Summary
Ahsoka's transformation from Gandalf the Gray to Gandalf the White is explored in the upcoming Ahsoka series, according to actress Rosario Dawson and creator Dave Filoni.
Ahsoka's previous challenges in leading and her involvement with the Rebel Alliance will be further explored as she assumes the role of a wartime leader opposing Thrawn. The subtle changes in Ahsoka's portrayal between Rebels and the Ahsoka series hint at her transformation into Ahsoka the White, potentially including a significant obstacle in her battle against Thrawn.
Ahsoka star Rosario Dawson recently shared her thoughts on the similarities between her character and Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings. In the final season of Star Wars Rebels, Ahsoka returns after her mysterious disappearance in the original trilogy, now wearing a white cloak and wielding a white staff. Many fans drew parallels between Ahsoka and Gandalf, who undergoes a similar transformation from Gandalf the Gray to Gandalf the White in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic trilogy. During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Dawson revealed the vision she and Ahsoka creator Dave Filoni had for the character.
Dave and I extensively discussed the transition between Gandalf the Gray and Gandalf the White when referring to Ahsoka. This conversation highlighted her remarkable capabilities and the admiration she receives as a leader. It is important to note that although she is highly respected, there is still room for her personal growth and development.
These insights provide valuable context regarding Ahsoka's evolution from Star Wars Rebels to Ahsoka. In the former, Ahsoka was a trusted ally of the Rebel Alliance but was not yet prepared to assume a leadership role, mainly because she had unresolved issues surrounding her confrontations with Darth Vader. However, in the Ahsoka series, Dawson and Filoni convey a clear vision of her transformation mirroring that of Gandalf the Gray from Lord of the Rings. Like Gandalf, who initially served as a companion to the Fellowship, Ahsoka's journey brings her to a point where she assumes the role of Gandalf the White, a strong and influential wartime leader. This progression indicates that Ahsoka is steadily becoming a formidable adversary against Thrawn, further cementing her position as a leader.
How Will Ahsoka Become Ahsoka the White?
Dawson's comments suggest that Ahsoka still has some more development to undergo before she can truly embody the role of Star Wars' version of Gandalf the White. This notion is reflected in the slight changes made to Ahsoka's appearance in Rebels. In the series, Ahsoka is seen wearing a white cloak and wielding a staff, but in the character's marketing, she is now depicted wearing a gray cloak. This alteration aligns with Dawson's comments and may indicate that Ahsoka has undergone some transformation, shedding light on the story of her journey towards becoming what was hinted at in Rebels' conclusion.
In Lord of the Rings, Gandalf is only resurrected as Gandalf the White after a near-death battle with the Balrog. This parallel could suggest that Ahsoka's narrative will revolve around her confrontation with Thrawn, ultimately facing some form of defeat by the series' end. This could then tie into Filoni's Star Wars film, where Ahsoka, like Gandalf the White, returns and leads the New Republic's forces against Thrawn's Empire. Regardless, it is evident that Ahsoka's creator Dave Filoni and actress Rosario Dawson have carefully considered the similarities between Star Wars' beloved space wizard and her counterpart in Middle-Earth.
Episodes 1 and 2 of Ahsoka release Wednesday, August 23 on Disney+
Source: Entertainment Weekly
