In the vast world of Star Wars, there are countless unique ways of life. Take the daily routine of a Jedi, for instance, which is rich with intricate traditions and ancient ceremonies. The Jedi Order is a remarkable fusion of both a religious institution and a military branch, embodying the best of both worlds. And when it comes time for a youngling to assemble their primary weapon, they seek the wisdom and guidance of the revered droid professor, Huyang.
At the outset of the Star Wars franchise, many details were intentionally left open to interpretation. However, as the years have passed, subsequent sequels and spinoffs have filled in every notable gap. And while some questions may seem mundane, the fascinating answers they yield make them well worth asking. Case in point: the once-unnamed character who assists Jedi in constructing their lightsabers is actually a very special droid, one that raises many intriguing new questions.
Who is Huyang?
Professor Huyang is a revered architect droid entrusted with guiding young Jedi through the demanding ritual of the Gathering. This crucial trial demands that younglings overcome their deepest fears and struggles to gain mastery over their inner darkness and attain balance in the Force. Once they have succeeded in this, they must construct the weapon that will serve as their defense against external threats. Building a lightsaber is an undertaking that demands a profound connection to the Force and a journey of introspection. After discovering their personalized kyber crystal and witnessing its unique glow, the technical aspects of constructing their weapon require the skilled assistance of Huyang. This mighty architect is an integral part of the process, and he has helped countless younglings to build their lightsabers. Huyang's origins are shrouded in mystery, and rumors abound about his sudden appearance at the Jedi Temple in a massive blue box over 25,000 years ago. He has served the Jedi Order for over a thousand generations, offering his expertise to legendary Jedi Masters like Yoda and Mace Windu. Despite his essential role, Huyang is rarely praised, but he remains a vital educator and linchpin of the Jedi Order.
Did Huyang Survive Order 66?
Huyang's fate was uncertain for a considerable period, and it remained unknown how he fared during the catastrophic events that impacted the Jedi Order. The character was introduced in The Clone Wars, but has not surfaced since then. However, the upcoming Ahsoka solo series on Disney Plus will feature Huyang. The trailer shows him reuniting with Ahsoka after a long time. In The Clone Wars, Huyang's routine visit to Ilum was disrupted by a sudden pirate attack, during which he was destroyed but later reassembled once the younglings were safe. Although it is unclear what happened to him during Order 66, his appearance in the Ahsoka trailer indicates that he survived. Despite spending years out of order, Huyang will play a part in the new show. His one line in the trailer, "Perhaps it is time to begin again," suggests that he may be ready to aid the Jedi once more.
Who Portrays Huyang?
David Tennant's portrayal of Huyang in The Clone Wars and Ahsoka is more than just a voiceover. Tennant's "big blue box" line is actually a clever reference to his iconic role as the 10th Doctor in the popular sci-fi series, Doctor Who. Despite his association with the Doctor, Tennant has proven himself to be a versatile actor with a diverse range of performances. Notably, he played Kilgrave in Marvel's Jessica Jones and Crowley in Good Omens, earning critical acclaim for both roles. He has also lent his voice to beloved characters such as Scrooge McDuck. With his work as Huyang, Tennant is set to captivate a whole new audience.
The enigmatic presence of Huyang provokes a series of intriguing questions. How did a seemingly ordinary droid end up being entrusted with one of the most pivotal moments in the lives of countless Jedi? How did he acquire such a profound understanding of the Force? Would the Jedi Order have achieved the same level of success without his contribution? What became of him in the aftermath of the Order's downfall? With his notable role in the franchise, Huyang has the potential to become a cherished character. For centuries, he fulfilled an essential yet unappreciated role. While every Jedi is familiar with his name, the wider fan base has yet to fully appreciate his significance.
