The Force Awakens: Sabine Wren Controversy Ignites as Star Wars Shuts It Down

Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episodes 1 and 2.

Summary

Under Ahsoka's tutelage, Sabine Wren has honed her lightsaber proficiency and unlocked new aptitudes with the Force. Although her Force sensitivity is considered modest compared to other Jedi, she compensates by relying heavily on her exceptional combat skills with the lightsaber.

Ahsoka's decision to train Sabine as a Jedi, despite her lack of Force talent, highlights the belief that being a Jedi is not solely based on power.

In the Ahsoka series, Sabine Wren made her live-action debut, portrayed by Australian actress Natasha Liu Bordizzo. Upon her reintroduction, it is evident that Sabine has undergone significant changes since her appearance in Star Wars Rebels season 4. She has notably improved her skills in using Ezra Bridger’s former lightsaber, and it has been confirmed that Ahsoka Tano played a vital role in training her to become a Jedi. This revelation has surprised many, as Sabine never exhibited any connection to the Force in Rebels. Nonetheless, it is evident that her newfound abilities may not be as implausible as they initially appear.

If anything, the Ahsoka debut sheds light on Sabine's whereabouts during the original trilogy. Following the conclusion of Rebels, Ahsoka recognized Sabine's potential and took her under her wing as a Jedi apprentice. This occurrence of a character spontaneously developing Force-sensitivity is not unprecedented in the franchise, as demonstrated by Finn's revelation of his connection to the Force towards the conclusion of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. However, an unexpected event transpired between Sabine and Ahsoka, leading to their separation as master and apprentice.

Sabine Has A Lower Aptitude For The Force Than Any Jedi We've Ever Seen

Professor Huyang, the droid overseer of countless Jedi generations, humorously acknowledges Sabine Wren's limited aptitude for the Force. He bluntly informs her that her Force-sensitivity is far below that of most other Jedi he has encountered. In actuality, Sabine possesses a level of Force-sensitivity comparable to the average character in the franchise. Throughout her duel with Shin Hati and the assassin droids, she never makes an attempt to employ the Force against them. Instead, she relies heavily on her lightsaber skills, which ultimately prove inadequate against the well-trained apprentice, Shin.

Showrunner Dave Filoni may have taken a daring step in granting Sabine some Force-sensitivity, but he has purposefully chosen not to push the boundaries too far. In fact, he has adopted an entirely different approach from that of previous works in the franchise. Instead of introducing yet another character who discovers their immense power with the Force, Filoni presents the story of a character striving to be a Jedi without the support of the Force. Sabine's journey as a Jedi may very well break new ground and offer a unique experience for the audience.

There's More To Being A Jedi Than Power

Ahsoka's decision to train Sabine as a Jedi, despite being aware of her limited ability in the Force, demonstrates her belief that being a Jedi isn't solely determined by one's connection to the Force. While it is commonly understood that the Jedi Order primarily sought out individuals with Force sensitivity for training, this does not mean that the Force is an absolute requirement to become a Jedi. Yoda himself acknowledged the existence of a Jedi poet who possessed no affinity for the Force. Ahsoka's portrayal of Sabine's struggle to overcome her lack of Force talent will only heighten the satisfaction when she ultimately succeeds.

Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Disney+.