Ahsoka Dies? Fate of Beloved ‘Star Wars’ Character Seemingly Revealed
More than half a decade after Star Wars: Episode IX–The Rise of Skywalker closed the curtain on the Skywalker saga, Lucasfilm is revisiting the controversial 2019 film — and making some quiet but significant changes along the way. A newly released adaptation doesn’t just rehash the story — it adds new context, missing moments, and one visual that’s raising serious questions about a fan-favorite character’s fate.
Originally intended as the climactic chapter in the nine-part epic, The Rise of Skywalker brought Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) to Exegol, the hidden Sith world where Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) had plotted the rise of his “Final Order.” With General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) guiding her, Rey’s Jedi training took on higher stakes once she discovered her lineage–a direct descent from Palpatine himself. Meanwhile, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) continued battling his internal war, torn between darkness and redemption.
The film built toward a spectacular showdown with Rey ultimately facing Palpatine, but the ride there was divisive. Plot pivots, rushed resolutions, and a sharp course correction from Star Wars: Episode VIII–The Last Jedi (2017) drew mixed reactions.
The backlash stalled Star Wars on the big screen. Since The Rise of Skywalker’s release, no theatrical entries have followed. That pause ends May 22, 2026, with Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian and Grogu debuting in theaters. The following year, Shawn Levy’s Star Wars: Starfighter, featuring Ryan Gosling and Mia Goth, is set to continue the resurgence. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy also confirmed that Simon Kinberg is producing a new trilogy, which may serve as Episodes X–XII, possibly overlapping with Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s continuation of Rey’s journey.
Lingering questions about Palpatine’s resurrection, Exegol’s sudden reveal, and Rey and Kylo’s final interactions have been explored in books, animation, and comics. Projects like Marc Sumerak’s “The Secrets of the Sith” (2021) and Dave Filoni’s The Bad Batch added context to the Emperor’s cloning efforts and Force experimentation.
But this year, The Rise of Skywalker has been reexamined directly.
Marvel’s comic adaptation, written by Jody Houser with art by Will Sliney, launched in February 2025. “Written by Jody Houser and drawn by artist Will Sliney, the previously-announced five-issue limited series brings 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker film to the page at last,” Marvel.com revealed. “In addition to retelling the Resistance’s desperate last stand, the shocking return of Emperor Palpatine, and more, the series will include all-new scenes not in the final film.”
The series doesn’t just adapt—it expands. Alongside it, Charles Soule’s “Star Wars: The Legacy of Vader” delves into Kylo Ren’s obsession with Darth Vader in the gap between Episodes VIII and IX.
Most notably, “Issue 5” of Houser’s comic adds a scene that never made it to screen: the full visual depiction of the Jedi voices Rey hears in her final duel with Palpatine. The movie limited this to audio cameos, but the comic brings them to life—illustrated appearances from Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein), and others who empower Rey to defeat the Emperor.
One image has sparked intense speculation. Among the ghostly Jedi aiding Rey, Ahsoka Tano is clearly present. In live-action canon, her fate during the sequel trilogy was previously unknown. While the depiction could be metaphorical, showing her voice among the Jedi chorus, the visual inclusion has led many to believe Ahsoka died before The Rise of Skywalker.
Some fans speculate it may be Shaak Ti, though the character’s white lightsaber suggests otherwise. Ahsoka’s presence here may be purely symbolic—but its timing is curious, especially with Dave Filoni’s Ahsoka Season 2 on the way.
“THE LAST HOPE OF THE RESISTANCE! REY races to confront PALPATINE, but can she stop him before the FINAL ORDER devastates the galaxy?” reads the comic’s final issue description. “Hope comes from unexpected places as the RESISTANCE makes its last stand!”
The adaptation concluded its five-issue run on June 11, 2025. While Rae Carson’s 2020 novelization had added depth to the film’s plot, Marvel’s version marks the first visual reinterpretation of the finale.
Looking ahead, Ahsoka’s journey is far from over. Filoni’s Ahsoka Season 2 is targeting a 2026 release and will likely connect directly with The Mandalorian and Grogu theatrical storyline. With Ahsoka’s fate now unclear, Filoni’s tendency to reshape canon — as he did with E.K. Johnston’s “Ahsoka” novel — suggests a proper send-off may still be in the cards.
If the comic’s interpretation signals her death, fans will likely demand that Lucasfilm honor the character with the narrative weight she deserves — perhaps in the upcoming Mando-Verse crossover film.
How do you feel about this change to The Rise of Skywalker and the apparent confirmation that Ahsoka Tano has died? Let us know in the comments.
