The Ultimate Guide: Uncover 10 Mind-Blowing Star Wars Movie Parallels in Ahsoka!
Discover the stunning parallels between Ahsoka's journey in Ahsoka and iconic moments from the Star Wars movies From opening sequences to epic battles, this article explores the intricate connections that will leave fans in awe!
Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episodes 1-3.
Ahsoka showcases impressive parallels to various Star Wars movies, bridging the gap between films set before and after this new show in the galaxy far, far away. Dave Filoni, having worked closely with Star Wars creator George Lucas on The Clone Wars animated series, pays homage to the franchise's timeline and established canon in a highly satisfying manner. The series' callbacks to previous Star Wars media elevate it and authentically embody the spirit of the franchise.
According to George Lucas himself, the overarching narrative of Star Wars resembles poetry, generating repeated themes and moments that share DNA and "rhyme" across the timeline. Ahsoka adeptly achieves this concept, finding tremendous success. While Ahsoka boasts numerous connections to shows like The Clone Wars and particularly Star Wars Rebels, here are 10 pivotal parallels the series specifically makes to Star Wars movies.
Your browser does not support the video tag.
10 Ahsoka's Opening Parallels The Phantom Menace
Baylan Skoll and his apprentice Shin Hati, a dark reflection of The Phantom Menace, enter the scene, drawing an unmistakable parallel to Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi's noteworthy entrance in the initial prequel film. Donned in Jedi attire with their hoods raised, Baylan and Shin emulate Jinn and Kenobi's arrival as ambassadors, aiming to exert pressure on the Trade Federation and initiate negotiations regarding their blockade around Naboo. However, the true sinister nature of Baylan and Shin is soon exposed after they board the New Republic cruiser in the first episode of Ahsoka.
9 Baylan Skoll's Entrance References Darth Vader In ROTJ
8 "You Were Right About One Thing..."
Baylan's arrival in the cruiser's hangar mimics Darth Vader's iconic entrance in Return of the Jedi, as both characters make a grand impression by descending the landing ramp. Just like the Dark Lord of the Sith, Baylan arrives on the second Death Star to ensure the construction of the battle station stays on track. As he walks down the ramp, his Imperial shuttle continues to release its exhaust, adding to the imposing aura surrounding him. This scene captures the same elements that made Darth Vader's debut in the Star Wars galaxy so impactful.
Following the Trade Federation's failed assassination plot against Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan in The Phantom Menace, the two Jedi clandestinely board landing crafts destined for the surface of Naboo, where the droid invasion army awaits. In a lighthearted manner, Obi-Wan remarks, "You were correct about one aspect, Master... the negotiations were indeed brief." In a much grimmer turn of events, Baylan eliminates the doubts of the New Republic captain about their Jedi authenticity and echoes the same phrase: "You were right about one thing, Captain... we are certainly not Jedi."
7 Baylan Skoll's Hallway Scene Mirrors Rogue One's Darth Vader
6 Shin Hati's Probe Droid Is A Darth Maul Reference
Baylan effortlessly made his way through the ship's brig, effortlessly dispatching the New Republic security forces in his path. His lightsaber strikes were precise and lethal, showcasing a mastery of the Force reminiscent of Darth Vader's iconic hallway scene from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The striking similarities between Baylan Skoll and Darth Vader are undeniable.
Just like Darth Vader and his apprentice Baylan Skoll, Shin Hati is a striking parallel to Darth Maul. Behind her aggressive and elaborate lightsaber style, she showcases a resemblance to Maul. Shin takes after Maul by employing probe droids to track down Sabine on the planet Lothal. This echoes Maul's use of probe droids on Tatooine, as he pursued Queen Amidala with the aim of capturing her, engaging directly with Qui-Gon Jinn.
5 Sabine Being Stabbed Mirrors Qui-Gon Jinn
4 Ahsoka's Map To Thrawn Mirrors The Map To Luke Skywalker
In the thrilling finale of Ahsoka episode 1, Shin Hati skillfully impales Sabine with her lightsaber after a brief but intense duel. This moment draws a striking parallel to Darth Maul's vicious act of fatally stabbing Qui-Gon Jinn on Naboo. However, Ahsoka comes to the rescue, ensuring that Sabine receives immediate medical attention and ultimately survives. It is truly captivating to witness the numerous references to The Phantom Menace ingeniously woven into Ahsoka's premiere.
After obtaining the star map to Grand Admiral Thrawn from Sabine and Ahsoka, Shin handed it over to her master and Lady Morgan Elsbeth in the second episode of Ahsoka. By activating the map, which contained directions to a different galaxy and revealed Thrawn's whereabouts, the projected navigation resembled the map in The Force Awakens that led to Luke Skywalker, who had disappeared after Ben Solo's fall to the dark side. This serves as a prime example of "rhyming," as both projects showcased maps guiding the way to significant characters in the Star Wars universe who had long been absent from the known galaxy.
3 Sabine's Zatochi Training Obviously Calls Back To Luke Skywalker
2 Ahsoka and Sabine's Space Battle Mirrors New Hope And Force Awakens
By using the Jedi training technique known as Zatochi, Sabine was instructed to don a helmet that obstructed her vision. This deliberate reference to A New Hope, where Obi-Wan had Luke wear a similar helmet, is evident. Just as Luke questioned how he could fight without sight in the first Star Wars movie, Sabine also raised the same uncertainty. However, both were compelled to rely on their other senses and the Force itself. It is fascinating to note that Star Wars has officially named this technique.
Sabine experiences pure exhilaration as she operates the tail gun of Ahsoka's T-6 shuttle, drawing parallels between iconic scenes from A New Hope and The Force Awakens. Like Luke Skywalker and Finn in the gunner's position aboard the Millennium Falconi, her triumphant moments during aerial combat mirror theirs. This delightful reference seamlessly unites different eras of the galaxy, adding an extra layer of enjoyment.
1 Huyang Powering Down Ties To C-3PO In Empire Strikes Back
After sustaining damage in Episode 3, Ahsoka and Sabine made the decision to power down their ship to evade detection from Shin Hati and the Imperial Inquisitor Marrok. This meant shutting down the ancient Jedi droid Huyang, which they reluctantly did, following the protocols of the old Jedi Order.
Interestingly, this situation draws a parallel to The Empire Strikes Back, where the crew of the Millennium Falcon attempt to go unnoticed by the Imperial Fleet. In a similar fashion, Han Solo powers down his ship while hiding on the rear of a Star Destroyer. C-3PO, on the other hand, is powered down not only to remain unnoticed but also to prevent the incessant talk of surrendering to the Empire.
Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesday at 6 pm PT/9 pm ET on Disney+.
