Star Wars fans and Ahsoka viewers couldn’t get enough of actor Eman Esfandi’s embodiment of beloved Rebels character Ezra Bridger. Making an appearance in the sixth episode of the Rosario Dawson-led premise, the star depicting the live-action iteration of the young Jedi Padawan we first saw in Star Wars Rebels was deemed a perfect addition to the Disney+ series’ cast.
Both fans and critics praised his immaculate and authentic characterization, which makes the actor’s latest statement rather startling. During the Ahsoka panel at L.A. Comic-Con, Eman Esfandi admitted not having watched all the episodes of Dave Filoni’s Star Wars Rebels. You may be surprised to learn that this was a deliberate choice.
The decision, although unconventional, might have ultimately benefited the rising star.
Ahsoka Star Eman Esfandi Avoided Watching Star Wars Rebels
The actor who plays Ezra Bridger, Eman Esfandi, revealed to The Direct, who were present during the Ahsoka panel at L. A. Comic-Con, that he purposefully avoided seeing Star Wars Rebels before participating in the latest Disney+ series. On-screen talents are often instructed to catch up on preceding endeavors if they have a legacy they are required to uphold. For Esfandi, however, not doing so proved beneficial.
Following was his statement:
“I admittedly—which, if you would have found this out prior, you might have taken my head off, but maybe now you don’t think that—I didn’t watch all of Rebels. I didn’t want to get too caught up in the younger version of Ezra. I felt very connected to an older version the way he was written.”
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Although the Rebels lore is integral to Ahsoka‘s essence, the actor could concentrate on an older version of Ezra Bridger without feeling constrained by the previous, younger iteration. As people grow, they change. This should be reflected in fictional characters as well. By creating a balance between the two versions, Eman Esfandi offered an authentic perspective without his demeanor feeling out of character.
In addition to his startling admission, he confirmed that he had seen a few significant Rebels episodes essential to comprehending Ezra’s dynamics with other characters.
Eman Esfandi Wasn’t Completely Oblivious To Star Wars Rebels
Eman Esfandi declared that he didn’t wholly avoid watching the 3D animated series, according to The Direct’s account. The actor was diligent about the homework needed for his characterization. He emphasized watching key episodes that underscored the interactions Ezra would have with other significant characters:
“… I watched the episodes where [Ezra] had scenes very intimately with like Sabine and the Spectre crew and Ahsoka in particular. And just to understand that dynamic.”
Then, Esfandi confirmed that he had only caught up with Rebels after Ahsoka had finished wrapping. The young actor received guidance from showrunner Dave Filoni and the rest of the crew, who reinforced their positive feedback about his performance:
“I didn’t watch it until after the show. Because Dave [Filoni], and everyone else who was directing me, were […] reaffirming. Like, ‘No, yeah, that’s Ezra. Oh, that’s also so Ezra. And we’d be backstage, that’s Ezra.’ I was like, okay, so then I think we’re good. Like, I’ll watch it later. So I didn’t actually do the immersion thing until all the way after shooting.”
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Viewers of Ahsoka have consistently remarked on the striking resemblance between the actor’s interpretation and the Ezra we saw in Rebels. Besides the mature feel of the role, Esfandi’s dedication and care to the role highlight the authenticity of the depiction. Even without catching up with the animated series, the actor emulated Ezra in a way that honors his overall characterization.
Fans agreed that this interpretation of an animated-turned-live-action character couldn’t have been done better.
We anticipate seeing more of the actor in upcoming Star Wars projects. To witness his brilliance on Ahsoka (2023), you can exclusively stream it on Disney+.
