Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episode 3.
Summary
In the credits of Ahsoka episode 3, it is revealed that Paul Darnell, the actor portraying Marrok, not only performs stunts but also provides the voice for the character. This revelation challenges speculations surrounding Marrok's true identity in the show, such as theories linking him to characters like Ezra Bridger or Galen Marek.
The revelation of new information dampens some of the prominent theories surrounding the Inquisitor, shedding light on a potential plot twist. Ahsoka poses the pivotal question of who Marrok truly is, yet the Star Wars show has possibly already discredited certain theories about the Inquisitor. The unveiling of the Inquisitor in Ahsoka's trailers sparked substantial inquiries and speculation regarding Marrok's actual identity. This is to be expected when dealing with an enigmatic, masked character who wields a red lightsaber and is established as a significant antagonist.
The speculation surrounding Marrok's true identity encompasses a wide range of theories, with some closely linked to the show's storyline like Ezra Bridger, while others are more speculative such as Galen Marek, also known as Starkiller, from the Star Wars Legends' video game The Force Unleashed. This ongoing thread is expected to build up towards a significant reveal in the final episodes of Ahsoka's eight-part series. However, episode 3 of Ahsoka has introduced new information about the cast, which may dampen certain speculations.
Ahsoka Episode 3's Credits Confirm Paul Darnell Is Marrok's Actor, Potentially Debunking Inquisitor Theories
In episode 3 of Ahsoka, Paul Darnell is credited differently compared to episode 2. In episode 2, Darnell was listed as the stunt double for the character Marrok. However, in episode 3, he is listed as "Featuring," which indicates that he not only performed the stunts but also provided the voice for Marrok. Although Marrok's role doesn't significantly expand in episode 3, the fact that he now speaks suggests that Darnell is handling both roles.
If this is indeed the case, it could challenge some of the theories surrounding Marrok. One theory suggests that Marrok could be Starkiller, a character voiced by Sam Witwer in the games. Witwer appears in the credits of Ahsoka as an additional voice actor, but the way Darnell is credited strongly indicates that he is not voicing Marrok. Therefore, it becomes less likely, although not entirely impossible, that Marrok is Starkiller.
Who Is Paul Darnell, Ahsoka's Marrok Actor?
Paul Darnell, an experienced and talented stunts performer, may not be a well-known name in households. However, he is a fitting choice for the role of Marrok in Ahsoka, especially when the character is concealed behind a mask. Darnell's extensive credits include notable films like Jurassic World and The Matrix Resurrections. Within the Star Wars universe, he served as the stunt double for Timothy Olyphant's Cobb Vanth in The Mandalorian season 2 and portrayed an assassin in The Book of Boba Fett.
How Marrok Theories Could Still Be True In Ahsoka
However, just because Darnell is portraying Marrok in Ahsoka, it doesn't completely discredit all the theories surrounding him. While it does appear to confirm that Witwer is not involved with the character and lowers the likelihood of it being Starkiller, the fact that Marrok wears a mask allows for the possibility of another actor assuming the role once the mask is eventually removed. Likewise, the modulation of Marrok's voice by the helmet provides an explanation for any changes in his voice as well.
With the amount of mystery and speculation surrounding the character, it would be quite surprising if Marrok turned out to be an insignificant person at this point. It definitely seems like Ahsoka is setting up for a major plot twist. There is an argument that having Marrok be just Marrok would itself be a compelling twist, with Darnell portraying the character throughout. However, it remains to be seen if Star Wars will fully commit to that idea. Regardless, despite the credits of Ahsoka episode 3, the Marrok theories will continue for a significant amount of time. New episodes of Ahsoka are released on Tuesdays at 6 pm PT/9 pm ET on Disney+.