The Epic Collision: Ahsoka Tano Paves the Way for Jackie Chan's Iconic Star Wars Debut
Ahsoka's powerful declaration to Sabine could revolutionize combat in the Star Wars universe, paving the way for the legendary martial artist, Jackie Chan, to bring his unique skills and charisma to the franchise
Ahsoka has successfully expanded the lore and potential of the Star Wars franchise, bringing what was previously familiar to fans of books and graphic novels onto the screen. While the Star Wars universe is vast, the focus on Jedi and Sith in live-action entries tends to overshadow the other cultures that exist within it.
Within the Star Wars universe, the Force is a mysterious phenomenon that different cultures refer to by various names. For example, the Lasats believed that the Force, known as the Ashla to them, was the powerful spirit of the galaxy. The Ashla Staff, made of wood, held a special connection to the Force. Beyond the Jedi and Sith, there are numerous Force-sensitive individuals throughout the galaxy who possess their own unique abilities and strengths. The witches showcased in Ahsoka have demonstrated this diversity.
How The Jedi and Sith Use The Force
: Expanding upon the show's triumph, now is the ideal moment to showcase a broader array of Force techniques, encompassing varied and diverse styles. The realm of martial arts, with the remarkable abilities exhibited by esteemed film stars such as Jackie Chan, presents an exceptional opportunity for this endeavor.
In the Star Wars universe, the Force holds immense power for both Jedi and Sith. The wielding of this power is heavily influenced by the user's emotions. Regrettably, certain emotions can have detrimental consequences, leading a Jedi who follows the Light Side to succumb to the temptations of the Dark Side. Anakin Skywalker is a notorious example, as anger, fear, and hatred consumed him, transforming him into a Sith. To combat this, Jedi undergo rigorous training to suppress these negative emotions. While this sacrifices the full range of emotional experiences, it is done for the sake of the greater good. Additionally, it enables Jedi to maintain impartiality and objectivity in their dealings with others.
The Sith, however, embrace negative emotions to amplify their Dark Side abilities. In this regard, a Sith lord's power is not determined by the level of hatred or fury they possess compared to other Sith. The same principle applies to Jedi, as their mastery or power is determined by their ability to control their emotions through Force techniques. For example, even though Anakin was a powerful Jedi, he ultimately lost his battle against Jedi Master Obi-Wan in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith due to a difference in skill level.
This use of emotion-based Force abilities appears to be exclusive to Jedi and Sith. Emotions can be a potent source of energy, but they can also be difficult to manage. The emotions of Jedi and Sith serve as a means to channel the power of the Force, as evident from the color of their lightsabers. Even non-Force users struggle to master their emotions, though the Force can empower individuals in various ways, whether they possess Force sensitivity or not, in the Star Wars universe.
How Other Force-Sensitives Use The Force
In Star Wars, witches utilize the Force by employing magic. Unlike the Jedi and Sith, witches view the Force as an integral part of themselves rather than a separate entity. They consider it to be the life force of all living beings. Interestingly, their Force-magic remains unaffected by their emotions and does not rely on them. It is as much a part of the witches themselves as it is a part of nature. This crucial distinction determines the relationship and Force potential of witches, particularly the Nightsisters in Ahsoka.
Unlike the Jedi and Sith, who channel the Force through their emotions, witches channel the Force through living beings. This emotionally neutral approach makes performing magic a more accessible way of connecting with the Force. It can be taught more easily, without the limitations of suppressing certain emotions. The alignment of the witches is not determined by their emotions. Consequently, some witches are able to utilize Dark Side magic in Star Wars without being aligned with the Dark Side. Witches view magic as magic, regardless of whether it originates from the Light Side or Dark Side of the Force. This enables witches to potentially practice magic from both sides, in contrast to most Jedi and Sith who typically choose one side over the other.
