Star Wars has a wide-reaching canon that is constantly evolving and expanding, with each new addition, with the latest being The Acolyte. However, following the massive backlash against the series, the franchise needs a clear win to appease the fanbase and also draw viewers back to the galaxy far, far away.
On social media, one fan suggested that the franchise should pit Ahsoka against Starkiller, Darth Vader’s apprentice from the Legends. While Starkiller’s introduction to the canon has been teased in the past, it poses several issues that need to be resolved with his characterization. Here is why Ahsoka vs Starkiller makes sense for Star Wars after The Acolyte backlash.
Star Wars Must Have Ahsoka Fight Darth Vader’s Most Powerful Apprentice After The Acolyte Backlash
Galen Marek, aka Starkiller, was the Sith apprentice trained in secret by Darth Vader. He was first introduced in the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed video game and played by actor Sam Witwer. However, since Disney took over the franchise, the character and his story now fall under the Legends umbrella.
On X (formerly Twitter), user @StarWars0nly expressed a desire to see Starkiller appear in the canon material and face off against Anakin Skywalker’s apprentice, Ahsoka Tano, played by Rosario Dawson, in live action. Since both characters were trained by Anakin/Vader’s light and dark side, a face-off between them would be interesting to watch.
The Mandalorian season 1 introduced the Incinerator trooper, which first appeared in the video game that introduced Starkiller. Similarly, an armor resembling that of Starkiller can be seen in Luthen Rael’s antique store in an episode of Andor. Despite these teases, Starkiller is yet to officially appear in canon, and Ahsoka season 2 provides the perfect opportunity for the same.
The Acolyte was heavily criticized by Star Wars fans, especially for its mistreatment of the franchise’s lore. Therefore, Disney could win back some of the fanbase by canonizing Starkiller. At the same time, having Starkiller face Ahoska would also generate hype for Ahsoka season 2 after the lackluster reception of the first installment.
Fans Agree That Starkiller Must Be Toned Down Before Adapting Him Into Star Wars Canon
While introducing Starkiller into the Star Wars canon seems like a lucrative opportunity, it does not come without its fair share of challenges. Firstly, the character’s storyline from the video games cannot be directly adapted since he is involved with the rise of the Rebellion which would directly contradict existing canon events.
Furthermore, the character’s eventual fate and role under Darth Vader will also have to change given what we know about Vader’s story from supplementary media. On X, most fans also agreed that while they wanted to see Starkiller make his canon debut, the character would need to be changed drastically.
How would you fit him in canon, considering that his storyline made him too powerful even for old EU standards? I think that his power level is the only reason why they didn't adapt him to canon yet
— Uriel (@Uriel_Haruk) June 29, 2024
Are we gonna ignore the fact that SK has beaten vader and palp? he's way op
— Mekerakesh (@mekerakesh) June 29, 2024
Wouldn’t starkiller basically no dif her? I know she’s an insane fighter but his force feats alone could wipe the floor with her no?
— Dylan (Dylusional.) (@washedtrashcan) June 29, 2024
I'd love to see this, whether light side or dark side Starkiller!
— Star Wars Fan 327 (@StarWarsFan_327) June 29, 2024
So Ashoka would lose, no question.
If we're talking raw force ability…. there wouldn't be a fight.If we're talking swordplay, Ashoka has a fair shot… but when dude gets bored and blinks, she ceases to exist.
— Everlasting.Media (@eMediaTweets) June 30, 2024
As the tweets suggest, fans agree that Starkiller’s Force abilities in the Legends lore are extremely overpowered, and he needs to be toned down for his canon appearance.
Nonetheless, fans seem excited to see Starkiller appear in live-action and the two former apprentices of Anakin/Vader battling it out. Given Ahsoka season 1 had Anakin making sporadic appearances, introducing Starkiller in season 2 would allow Hayden Christensen to also appear as Vader, which should excite loyal fans.
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