The first season of Ahsoka was truly an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish, and it was all possible because of an important Star Wars character. Ahsoka Tano’s standalone series was all about finding Ezra Bridger, and his live-action debut was made even more incredible by the fact that he was played by Eman Esfandi, a newcomer who completely embraced the character.
So what was it about Eman Esfandi that made a major franchise like Star Wars choose him for the role? Although his version of Ezra Bridger only appeared in three episodes of Ahsoka (four, if you include the hologram in the premiere), it was evident that Lucasfilm and Disney made the right choice when it came to casting Esfandi.
Casting The Perfect Live-Action Ezra Bridger
Eman Esfandi was officially announced to join the cast of Ahsoka in September last year. The casting announcement garnered primarily positive reviews, thanks to the actor’s resemblance to the animated Ezra Bridger. However, people had no idea whether Esfandi would be a great fit due to his lack of prominent roles in the past.
Luckily, Esfandi proved himself worthy of the role when he finally debuted in Ahsoka Episode 6. His Ezra is older, seemingly wiser, yet still adorably pure in his ways, as proven by his decision to live with a nomadic tribe of Noti. The live-action Ezra also attempted to pacify Shin Hati and a group of Night Troopers, a move that the young Jedi has always tried in the past. Esfandi managed to portray Ezra as a Jedi who has gone through so much to save his own galaxy but still found peace in a new one, and he even had a few Force tricks up his sleeve despite not having a lightsaber.
Star Wars Fans Praise Eman Esfandi as Ezra Bridger
Esfandi’s debut was a welcome one, as fans immediately gushed about his portrayal of the lost Jedi.
Many pointed out how Esfandi’s casual yet intense performance in the series evoked some of their best memories of the animated Ezra, from his confidence in the Force to committing a bit of identity theft (a classic Ezra move!) in the Disney+ show.
Not surprisingly, Esfandi is truly delighted to be a part of the Star Wars Universe. The King Richard actor broke his social media silence about Ahsoka and tweeted out a grateful, “An honor,” soon after the season finale premiered. Since then, fans have pointed out why the show made the perfect choice when they cast Esfandi for the role.
It certainly looks like Ahsoka made a lot of excellent casting decisions, especially when it came to choosing Eman Esfandi as the right Ezra. After all, the Jedi appears to be destined for truly great things in the Star Wars Universe, and the Disney+ series already hinted at his importance in the bigger storyline.
Why Ezra Bridger’s Casting Was Important In Ahsoka
To anyone who has watched Star Wars Rebels, Ezra’s live-action casting was an important one. In the animated series, the young Jedi ultimately thwarted Grand Admiral Thrawn‘s plan to destroy his home planet, Lothal. Still, he sacrificed himself to ensure the entire Star Destroyer was taken away by the Purrgils. If we are to believe what Ahsoka has already suggested, the struggle between Ezra and Thrawn is far from over.
In Ahsoka, it was clear that Ezra has an essential role in the Star Wars Universe. After they succeed in allowing Ezra to escape Peridea with Thrawn, Ahsoka Tano tells Sabine Wren that the Jedi is where he needs to be. It might seem like a throwaway line, but bringing Ezra home was imperative for both Ahsoka and Sabine, and it’s possible that he will be the one person who could once again stop Thrawn’s plans after the events in Ahsoka Season 1.
But what is Thrawn planning to do? The season finale concluded with the Imperial officer taking mysterious cargo and the Great Mothers of Dathomir to the latter’s homeworld. It’s the perfect place to build (or, should we say, resurrect) an army that will fight for the Galactic Empire. Being on a remote planet where virtually everyone can use magick at their disposal should give Thrawn the cover and resources he needs to take down the New Republic.
Although it sounds depressing, there is hope as Ezra has escaped Peridea and made his way to an old friend. Ahsoka Episode 8 concludes with an emotional reunion between Ezra and his old friend Hera Syndulla (and Chopper!), suggesting that he will rejoin the New Republic and the fight against Thrawn.
These are all exciting possibilities, and fans are already hoping to see more of Eman Esfandi as Ezra Bridger in Ahsoka Season 2. For now, the series has not yet been officially renewed, but an announcement could be made in the next few weeks. In the meantime, the first eight episodes of Ahsoka are available to stream on Disney+.
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