, at least a cameo in the Ahsoka series seems likely.
Most fans assume that Grand Admiral Thrawn will serve as the show’s primary protagonist. “Chapter 13: The Jedi” already established that Ahsoka was searching for imperial Grand Admiral Thrawn. What appears to be Thrawn is seen in the teaser trailer.
According to IMDB and several news outlets, Ray Stevenson and Ivanna Sakhno are also among the cast for the Ashoka show. Rumors are that Stevenson plays an unnamed Admiral in the Imperial Navy. However, there are no official details about either character at this time.
Potential Cameos in the Ahsoka Series
Assuming the Ahsoka series follows a similar pattern as The Book of Boba Fett, Din Djarin and Grogu will likely appear in at least one episode.
Bo-Katan has a history with both Ahsoka and Sabine, so it is possible Katee Sackhoff will reprise her role in the show. Similarly, any of the Mandalorians we have seen so far could also appear.
Although unlikely, Temuera Morrison could reprise his role as Boba Fett. If Fett appears, it is possible that Fennec Shand would also show up.
However, it seems more likely that Morrison would cameo as a Clone trooper, possibly even Captain Rex. A fan-favorite character, Rex served with Ahsoka during the Clone Wars. If he appeared in live-action, it would likely break the internet.
While Zeb’s cameo in “Chapter 21: The Pirate” shook up the fandom, many missed the cameos of Deborah Chow, Rick Famuyiwa, and Dave Filoni.
Best known for their work behind the camera, the three previously cameoed as X-wing pilots Sash Ketter, Jib Dodger, and Trapper Wolf, respectively. If Zeb appears, it is possible that any of them could appear in the background.
The same goes for Paul Sun-Hyung Lee’s recurring character Carson Teva, who is also a New Republic X-Wing pilot.
Spoiler-Free Ahsoka Watch List
| Film or Show and Episode | Timeline | Runtime (minutes) | Notes |
| The Clone Wars – Season 1 Episode 2 “Rising Malevolence” | 22 BBY | 27 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 1 Episode 3 “Shadow of Malevolence” | 22 BBY | 26 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 1 Episode 4 “Destroy Malevolence” | 22 BBY | 24 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 2 Episode 6 “Weapons Factory” | 21 BBY | 24 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 2 Episode 7 “Legacy of Terror” | 21 BBY | 24 | Optional |
| The Clone Wars – Season 2 Episode 8 “Brain Invaders” | 21 BBY | 24 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 3 Episode 21 “Padawan Lost” | 20 BBY | 25 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 3 Episode 22 “Wookiee Hunt” | 20 BBY | 25 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 5 Episode 2 “A War on Two Fronts” | 20 BBY | 25 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 5 Episode 3 “Front Runners” | 20 BBY | 25 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 5 Episode 4 “The Soft War” | 20 BBY | 25 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 5 Episode 5 “Tipping Points” | 20 BBY | 25 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 5 Episode 17 “Sabotage” | 19 BBY | 25 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 5 Episode 18 “The Jedi Who Knew Too Much” | 19 BBY | 25 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 5 Episode 19 “To Catch a Jedi” | 19 BBY | 25 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 5 Episode 20 “The Wrong Jedi” | 19 BBY | 25 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 7 Episode 9 “Old Friends Not Forgotten” | 19 BBY | 30 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 7 Episode 10 “The Phantom Apprentice” | 19 BBY | 27 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 7 Episode 11 “Shattered” | 19 BBY | 26 | Essential |
| The Clone Wars – Season 7 Episode 12 “Victory and Death” | 19 BBY | 23 | Essential |
| Rebels – Season 2 Episode 10 “The Future of the Force” | 3 BBY | 23 | Essential |
| Rebels – Season 2 Episodes 21 & 22 “Twilight of the Apprentice” | 3 BBY | 46 | Essential |
| Rebels – Season 4 Episode 13 “A World Between Worlds” | 0 BBY | 24 | Essential |
| The Mandalorian – Season 2 Episode 5 “Chapter 13: The Jedi” | 9 ABY | 47 | Essential |
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