‘Anakin, You’re Breaking My Heart’: Should a ‘Star Wars’ Icon Return in ‘Ahsoka’ Season 2?

Dave Filoni’s Mandoverse taps into the vein of nostalgia that resonates deeply with Star Wars fans. However, recent rumors regarding Ahsoka Season 2 suggest an over-reliance on this nostalgia, raising concerns about the necessity of certain character returns, particularly in the context of established story arcs.

Take, for instance, the memories of Jar-Jar Binks and Darth Maul, or the many moments from The Clone Wars. While the vast Star Wars universe is beloved, it’s important to note that excessive callbacks to previous eras can dilute the narrative’s originality. If these Ahsoka season 2 rumors hold any truth, it may indicate that the franchise has not yet learned from its past missteps.

Conflicting Reports on Natalie Portman’s Return as Padmé Amidala

Following the conclusion of Ahsoka’s inaugural season in October 2023, speculation about Season 2 has been rampant. The untimely passing of Ray Stevenson, who portrayed Baylan Skoll, has led to discussions about how his character will be handled moving forward. Fortunately, it has been confirmed that Rory McCann, known for Game of Thrones, will step into the role.

Another significant character, Thrawn, played by Lars Mikkelsen, made a dramatic entrance in live-action, paving the way for Filoni’s planned Mandoverse crossover movie. How Ahsoka will lead viewers towards that crossover remains to be seen, but rumors suggest an intriguing twist: a potential link to the prequel trilogy.

Hollywood insider Kristian Harloff has indicated that Natalie Portman may soon finalize her return to the Star Wars galaxy to reprise her role as Padmé Amidala, possibly for a cameo in Ahsoka Season 2. This news has undoubtedly surprised fans, considering her last appearance was nearly two decades ago in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. However, Ahsoka has already revisited familiar faces; for example, Hayden Christensen reprised Anakin Skywalker in Season 1, both during the Clone Wars era and as a Force ghost in the finale.

However, it’s important to note that Star Wars News Net has contradicted these claims, stating that, as of now, Portman is not engaged in negotiations for Ahsoka Season 2. This uncertainty amplifies the ongoing intrigue surrounding the show.

Just Because Padmé Could Play a Role in Ahsoka, Doesn’t Mean She Should

The intriguing narrative mechanism known as “The World Between Worlds, ” first explored in Star Wars Rebels, blurs the lines of possibility. Ahsoka has previously interacted with characters from her past in this enigmatic domain. It’s feasible that she might encounter Padmé here, especially with reports suggesting Ewan McGregor is also set to return as Obi-Wan Kenobi. This could create a full-circle moment for fans of the prequels.

Nonetheless, I argue that revisiting these characters risks doing a disservice to loyal fans. The narrative should allow Padmé to remain in her resting place. Star Wars lore has provided ample context regarding her fate after her demise in Revenge of the Sith, preserved in various media from comics to novels, obviating the need for overt exposition. The pivotal focus should be on Ahsoka, Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal), Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison), and other beloved characters as they confront Thrawn.

As an avid fan of The Clone Wars, I recognize the significance of the friendship between Ahsoka and Padmé, especially with Ahsoka attending Padmé’s funeral post-Order 66, illustrated in Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi. However, if her return is justified, it must serve a clear and compelling narrative purpose. Given that Padmé was not a Jedi, her appearance in the World Between Worlds raises pertinent questions regarding her character’s inclusion. If a Clone Wars flashback occurs, the relevance and impact of Padmé’s presence on Ahsoka’s journey must be critically examined.

As we eagerly await the release of Ahsoka Season 2 on Disney+, presumably in 2026, I remain curious about the familiar faces that may grace our screens once again.

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