Unmasking Baylan: The Ultimate Canon Replacement for Starkiller in Star Wars - Explained!

Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episode 4.

Summary

In Ahsoka episode 4, it is revealed that Marrok, the Inquisitor, is not the new canon version of Starkiller. Instead, Marrok is portrayed as a Nightsister puppet controlled by Morgan Elsbeth.

There is a possibility that Baylan Skoll could be the Sith apprentice who was missing alongside Darth Vader. This could explain why Vader never sought or trained anyone to assist him in overthrowing Palpatine, as depicted in the canon.

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Baylan's knowledge of Vader's secret identity and history strongly suggests that he was indeed Vader's apprentice and shares a special bond with both Vader and Ahsoka.

While Ray Stevenson's portrayal of Baylan Skoll in the Ahsoka series is compelling, much speculation has focused on the possible return of Sam Witwer as Starkiller, Darth Vader's hidden apprentice. Starkiller, also known as Galen Marek, was introduced by Haden Blackman in the 2008 video game series The Force Unleashed, but is now part of the Legends canon. Vader took Starkiller under his wing before the events of A New Hope, and even Palpatine was initially unaware of their clandestine training, as Vader intended to overthrow Palpatine and seize control of the galaxy using Starkiller's help.

The mysterious Inquisitor Marrok was anticipated by many to be revealed as the new canon version of Starkiller, but Filoni had different plans. Ahsoka episode 4 unveiled Marrok's true identity as a mere puppet, controlled by Nightsister magick and most likely created by Morgan Elsbeth to aid in the search for Thrawn. The ability of reanimation, possessed by many Nightsisters as shown in The Clone Wars and Jedi: Fallen Order video game, suggests that Marrok may have been an Inquisitor who had died but was brought back to life by Elsbeth. While some may be disappointed that he did not turn out to be Starkiller, showrunner Dave Filoni may have already introduced a new secret apprentice of Vader to the audience.

George Lucas Always Believed Darth Vader Tried To Take Other Apprentices

Baylan Skoll could have been an apprentice of Darth Vader. In Legends, Vader followed the Sith doctrine of attempting to overthrow his Sith Master by training Starkiller to aid him in challenging the Emperor. However, in the canon, Vader surprisingly never tried to train anyone to help him bring down Palpatine. Although Vader was tasked with overseeing the Inquisitors' training by Palpatine, it was more of a diversion. None of the Inquisitors showed enough potential to pose a threat to Palpatine, and Vader was aware of this. Nevertheless, it is peculiar that Vader never made an effort to take on an apprentice in the canon.

Baylan Skoll appears to be the solution to Vader's lack of a Sith apprentice in the canon. At some point between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, Vader encountered and converted Baylan to the dark side, training him as his apprentice. This aligns with George Lucas' belief in Vader having more apprentices long before his pursuit of Luke in The Empire Strikes Back. Both Baylan and Anakin were former Jedi who strayed from the Order and sought power elsewhere. While not all the details are currently clear regarding Vader's decision to choose Baylan, the pieces of the puzzle seem to fit together.

Baylan Knows Far Too Much About Darth Vader's True Identity

Baylan's knowledge of Vader's secret, including Anakin Skywalker's fall to the dark side and Ahsoka's connection to him, strongly indicates that he was Vader's apprentice. It is important to note that Vader's true identity was not widely known, with only a select few individuals aware of the truth. The public revelation of Vader's identity occurred six years before The Force Awakens, making it impossible for Baylan to have known who Vader was without a personal connection. While it is plausible that Baylan fought alongside Anakin during the Clone Wars or briefly aligned with Vader during the Empire's rule, these explanations do not account for his knowledge of Anakin or why Ahsoka is unfamiliar with him. Like Reva Sevander from Obi-Wan Kenobi's storyline, it is likely that Baylan survived Order 66 and learned of Anakin's betrayal of the Jedi. Alternatively, Vader himself may have disclosed information about his past to Baylan, or provided enough clues for Baylan to piece together the truth on his own.

Did Darth Vader Consider Baylan As An Apprentice?

Vader’s fierce protection of his identity suggests that Baylan, his apprentice, held significance to him since he possessed knowledge about Anakin Skywalker. Like most Sith, Vader likely viewed Baylan as a mere tool, much like Starkiller, to aid him in overthrowing Palpatine and completing covert missions. The secrecy surrounding Baylan may have even prevented Palpatine himself from knowing of his existence during Vader's training. It is possible that Vader never bestowed Baylan with an official title, which explains why his existence remains largely unknown while he possesses knowledge about others.

Although Sam Witwer's voice credit role in Ahsoka remains undisclosed, it is evident that he is not portraying Marrok. However, there is a possibility that Baylan, Vader's secret apprentice in the current canon, may unveil his identity in the series. While Ahsoka distanced herself from Anakin Skywalker before his transformation into Darth Vader, Baylan joined Darth Vader after abandoning Anakin Skywalker. This connection would create a unique bond between them, as they both received training from the same individual. While Baylan's complete backstory in Ahsoka is yet to be revealed, it is evident that he shares some sort of link with Vader and Anakin.

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