Ezra Bridger Positioned as New Jedi Hero in Ahsoka Season 2
Star Wars has strategically set up Ezra Bridger to take on the role of a replacement for Luke Skywalker in Ahsoka season 2 and potentially beyond. Ezra, who first appeared as the protagonist in the animated series Star Wars Rebels, honed his abilities in the Force amidst the Empire's dominance, ultimately becoming a Jedi while assisting the nascent Rebel Alliance. Despite being exiled for nearly a decade and missing the entirety of the Galactic Civil War, Ezra's re-entry into the known galaxy signifies his potential to emerge as a vital Jedi hero during the New Republic Era.
In 2023's Ahsoka, it was revealed that Ezra Bridger remained alive on the extragalactic world of Peridea, alongside the Empire's Grand Admiral Thrawn, closely tying into the finale of Star Wars Rebels where both characters vanished. Portrayed by Eman Esfandi in his live-action debut, Ezra has successfully returned to the known galaxy, aided by Ahsoka Tano and Sabine Wren, though Thrawn's resurgence poses a new challenge. Given this context, it's likely that Ezra will serve as an ideal successor to Luke Skywalker in Ahsoka season 2.
Ezra Bridger Is The Galaxy's Only Hope After Thrawn's Return
Out of all the living heroes during this time in the Star Wars timeline, Ezra is undoubtedly the most equipped to confront Grand Admiral Thrawn now that they have both re-emerged in the New Republic Era. During the Dark Times, before A New Hope, Ezra and his allies, known as Spectres, along with Phoenix Squadron, found themselves as key targets of Thrawn's Seventh Fleet, as he was tasked with eradicating rebellion pockets on behalf of the Empire. Ezra's firsthand experience with Thrawn's tactical methods makes him particularly well-suited for this confrontation.
While Ezra stands out, the Spectres' Hera Syndulla now serves as a general within the New Republic Defence Fleet and has also had previous encounters with Thrawn. Nonetheless, Ezra's attributes as a Jedi Knight, trained by Kanan Jarrus, make him the prime candidate to combat Thrawn. The Force has historically granted Jedi a decisive advantage, something Thrawn has struggled to fully comprehend, exemplified by Thrawn being caught off guard during the finale of Star Wars Rebels when Ezra employed the Force to summon hyperspace whales, sending Thrawn and his forces aboard The Chimaera to uncharted territories.
Ahsoka later indicated that Ezra and Thrawn's journeys led them to Peridea. Although the full extent of their rivalry and exile on this planet remains to be explored, it can be surmised that Ezra gained invaluable insights into evading and countering Thrawn's strategies. Thus, Ezra seems to be the most suitable leader against Thrawn during the New Republic Era, akin to Luke Skywalker facing Darth Vader during the Galactic Civil War.
He'll Want To Rescue His Friends, Despite His Greater Responsibility
Similar to Luke Skywalker, who held deep affections for his comrades, Ezra is likely motivated to rescue Ahsoka Tano and Sabine Wren, who are located on Peridea at the conclusion of Ahsoka, after assisting Bridger in boarding Thrawn's vessel just before its leap to hyperspace into the known Star Wars galaxy. With roles now reversed, Ezra will find himself grappling with the urge to save his fellow Jedi while also aiding Hera in the fight against Thrawn in Ahsoka season 2.
Even with Thrawn's looming threat, Ezra may attempt a return to Peridea, though this task may prove more complex given the new dangers Thrawn might unleash that the New Republic would need to address immediately. Regardless, one can envision Ezra in Ahsoka season 2 confronting similar conflicts as Luke Skywalker did during his training phase in the original trilogy, such as when he chose to abandon Yoda in order to aid his friends in The Empire Strikes Back.
Ezra & Luke Could (& Should) Work Together
Ultimately, a collaboration between Ezra Bridger and Luke Skywalker would be a thrilling addition to the Star Wars saga. Both characters were introduced during the early stages of the Empire's rise (only a few days apart) and each played compelling roles in the campaign for the galaxy’s freedom as Jedi Knights. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that Luke should be one of the initial allies Ezra seeks out once he becomes aware of the galaxy’s status and all that transpired during his exile.
As indicated in The Book of Boba Fett, Luke Skywalker is in the process of establishing his Jedi academy on Ossus, making a potential meeting between these two Jedi knights feasible. With optimism, fans hope that Ezra will have the chance to collaborate with Luke Skywalker within the New Republic Era, marking a significant moment as the legacy is passed between these two Star Wars heroes.
Ahsoka season 2 is anticipated for release in late 2025 or early 2026.
