This article contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episodes 1 - 3.
Summary
Ahsoka's unconventional approaches to Jedi recruitment and training offer a viable solution to Rey and her New Jedi Order, overcoming the difficulties of locating individuals sensitive to the Force. Ahsoka stresses the significance of commitment and education, prioritizing them above natural aptitude, and proposes the inclusion of non-Force-sensitive students into Rey's New Jedi Order.
Rey could draw more inspiration from Ahsoka rather than Luke in her quest for Jedi knowledge. It is possible that Rey may even have the opportunity to learn directly from Ahsoka herself.
In her upcoming Star Wars movie, Rey has encountered difficulties with the New Jedi Order. However, Ahsoka was able to resolve similar issues in the early episodes of her own story. After the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Rey faces the challenging task of rebuilding the Jedi Order, which may prove to be even more daunting than it was for Luke Skywalker. Nevertheless, Ahsoka has started exploring a fascinating concept that has the potential to redefine the concept of being a Jedi, ultimately influencing the direction of Rey's New Jedi Order movie.
Due to Ahsoka Tano's departure from the Jedi Order, she no longer adheres to all of their practices. Huyang consistently highlights that several of Ahsoka's approaches would not have been sanctioned by the Jedi Order, such as her choice to instruct Sabine Wren. It is ironic that Ahsoka's unconventional methods for recruiting and training Jedi ultimately offer the resolution for Rey and her New Jedi Order.
Rey Has A Problem Finding Students Who Can Become Jedi
The Jedi Order and Luke sought out Force-sensitive students to join their ranks, but Rey and her New Jedi Order may not have this luxury. Order 66 ravaged the Jedi Order, followed by the relentless pursuit of Darth Vader and the Inquisitors, leading to the annihilation of the remaining Jedi and other Force-sensitives. Despite Luke's efforts in finding enough students to establish a training temple, they were tragically annihilated by Ben Solo. The task of locating Force-sensitive students will prove arduous, as the Empire has already hunted down most of them, and those who remain will likely prefer to remain in hiding. With the exception of Finn, Jannah, and the Canto Bight children, the New Jedi Order lacks a substantial pool of candidates.
The Force Is No Longer Required To Be A Jedi (Thanks To Ahsoka)
However, Ahsoka proposes a solution to this predicament that could potentially be applied to Rey's Star Wars movie. The Force permeates all living beings, as demonstrated in Star Wars Rebels when Kanan Jarrus trains Sabine to master the Darksaber. Ahsoka builds upon this concept by taking on a Jedi apprentice who lacks Force sensitivity. Despite Sabine's disqualification from the Jedi Order due to this, Ahsoka believes that determination and training outweigh natural ability. Thus, the ultimate potential of Sabine remains uncertain until the conclusion of Ahsoka's teachings.
Will Rey Accept Non-Force Sensitive Students?
The question that remains is whether Rey's New Jedi Order will welcome students who are not sensitive to the Force. Considering Luke's adoption of the old Jedi Order's methods and subsequent repetition of their mistakes, it would be sensible for Rey to learn from her predecessors. Having studied the original Jedi texts, Rey may have realized that even the first Jedi struggled to establish a connection with the Force. This understanding could inspire Rey to mentor individuals who do not possess natural talents, particularly after witnessing how easily immense power can lead a Jedi down the path of darkness. However, it is also important to note that Rey's decision to teach aspiring Jedi may be influenced by the outcome of Ahsoka.
Rey's New Jedi Order May Take Inspiration From Ahsoka, Not Luke
Rey, while benefiting from Luke's teachings, may find even greater inspiration in Ahsoka. Initially seeking out Luke because he was the sole surviving Jedi she knew of, Rey's understanding of the Force could have greatly expanded through the Jedi texts. As she continues her quest for Jedi knowledge, she will explore the philosophies of various Force groups, potentially including Ahsoka herself. Noteworthy is the confirmation in The Book of Boba Fett that Ahsoka and Luke shared a connection, implying the possibility that Luke preserved any insights Ahsoka shared about his father and the Jedi Order. Additionally, Rey may have the opportunity to learn directly from Ahsoka, assuming she remains alive following the events of the sequel trilogy.
Ahsoka's appearance in The Rise of Skywalker suggested she may have died, but Dave Filoni has denied this claim. Although Filoni did not explicitly state that she is alive, his acknowledgment of the possibility of her return is intriguing. Ahsoka's absence from the first two films in the sequel trilogy can be explained by their consecutive timelines, while her cameo could indicate her assistance to Rey through the Force. While her fate remains uncertain after The Rise of Skywalker, Ahsoka has resolved Rey's Star Wars movie predicament and may create more storytelling opportunities depending on the show's conclusion.
New episodes of Ahsoka are released every Tuesday at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET on Disney+.