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Rare individuals who possess the ability to use both the Light and Dark Sides of the Force are often among the most formidable Jedi. Examples of such individuals include Jedi Master Mace Windu and the mercenary Baylan Skoll, who wield purple and orange lightsabers respectively, indicating their balance of both sides of the Force. However, for Jedi, their reliance on emotional management can sometimes pose challenges, whereas for witches, it is not a concern.
In various forms of media, audiences are introduced to Force-sensitives from Star Wars cultures that have different perspectives on how to use the Force, unlike the Jedi/Sith or witches. Unfortunately, these individuals are not adequately represented onscreen. Shamans, psychics, mystics, bounty hunters, indigenous peoples, and martial artists are among the underrepresented groups. The lack of their depiction in Star Wars highlights the need for the franchise to embrace diversity and include cultural narratives that extend beyond the Jedi and Sith conflict.
In a world frequently dominated by either the terrors of the Empire or the Sith, it is imperative that these underrepresented cultures are not disregarded as insignificant or relegated to minor plotlines. Ahsoka Tano’s profound statement regarding the omnipresence of the Force within each individual can serve as a catalyst for Star Wars to highlight and embrace more diverse and underrepresented cultures. A potential avenue to achieve this could be the introduction of a martial arts practitioner who possesses an innate connection to the Force.
Why Martial Artists Should Join Star Wars
Star Wars is renowned for its use of lightsabers and blasters in combat. However, Ahsoka's revelation to the Mandalorian Force-sensitive, Sabine Wren, that being a Jedi entails more than just wielding a lightsaber, opens up the possibility of change. Ahsoka may have hinted at a future where individuals with expertise in martial arts, such as the iconic action-comedy star Jackie Chan, could find a place in the Star Wars universe, overcoming the obvious disadvantages observed in Ezra's lackluster hand-to-hand Force combat skills. Moreover, the inclusion of someone like Jackie Chan in Star Wars could potentially revitalize the dwindling Western live-action martial arts film genre, provided the execution is handled with finesse.
In the Star Wars universe, martial arts have been crafted specifically to counter Force-sensitive individuals. Qi’ra, for example, became a master of teras kasi, a lethal form of martial art focused on self-defense, in order to combat Darth Vader. This style empowered practitioners to breach armor effortlessly and perform acrobatic feats with remarkable speed. While teras kasi is a martial art devoid of the Force, there is also a possibility of martial art forms infused with the Force. For instance, martial artists could utilize the Sith technique of energy shielding to deflect blaster beams and lightsaber strikes. Ahsoka's advice to Sabine, urging her to train her mind and body, could result in an increase of Force-based hand-to-hand combat. This approach might align more closely with Sabine's Mandalorian warrior nature. If the series fulfills Ahsoka's suggestion, Sabine could possibly benefit from Natasha Liu Bordizzo's expertise displayed in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny.
This presents an exceptional opportunity for Star Wars to cast individuals from historically underrepresented cultures that have birthed various martial arts, or those who have achieved mastery in these arts in real life. The inclusion of stars like Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Wesley Snipes, and Michael Jai White would bring a remarkable shift in Star Wars combat. Partnering Sabine with the renowned Jackie Chan, known for his Drunken Master persona, would lend further credibility to the franchise, showing a departure from sci-fi military themes towards a more martial arts-oriented sci-fi approach. Additionally, this would infuse Jackie's comedic talents, serving as a complement to Sabine's sarcasm.
If Star Wars were seeking a martial artist master for Sabine while she and Ahsoka venture into Peridea, the potential casting pool would extend from Brazil to Japan. To ensure the growth and continued appeal of Star Wars, it is essential to showcase and delve into different cultures, as well as their connection to and utilization of the Force. Ahsoka's upcoming season should seize this opportunity to introduce the live-action debut of The Ones, formidable Mortis deities who safeguard the galaxy's use of the Force. By portraying an array of Force forms and techniques on screen, these gods would become even more captivating characters.
