Unveiling the Hidden Characters in Ahsoka's Clone Wars Flashbacks

Ahsoka episode 5 offered a glimpse into the Clone Wars with two significant flashbacks. The Force allowed Ahsoka Tano to reconnect with her former master Anakin Skywalker, resulting in captivating live-action scenes from her past.

In this episode, Ahsoka relived the Battle of Ryloth and the Siege of Mandalore, interacting with a younger version of herself portrayed by Ariana Greenblatt. While we witnessed exciting appearances such as Temuera Morrison voicing Clone Commander Rex in live-action for the first time, there were several other Star Wars characters that could have been included. Here are 10 characters who were absent from Ahsoka's Clone Wars flashbacks.

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10 Obi-Wan Kenobi

In the flashback to the Battle of Ryloth, Anakin's mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi could have played a part. He joined the initial ground assault of the extensive campaign, which was witnessed in Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 1. Obi-Wan Kenobi, leading the 212th Attack Battalion, not only liberated numerous villages in the planet's southern hemisphere, but also rescued the native Twi'lek population from the clutches of the Separatists, who had been using them as hostages and human shields. It's worth noting that the Battle of Ryloth was a cooperative effort, with Kenobi, Skywalker, and Jedi Master Mace Windu leading separate forces throughout the planet.

9 Commander Cody

It is logical to assume that Anakin and Ahsoka were far away from the location where Obi-Wan was fighting the enemy. Nevertheless, it would have been exhilarating to witness Ewan McGregor reprising his role as Obi-Wan, even if only for a short guest appearance. The opportunity to see the iconic Jedi trio in live-action form would have brought immense satisfaction to numerous fans of Clone Wars and the Star Wars franchise as a whole.

Similarly, if Obi-Wan Kenobi had made an appearance in episode 5 of Ahsoka, it would have been highly likely for Clone Commander Cody of the 212th to be involved as well. Cody, a beloved clone trooper and a reliable leader, unfortunately becomes an instrument of Order 66 and mistakenly fires upon Kenobi in Revenge of the Sith. Like in the movies, Cody would have been portrayed by Temuera Morrison. However, in a recent development, Commander Cody returns in The Bad Batch season 2, offering a redemption arc that unfolds during the early days of the Empire's rule.

8 Waxer & Boil

Waxer and Boil, two notable troopers from the 212th, played significant roles during the Battle of Ryloth. They stumbled upon a young Twi'lek girl named Numa and made it their responsibility to safeguard her until she could be reunited with her kin. In later years, Numa would join the Ryloth resistance against the Empire, her choice influenced by the indelible impact these two clones had made on her as a child. However, the absence of Waxer and Boil in Ahsoka can likely be attributed to the same reasoning behind the exclusion of Kenobi and Cody in the flashbacks.

7 Mace Windu

While Skywalker and Kenobi were dealing with their own conflicts on Ryloth, Jedi Master Mace Windu had the important task of liberating the capital city of Lessu and eliminating key Separatist leaders. Due to his prior engagements, it was expected that Windu would not appear in Ahsoka episode 5. However, the absence of Samuel L. Jackson reprising his iconic Star Wars role is equally disappointing, if not more so, considering Ewan McGregor's recent return as Kenobi in his own Disney+ series.

6 Cham Syndulla

5 Darth Maul

An appearance by Cham Syndulla would have been incredibly thrilling. Cham, the courageous leader of the native Twi'lek resistance during the Clone Wars, not only fought against the Separatists but also stood up against the oppressive Empire. He fought side by side with Windu in the battle to reclaim Lessu. It would have been a fantastic nod to the present if Ahsoka's father, Hera Syndulla, made an appearance in Ahsoka. Ahsoka and Hera are currently allied, fighting together to ensure a galaxy free from tyranny.

Skipping ahead to the Siege of Mandalore during the conclusion of the Clone Wars, the emergence of the former Sith Lord Maul in live-action form would have been monumental. Even though Anakin and Obi-Wan had to return to Coruscant to rescue Chancellor Palpatine (as depicted in Revenge of the Sith), Anakin divided the 501st Legion, with a portion of it transforming into the new 332nd Company. Under the command of Commander Rex, Ahsoka actively participated in the battle to liberate Mandalore, despite no longer being a Jedi at this stage in the Star Wars timeline.

4 Gar Saxon

At this location, Ahsoka engaged in a fierce duel with Maul, who had seized control of the planet during the events of Clone Wars season 7. However, the presence of Maul, even for a short time, would have undoubtedly diverted attention from the important lesson that Anakin's spirit was attempting to impart to Ahsoka during her journey into the past. Nevertheless, one can envision a similar approach being taken, reminiscent of the conclusion of Solo: A Star Wars Story, where Ray Park portrayed Maul while his voice was provided by Sam Witwer.

In Star Wars Rebels, Gar Saxon served as the Viceroy of Mandalore, appointed by the Empire to maintain control over the planet (prior to the Empire's eventual Purge of Mandalore). However, during the Clone Wars, Saxon held a high-ranking position in Maul's forces and played a key role in the planet's capture. During this time, he wore distinctive red and black armor with horned helmet, which was inspired by Maul himself. In Ahsoka episode 5, many of Maul's Mandalorian super commandos were seen sporting spiked helmets and red armor, but none of them featured Saxon's iconic yellow visor or accents.

The absence of Gar Saxon is quite regrettable in Ahsoka, as it would have allowed the late Ray Stevenson to portray two characters - Dark Jedi Baylan Skoll and Saxon (voiced by Stevenson in both Clone Wars and Rebels). It would have been logical to have a brief appearance from the Mandalorian antagonist as well. In Season 7 of The Clone Wars, Saxon actively participated in the conflict, unlike Maul who observed from above, eagerly awaiting his duel with Ahsoka in the throne room previously occupied by Duchess Satine Kryze.

3 Rook Kast

Rook Kast, a Mandalorian lieutenant under Maul's command, was conspicuously absent from Ahsoka's Siege of Mandalore flashback. Similar to Gar Saxon, she also sported a distinctive yellow visor and fought prominently during the Clone Wars conflict. However, it seems that the scope of the flashback was insufficient to accommodate a live-action portrayal of Rook Kast, with only Clone Commander Rex and the gradual triumph of the 332nd over Maul's forces taking center stage.

2 Bo-Katan Kryze

1 Ursa Wren

It is surprising that Katee Sackhoff, who led her own Mandalorian forces alongside Ahsoka and Rex during the Clone Wars to support the 332nd, did not reprise her role as Bo-Katan Kryze in the Siege of Mandalore flashback. Considering her increasing prominence in live-action, with appearances in The Mandalorian season 2 and a major role in taking back Mandalore from Moff Gideon in The Mandalorian season 3, it should have been possible for Kryze and her Nite Owls to make an appearance. However, it seems the decision was made to primarily focus on Anakin and Ahsoka, which was probably the best choice.

During the Siege of Mandalore, Ursa Wren, who was one of Bo-Katan's Nite-Owls, stood out among the Mandalorians. It is worth mentioning that Ursa Wren is the mother of Sabine Wren, the apprentice of Ahsoka Tano. This connection would have emphasized how resistance and rebellion ran through the bloodlines in the Star Wars galaxy, much like the relationship between Cham Syndulla and Hera. In Ahsoka's flashbacks, only Mandalorians who chose to serve Maul could be seen.

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