It has long been reported, including some strong clues recently, but a new TV spot for Ahsoka seems to offer the most definitive evidence yet: it seems Hayden Christensen is returning to the role of Anakin Skywalker in the series.
The new spot, titled “Force”, begins with Baylan Skoll telling Ahsoka, “Everyone in the Order knew Anakin Skywalker. Few would live to see what he became.” That’s accompanied by some quick shots of Anakin and Vader, with a beautiful version of “Across the Stars” and “Anakin’s Dark Deeds” in the background. But before long, we hear Christensen’s familiar voice, saying a line we’ve never heard him say on-screen before.
“In this war you will face more than just droids,” we hear Anakin saying. “As your master, it’s my responsibility to prepare you. I won’t always be there to look out for you. Don’t be afraid. Trust your instincts. I know you can do this, Ahsoka.”
Christensen (who seems to be honoring Matt Lanter some in his cadence, which is really cool if so) recently reprised the role of Anakin for the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, and it seems he’ll be returning in Ahsoka. The fact that there’s new dialogue from him all but confirms it, and that’s enough reason to get excited! But it is also interesting to think about how he might appear. At this point in the timeline, Anakin Skywalker is dead, but he could easily appear as a Force ghost speaking with his former padawan. In fact, that’s probably the safest and most likely bet. But it’s also possible he could appear in flashbacks, and his statement here to Ahsoka – especially since he’s talking about facing more than just droids in this war – would fit in best with a Clone Wars era moment. So we might be getting a live-action Clone Wars moment between Anakin and Ahsoka, master and apprentice, which would be amazing.
However it happens, it shouldn’t be a surprise whatsoever that Anakin is in this series. It would be an easy way to introduce newer or more casual audiences to the fact that Ahsoka was his padawan, and would be thrilling for any fan of the franchise. Nor should it be surprising in light of some of the trailers released already, as there’s been mention of Anakin and Ahsoka’s past. She will surely have to face that past, both the good and the bad, as she charts a path forward in a new galaxy.
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