Exclusive Inside Scoop: Ahsoka's Casting for Star Wars Started Way Before The Mandalorian Season 1!
Ahsoka's arrival in The Mandalorian was no coincidence Lucasfilm's meticulous planning shines through as they had already initiated talks about her casting even before Season 1, showcasing their foresight and attention to detail
Rosario Dawson, who plays Ahsoka in The Mandalorian, recently shared that she was in discussions for the role even before the first season aired. Contrary to popular belief, her casting as the live-action Ahsoka was not a last-minute decision made during the filming of the second season. In an interview with Total Film Magazine, Dawson revealed that these talks had been happening for a considerable amount of time prior to the release of The Mandalorian season 1.
When discussing The Mandalorian, the conversation was intriguing as it was a unique experience. The contract only covered that particular episode, serving as a trial for everyone involved. It was a chance to gauge the audience's response and explore various possibilities. At that point, the future was uncertain and open to numerous potential outcomes. These discussions took place before the release of Mando S1, and although there was internal confidence in the show, no one could predict how audiences would react.
This development is undeniably intriguing, highlighting the high demand for Dawson to portray Ahsoka. As Dawson rightly emphasized, the character's significance has grown exponentially, transitioning from a single appearance in The Mandalorian to being featured in The Book of Boba Fett and now having her own standalone TV series as the former Jedi.
Just How Far Ahead Had Lucasfilm Planned?
These comments provide intriguing insight into the extensive planning that Lucasfilm undertook for the Disney+ section of the Star Wars timeline. The fact that Dawson was in discussions for the role of Ahsoka even before the release of The Mandalorian season 1 demonstrates that Favreau, Filoni, and the Lucasfilm team had already charted the course for the show's first two seasons. This becomes particularly fascinating when considering the significant deviations from the established plot points in seasons 1 and 2 that occurred in The Mandalorian season 3.
The extensive planning for The Mandalorian seasons 1 and 2 suggests that Dawson's casting as Ahsoka was considered well in advance. However, it seems that the direction of season 3 was influenced by audience reactions, resulting in several changes to the story. These alterations include Grogu's return to Din Djarin in The Book of Boba Fett and a different approach to the titular character in The Mandalorian season 3. It is evident that Lucasfilm did not have a long-term plan beyond season 2. Nevertheless, the fact that Dawson was cast as Ahsoka prior to The Mandalorian season 1 demonstrates the confidence Filoni had in her portrayal, which is promising for the upcoming Ahsoka series set to release in August 2023.
