Admiral Ackbar Returns for Fleet Battles in ‘Ahsoka’ Season 2 — Filoni and Favreau Tease a “War Movie Vibe” at Star Wars Celebration Japan

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Attendees of Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025, held at Makuhari Messe, were given thrilling updates about the show “Ahsoka” straight from its creators Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau during an exclusive sit-down interview. The dynamic duo announced that the second season of “Ahsoka” will bring back a revered character from the original trilogy – Admiral Ackbar.

Admiral Ackbar, famous for his quote “It’s a trap!” in “Return of the Jedi,” was the intelligent Mon Calamari commander who led the Rebel fleet during the Battle of Endor. Now, many years later, he is poised to reappear prominently in the upcoming chapter of “Ahsoka,” playing a significant part in a major space battle.

Filoni explained why now was the right moment to reintroduce Ackbar.

As a movie enthusiast, I find it fitting that Ackbar has returned to the Star Wars universe at this juncture. In the expanded lore known as Legends, he was instrumental during the conflict between the New Republic and the Empire’s remnants. Given his significant past contributions, it seems only natural to reintroduce him when the storyline calls for a veteran like him, making this the ideal moment for his comeback.

However, Filoni emphasized that merely reintroducing Ackbar wasn’t sufficient; the team aimed to embody the spirit that made the character iconic in their portrayal.

Filoni emphasized that what truly mattered was capturing the essence of Ackbar, specifically his movements, texture, and fluidity as seen in Return of the Jedi. We’ve put a lot of effort into recreating that in live action, and I’m pleased with how it’s shaping up so far.

Jon Favreau shared his excitement about Ackbar’s return — and even a personal connection.

He expressed his support for the return of Admiral Ackbar, explaining, “I’ve always been a big fan because I had a dog named Emerald Ackbar. My kids thought I said ‘Admiral Ackbar’ when I meant his name was actually ‘Emerald.’ That nickname has stuck since then, showing how much I appreciate the character.

In addition to Ackbar, another senior commander will draw attention. This individual is none other than Grand Admiral Thrawn, who first appeared on screen during Season 1 of Ahsoka, portrayed by Lars Mikkelsen.

As a dedicated Star Wars enthusiast, I can’t help but sing the praises of Thrawn, an intriguing strategist with striking blue skin and fiery red eyes, who first graced us through the creative mind of author Timothy Zahn. Initially, Thrawn was a beloved character in the “Legends” universe, but his official transition to canon status was cemented by the animated series, Star Wars Rebels. Now, he stands as a pivotal figure in the live-action timeline.

Filoni shared what Thrawn meant to him personally.

Filoni stated that “Thrawn served as a beacon of hope in Star Wars storytelling during periods when fresh content was scarce.” He added that Timothy Zahn’s novels rekindled fans’ enthusiasm and demonstrated the longevity of Star Wars. Thrawn played a crucial role in this resurgence.

Introducing Legends characters such as Thrawn into the official storyline requires a deliberate approach, according to Filoni and Favreau.

Filoni stated, “Is it essential for this character to be portrayed in live-action? We don’t prioritize fan service without a purpose. If it doesn’t fit properly, it could cause more problems than solutions.

Still, Filoni believes that bringing Thrawn into the show was the right move.

As I eagerly await his return, it’s clear that he will once again stir up turmoil across the galaxy, aiming to rebuild the Empire. That’s just his nature.

The second season of “Ahsoka” is gearing up for something grand – quite literally. As described by Filoni, this upcoming season carries an atmosphere reminiscent of traditional war epics.

He commented, “I view Season 2 as if it’s a war film.” He continued, “We’re taking cues from iconic war movies such as Tora! Tora! Tora! and The Battle of the Bulge. Ackbar will play a crucial role in an extensive space battle involving a colossal galactic fleet.

Favreau pointed out that a key element of Star Wars’ power lies in its sincere portrayal of its unusual, extraterrestrial characters.

He mentioned, “Regardless of whether a character appears odd or comical initially in Star Wars, they are always given utmost respect. It’s not that Ackbar is seen as strange; he simply is. This allows the audience to develop a profound emotional connection with an alien fish-like creature engaging in battle with an admiral of blue skin – this is the impact of the universe George Lucas has crafted.

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2025-04-20 10:44