Warning! This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episodes 1 and 2.

Summary

  • Anakin Skywalker's return in Ahsoka is crucial for finishing Ahsoka's training and solidifying her character development, as hinted in episodes 1 and 2.
  • A strained relationship between Ahsoka and Sabine sets the stage for Anakin's return, as he can teach Ahsoka how to be a better master to Sabine.
  • Clues suggest that Hayden Christensen's return as Anakin will occur in Ahsoka episode 5, aligning with director Dave Filoni's tendency for significant Star Wars reveals and a "Master and Apprentice" Disney+ special releasing three days later.

Ahsoka episode 1 revealed exactly why Hayden Christensen's Anakin Skywalker needs to return in Star Wars' latest show. Since Christensen returned as the Chosen One of the Force in Obi-Wan Kenobi, fans began clamoring for the character to continue his Star Wars resurgence in Ahsoka. This was largely tied to the connection between Anakin and Ahsoka established in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, as well as the recent love shown for Christensen's portrayal of the character after his rocky Star Wars prequels journey.

In a move that seemingly confirmed Anakin's return in Ahsoka, the marketing for the show included new lines of dialogue recorded by Christensen. This, combined with the Easter eggs of Ahsoka episodes 1 and 2 pertaining to Anakin, all but guarantees the appearance of the Chosen One once again. Furthermore, Ahsoka episode 1 contains one line of dialogue from the titular character which not only indicates that Anakin's appearance is imminent, but may also reveal the true reason behind why his return is so important.

Anakin Needs To Return To Finish Ahsoka's Training

Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker and Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka.

By the time the ending of Ahsoka episodes 1 and 2 rolls around, the show confirms that Anakin needs to return to finish Ahsoka's training. During a conversation with Hera Syndulla, Ahsoka mentions that she walked away from both Anakin and the Jedi Order during the Clone Wars, rendering her training incomplete. This sets up that Anakin's return will be vital to Ahsoka's character, with the former teaching the latter her final lessons that will likely push Ahsoka to subsequently finalize her own mentorship of Sabine Wren.

Much of Ahsoka episodes 1 and 2 centered on the strained relationship between Ahsoka and Sabine. The duo certainly do not see eye-to-eye after Sabine's Jedi training was abandoned by Ahsoka. The show is hinting that both Ahsoka and Sabine have a lot to learn going forward, with the former's future lessons stemming from how best to train her Padawan. The hints at Anakin's training of Ahsoka tease that the titular Jedi's former master can teach her what she needs to know in order to be the best master for Sabine, aptly setting up why Christensen's return will undoubtedly happen.

When Will Hayden Christensen Return In Ahsoka?

Star Wars Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka

This begs the question of specifically when Christensen's Anakin return will come in Ahsoka. Interestingly, some hints surrounding the background elements of Ahsoka may provide the answer to this. It was announced recently that Disney+ will release a special on September 15 titled Master and Apprentice: A Special Look at Ahsoka. This special is set to drop just three days after Ahsoka episode 5, which uncoincidentally happens to be the only other episode of the show directed by Dave Filoni after the pilot.

Filoni's work on The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett proves that his episodes usually contain big Star Wars reveals or characters. The Mandalorian season 2, episode 5 saw the live-action debut of Ahsoka, while The Book of Boba Fett episode 6 contained Ahsoka, Luke Skywalker, R2-D2, and Cad Bane's live-action debut from Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Due to the special that will focus on masters and apprentices releasing shortly after Ahsoka episode 5, it is highly likely that Christensen's return as Anakin will be showcased in the fifth installment of Star Wars' latest entry, highlighting the reunion of one of the franchise's most iconic master-apprentice duos.

Ahsoka releases new episodes every Tuesday at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Disney+.