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‘Star Wars’ May Have Recast Original Trilogy Star for ‘Ahsoka’ Season 2

Star Wars fans have waited a long time for Ahsoka Season 2, and with the premiere now in sight, questions are mounting over what Lucasfilm has planned for the next chapter of Ahsoka Tano’s story.

Ahsoka Tano wielding a lightsaber in the 'Ahsoka' 'Star Wars' series
Credit: Lucasfilm

Lucasfilm confirmed at D23 in August that the series will return to Disney+ on January 20, 2027, revealing the season’s first teaser trailer alongside the announcement. When it arrives, more than three years will have passed since Season 1 concluded in October 2023, making it one of the longest gaps between seasons of any live-action Star Wars series to date.

The Mando-Verse Enters a New Phase

The wait for Ahsoka reflects a broader shift across the Mando-Verse, the interconnected run of Disney+ series that began with The Mandalorian in 2019. For several years, Lucasfilm released a new live-action series at a steady pace, but the move of Ahsoka into 2027 meant that 2026 became the first year since 2019 without a live-action Star Wars show.

Instead, the franchise turned its attention to theaters, with The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026) arriving in May. Behind the scenes, the studio also underwent significant change, with Ahsoka creator Dave Filoni stepping into a co-President role at Lucasfilm alongside Lynwen Brennan, following the departure of Kathleen Kennedy.

As a result, Ahsoka Season 2 now carries considerable importance. As the live-action series most closely connected to Filoni’s animated work, it is expected to continue storylines that began in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels.

L-R: Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren, Eman Esfandi as Ezra Bridger, and Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano
Credit: Lucasfilm

Where Ahsoka Season 1 Left Off

The first season concluded with its central characters divided across two galaxies. Ahsoka Tano and Sabine Wren remain stranded on Peridea, while Ezra Bridger has returned to the known galaxy. Grand Admiral Thrawn has also escaped Peridea, returning as a significant threat to a New Republic that largely dismissed warnings of his return.

That divide now sits at the center of a new theory surrounding one of the season’s lesser-known cast members.

Could Tommie Earl Jenkins Be Playing Lando Calrissian?

Tommie Earl Jenkins’ mysterious role in Ahsoka Season 2 could be considerably more significant than initially expected, with one Star Wars theorist suggesting the actor may be taking over the role of a younger Lando Calrissian. Jenkins’ recurring casting was previously reported, but his character’s identity remains officially undisclosed. Now, speculation about his involvement has raised the possibility of another major original-trilogy character appearing in the Disney+ series.

Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka
Credit: Lucasfilm

Jenkins’ involvement in the series first came to light in April through his professional résumé on Actors Access (via Star Wars News Net). The listing describes the part as a recurring role, indicating that he will appear across multiple episodes rather than in a single guest appearance. He is understood to have filmed his scenes during the show’s production.

In a post on X, Star Wars fan account Morai the Messenger (@moraimessenger) outlined several observations from Season 2’s production that have led to the Lando theory. Morai explained that Jenkins was primarily seen around the cast and crew associated with the known galaxy, rather than those connected to Peridea. More interestingly, the actor reportedly appeared to spend considerable time with Eman Esfandi, who portrays Ezra Bridger, and seemingly shared several scenes with him. This could be significant given Lando’s established relationship with the Ghost crew in Star Wars Rebels, where he crossed paths with Ezra and his companions.

Eman Esfandi as Ezra Bridger in 'Ahsoka' Season 2
Credit: Lucasfilm

Morai believes Lando would be a natural addition to the story, describing him as an ideal connection between the Ghost crew and the original trilogy characters. As a former Rebel Alliance general and war hero, the character could also help explore the aftermath of the Galactic Civil War without relying on unnecessary nostalgia. The insider additionally suggested Jenkins could bring to life a version of Lando reminiscent of Billy Dee Williams’ portrayal during the early 1990s.

Another intriguing detail concerns a scene involving Natasha Bordizzo, who plays Sabine Wren, which reportedly made the actress cry. Morai questioned whether an entirely new character could carry such emotional weight in a season already juggling several established storylines. While none of these observations confirm Jenkins is playing Lando, they offer an intriguing possibility for Season 2. For now, Lucasfilm has not revealed the identity of Jenkins’ character.

Lando Calrissian in 'Return of the Jedi'
Credit: Lucasfilm

The Ahsoka Season 2 Cast

Jenkins joins a returning cast led by Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano, alongside Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren, Eman Esfandi as Ezra Bridger, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Hera Syndulla, Lars Mikkelsen as Grand Admiral Thrawn, Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker, David Tennant as Huyang, and Ivanna Sakhno as Shin Hati. Rory McCann will also take over the role of Baylan Skoll following the death of Ray Stevenson, who originated the character in Season 1.

For Star Wars fans, Jenkins’ casting adds another layer of intrigue to a season that already brings together animated favorites, returning franchise veterans, and new additions. A live-action Lando would offer a direct link between the Ghost crew and the original trilogy, though the theory remains unconfirmed until Lucasfilm says otherwise. Ahsoka Season 1 and Star Wars Rebels, including Lando’s encounters with Ezra, are available to stream on Disney+ ahead of the January premiere.

Who are you looking forward to seeing the most in Ahsoka Season 2? Let us know in the comments below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

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