With the Disney+ series Ahsoka making its way to our screens, the question on everyone’s mind is what fan-favorite Star Wars: Rebels characters can we expect to see make the cut and jump into the world of live-action. Expectations are high as Ahsoka has become one of the most beloved figures of the whole Star Wars franchise since her Clone Wars debut.

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With Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka and Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren already confirmed, we’re on the edge of our seats anticipating further casting announcements. Odds are that they won’t be able to bring every character we'd love to see into Ahsoka. Yet, a big part of the fun of the Star Wars universe is the web of interactions and situations that it weaves together, and the surprises they bring. These are some of the heavy-hitters we hope will return and who we'd love to see play them.

Mena Massoud as Ezra Bridger

Ahsoka Ezra

This casting of Mena Massoud has been word-of-mouth for quite a while. The Aladdin (2019) star brought the titular character to life, and may just have another Disney project set before him. Rumors around Massoud as Rebels protagonist Ezra Bridger began as early as March of 2021, when Mena made a cryptic post on his Instagram.

“Hey, just so you know, when I escape I won’t hurt any of you.” This is a direct quote from the Star Wars Rebels episode, “Stealth Strike”, with the posted photo possibly alluding to his “likeness” as Ezra Bridger. Mena hasn’t denied these connections, but hasn’t confirmed anything either. At this time, it’s up in the air (we don’t even know if Ezra will be in Ahsoka), but this is certainly something to look forward to.

Tom Hardy as Alexandr Kallus

Ahsoka Kallus

Once an Imperial operative, Kallus turned on the Empire and became a Rebel spy. Kallus became one of the most interested characters in Rebels, a man being forced to choose his allegiance after growing doubts and disillusionment. Though his story seems to have been concluded, that’s not to say it’s over for the agent. While this character can be played by just about anybody, who should get the casting call?

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Tom Hardy is a stoic but charming figure, playing a variety of serious roles from Mad Max to Dunkirk to Venom. He's also known for being the redeeming factor of some movies that critics have felt more or less indiffierent to, such as with his turn as Bane in The Dark Knight Rises. Given his Marvel appearances, he could go the extra mile and play his first Star Wars role. Casting such a notable Hollywood actor could give it some extra star power to boot.

Temeura Morrison as Captain Rex

Ahsoka Rex

Go ahead and call this cheating, but this is just way too easy. Temuera Morrison played Jango Fett and his many clones in Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. He has returned in The Mandalorian and we'd love to see him continue this proud tradition of playing clones by stepping in as Captain Rex on Ahsoka. Rebels' epilogue confirmed that Rex fought with the Rebellion for years and survived the war, meaning he could still be alive and ready to continue his fight against Thrawn.

Morrison is an obvious main-stay for the Star Wars universe, a recognizable and fan-favorite presence on camera and a core part of the Disney+ Star Wars universe. Playing one of the most famed Jango clones would have fans hungry for more.

Lars Mikkelsen as Thrawn

Ahsoka Lars

Ever since Thrawn was mentioned in The Mandalorian, fans speculated when we can see the diabolical Imperial officer once again. Nobody could play Thrawn like Lars Mikkelsen, who brought the antagonist to life with his voice performance in Rebels. His powerful aura could repeat if Lars is able to adapt his talents into live-action. Mikkelsen’s performance as Thrawn in Rebels was a chilling and intimidating performance, cementing him as one of Star Wars’ most memorable baddies.

Mikkelsen is an accomplished stage and screen actor, so giving him the power to play the villain in a more adult-oriented project could really allow him to make an even more frightening and intimidating opponent. He’s so much like Thrawn, that he was designed over Lars’ likeness. Not all voice actors can successfully make the jump to live-action, but Lars Mikkelsen certainly has it in him to be in front of the camera.

Zoe Saldana as Hera Syndulla

Ahsoka Hera

This wouldn’t be the first time Zoe Saldana appeared as an extraterrestrial. Already playing the roles of Guardian of the Galaxy’s Gamora and Avatar’s Neytiti, Saldana would fit like a glove in the role of the motherly but no-nonsense Twi’lek pilot of the Ghost. As such a major player in Rebels, Hera Syndulla could easily make a return.

Sure, casting Saldana is a bit on the nose, but it just shows how perfect she would be in the role. Saldana has proven to be a wonderful and charming character actor given her past sci-fi endeavors. This would also be a nod to the broad film history of Disney for die-hard fans.

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