Dawson revealed that Gandalf’s journey was a big inspiration for her role as Ahsoka Tano.

By James Hibbs

Published: Saturday, 12 August 2023 at 11:45 AM


As Star Wars fans get ready for the Ahsoka series to land on Disney Plus later this month, star Rosario Dawson has given an insight into a surprising inspiration that went into crafting her character.

Ahsoka will see Dawson reprise the title role having played the character, who was originated in animated film Star Wars: The Clone Wars and subsequent animated series, in The Mandalorian season 2.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Dawson explained that: “In the animation, you saw her go to the white, but what I loved is the idea that there was even another level to her.

“Dave (Filioni, the show’s creator) and I talked a lot about Gandalf the Gray and Gandalf the White — talking about that transition and how she’s someone very capable and excellent and looked up to as a leader, but she still has levels of development to go.”

Rosario Dawson in Ahsoka
Rosario Dawson in Ahsoka
Lucasfilm/Disney Plus

Dawson continued: “That push for more, that desire for more, that challenge that she pushes herself to is okay — and it’s actually remarkable and important. That’s one of the reasons I’ve been drawn to her over the years, the fact that even with her excellence, she continues to push further.”

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Ahsoka will also see the live action debut of major Star Wars villain Grand Admiral Thrawn, who will be played by Lars Mikkelsen, the same actor who voiced the character in Star Wars: Rebels.

Mikkelsen told fans at Star Wars Celebration 2023: “It’s wonderful. Thank you so much. People are so passionate about bringing this to life for you guys.”

Ahsoka will be the fifth live action Star Wars series to hit Disney Plus, following in the footsteps of The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Andor.