Ahsoka, the newest Disney+ Star Wars streaming present, formally kicked off with a two-episode premiere on August 22. Whereas the present launched numerous new characters and arrange some potential mysteries to unravel, the largest and most mysterious-est is the identification of the masked Marrok, a brand new Inquisitor-like villain that pops up within the present’s second episode.
However first, a quick little bit of context. Ahsoka is ready after the occasions of the unique trilogy however earlier than the occasions of the sequel movies, which is similar common period by which The Mandalorian is ready. That’s why it’s so odd to see Marrok present up and struggle Ahsoka in episode two. The character wears all-black armor and is seen wielding an Inquisitor’s lightsaber, full with spinning pink blades, however Inquisitors are a factor of the Star Wars previous. The Drive-sensitive operatives hunted down Jedi whereas they served the Empire and Darth Vader earlier than the Rebels and Luke Skywalker defeated them. So, what’s an Inquisitor doing hanging round post-Return of the Jedi? And simply who is that this mysterious former Jedi-hunter? Properly, to this point, the present hasn’t revealed a lot in any respect about Marrok. As of the second episode, we’ve but to listen to them even utter a single phrase.
Regardless, Star Wars followers are ravenous weirdos (I ought to know. I’m certainly one of them.) and have already provide you with some potential theories as to simply who Marrok actually is.
Barris Offee
Let’s get my favourite concept out of the way in which first: Marrok is Barris Offee. For many who didn’t watch the Clone Wars animated present, Offee was a Jedi apprentice and pal of a a lot youthful Ahsoka. Nonetheless, she grew to become disillusioned with the Jedi and finally betrayed Ahsoka, framing her for a bombing at a Jedi Temple. Whereas there have been plans to kill Offee in Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, these have been scrapped and canonically the character’s destiny has by no means been revealed.
Contemplating most Inquisitors have been former Jedi turned to the Darkish Aspect, it is sensible that Offee would be part of their ranks. She hated the Jedi and would probably be part of the Empire with out a lot fuss. And whereas some may level out that Marrok is a person, I’d level to the official Star Wars databank, which makes use of wording that doesn’t specify Marrok’s gender. What I really like about this concept is that it exhibits an alternate path for Ahsoka, one the place after leaving the Jedi Order she turns to the Darkish Aspect. It will be a reminder of how simply we will all fall to darkness and it additionally can be one hell of a intestine punch for the now older, former Jedi.
Ezra Bridger
Now let’s speak about my least favourite concept: Ezra Bridger is Marrok. I hate this concept for a couple of causes. Primary, it ignores the occasions of Rebels, which spent numerous time coping with Bridger’s curiosity within the Darkish Aspect and the way it almost bought the higher of him. It additionally feels extraordinarily out of character for the cheery and dependable Bridger to abruptly placed on some black armor and begin killing Jedi. I additionally hate this concept as a result of it will imply that Bridger has already returned from the Unknown Areas of House and have become an Inquisitor, making Ahsoka and Sabine Wren’s journey to seek out him form of pointless.
And sure, I do know that the identify Marrok has connections to Arthurian legend and a warrior who was twisted right into a werewolf for a couple of years. Filoni loves wolves and it will seemingly line up with Bridger turning on his buddies. I get it, I don’t prefer it and I actually hope this concept is confirmed fallacious ahead of later.
Starkiller aka Galen Marek
Alright, this concept and the subsequent one are the place issues get a bit wacky. We’re getting into fan-service supermode. First, there’s the thought floating round that Marrok is definitely Starkiller aka Galen Marek aka the ultra-powerful secret apprentice from the non-canonical Drive Unleashed video games. Y’know, the man who was in a position to yank an enormous Star Destroyer out of the sky along with his thoughts.
So what proof is there that this character, who has but to be talked about in trendy Star Wars canon, may be Marrok? Properly, first off they’ve related names. That’s not a lot, however it will even be a method to sign that this isn’t the identical Marek we’re accustomed to. One other piece of proof is that Galen Marek’s voice actor, Sam Witwer, is listed within the credit of Ahsoka below “Further Voices” which might be a method to conceal his connection to Marrok till a later episode. Nonetheless, Witwer has additionally voiced different Star Wars characters—like Darth Maul—over time and may be voicing a random droid or alien within the present. We don’t know but.
The final piece of proof is that Ahsoka showrunner Dave Filoni beforehand talked about he had considered bringing Starkiller again as an Inquisitor throughout a season of Rebels. That by no means occurred, however now may be the right time to tug that lever and produce again this fan favourite.
Mara Jade
Let’s get even wilder. What if Marrok is definitely Mara Jade? For many who don’t know, again in Legends, Jade was an Imperial particular operative who reported on to the Emperor. Then she was a smuggler, married Luke Skywalker, and later grew to become a Jedi herself. She’s a very talked-about Legends character and one who followers have lengthy wished to return to Star Wars.
Have in mind: There’s little or no proof for this concept. In truth, there’s mainly none. However, as of proper now, there’s additionally nothing that implies this could’t be true. The principle thrust of the speculation is that Ahsoka feels so much like Filoni and Disney’s stab at adapting the favored Inheritor To The Empire novel, the place Mara Jade first seems. Jade and Marrok even have related roles, performing as particular brokers to a strong Imperial commander—Jade working for the Emperor and Marrok seemingly working for Thrawn and his allies. However whereas I do know a big group of die laborious Star Wars nerds would scream in ecstasy if Jade appeared in Ahsoka, I’m undecided that’s going to occur. Sorry.
A Model New Character
Lastly, we have to tackle the most certainly concept: Marrok isn’t some fan service character or some bizarre deep-cut reference however is as a substitute a brand new particular person we’ve by no means met.
I do know for some, that is the least thrilling choice. However over time, fan theories have change into common regardless of them typically being fallacious. Within the Star Wars fandom, persons are consistently developing with wild theories that join again to a dozen totally different characters or outdated books, and they’re nearly at all times incorrect. Take into consideration all these horrible Snoke theories! Whereas that may frustrate you or different followers, keep in mind that Star Wars and different massive franchises can’t rely solely on a wealthy, detailed previous to develop. You gotta shake issues up and create new characters.
For instance, again in 2008, Ahsoka herself was a brand new character (she was launched within the animated Clone Wars movie, a prequel to the present) that folks didn’t like. I keep in mind the indignant feedback about her and the way annoying she was or how she was ruining Star Wars.
In the present day, in 2023, it appears inconceivable that there was a time when Ahsoka was a brand new face that followers hated. Now, she’s main a fan service-y present that some see as an try to proper the Star Wars ship after the sequels—of their minds—failed. A reminder that new characters are good and giving them an opportunity can typically result in nice issues. So have your theories, and have your enjoyable, however remember the fact that typically the very best consequence is one thing new and stunning, not reheated leftovers from a e-book you really liked as a teen.
