Warning: Contains major SPOILERS for Ahsoka episode 4.
Summary
- Anakin Skywalker’s return in Ahsoka episode 4 signifies a major development for the show and Star Wars as a whole.
- Anakin returns as Ahsoka enters the World Between Worlds, with Hayden Christensen reprising his role.
- Anakin’s return is crucial as Ahsoka’s former Jedi Master, and suggests he is finally going to finish her training.
Anakin Skywalker returns in Ahsoka episode 4, making a surprising cameo that sets up major things for the show’s remaining episodes and Star Wars as a whole. It had long been speculated that Anakin would return in some way during the show, with Hayden Christensen reportedly among Ahsoka‘s cast, although there was little official confirmation beyond some lines of dialogue in a trailer.
That changes in Ahsoka episode 4’s ending, which sees Ahsoka, having been defeated in a fight with Baylan Skoll, wake up on a mysterious plane. A voice calls out to her, “Hello, Snips,” and there stands Anakin, looking every bit her old Jedi Master. It’s Ahsoka‘s biggest moment so far, with a lot to unpack.
Why Anakin Skywalker Returns In Ahsoka Episode 4
Anakin Skywalker is likely Ahsoka‘s biggest returning character, and he comes back with good reason: his student needs him. For those not familiar with Star Wars animation, Ahsoka was Anakin’s Padawan, before she left the Jedi Order and then he later turned to the dark side. Ahsoka and Anakin had one of the closest bonds seen between a master and apprentice in Star Wars, which is why his return is so important here. Ahsoka had previously stated that Anakin didn’t finish her training; quite clearly, now is the time for her final lesson. Anakin himself seems surprised by meeting Ahsoka, admitting he didn’t expect to see her so soon, which raises the question of why it’s happening now.
The answer likely lies in Ahsoka’s actions and attitude in episode 4: she is all too willing to sacrifice everything in order to stop Grand Admiral Thrawn from returning, even if it means the loss of Ezra Bridger and, with it, likely losing Sabine Wren in a way as well. She fights well against Baylan, but is unable to defeat him (in part due to being distracted by Sabine). Ahsoka has been failing her apprentice, which has now had catastrophic results. It seems Anakin is now going to provide the wisdom she needs to rebuild their connection, in order to save and then properly train Sabine.
Where Anakin Is & Why He’s Not A Normal Force Ghost
Anakin appears to Ahsoka in the World Between Worlds, a Force plane that serves as an entry point across time and space. It was seen in Star Wars Rebels‘ ending, and now returns here in a big way. The World Between Worlds, in effect, allows those who can access it to time travel, but there’s also something deeper as Ahsoka reveals: this is also the Netherworld of the Force. This is where the souls of Jedi go when they die, although several return to the physical world as Force Ghosts. The implication in Ahsoka is that the World Between Worlds is the Netherworld, or at least has a portal to it.
This is why Anakin doesn’t appear as a Force Ghost in Ahsoka episode 4, but instead looks (mostly) like his regular self. In the physical realm, a Force Ghost is simply that: an apparition, or manifestation of their former self, rather than something that exists fully formed. That’s why they have a blue glow and are transparent, but in the Netherworld, where they are more in their true form and have a stronger connection to the Force, that isn’t the case. It’s also possible he has chosen a more familiar form for Ahsoka: note he is in his prequel-era clothing, rather than the Jedi robes of his Force ghost.
Does Hayden Christensen Play Anakin In Ahsoka Episode 4 (& Was He De-Aged)?
Yes, Hayden Christensen is playing Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka episode 4. The actor’s return had been rumored, and Ahsoka‘s credits confirm he made an appearance in the episode. This is just his latest return to Star Wars, having also made a big comeback in Obi-Wan Kenobi. Like in that show, at least part of Christensen’s return in Ahsoka requires him looking a lot younger than he actually is (the actor is 42, and playing Anakin around 20 years younger). That means he has been de-aged with CGI, allowing him to look the part.
Obi-Wan Kenobi also lightly de-aged Christensen for flashbacks to the prequels’ timeline, though not entirely successfully. The results are different (and more drastic) in Ahsoka – his face is certainly smoother, and doesn’t have the noticeable crow’s feet. Still, it seems like this was straight de-aging or deepfaking of Christensen himself, in contrast to Luke Skywalker in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, where they used a body double and then deepfaked Mark Hamill’s face on top. The results are still in the uncanny valley, however, as it doesn’t look entirely natural, but it gets away with it given how big a deal it is and the fact the character is, well, dead.
Why Anakin Calls Ahsoka “Snips”
Anakin calling Ahsoka “Snips” dates all the way back to 2008’s Star Wars: The Clone Wars movie, and the very beginning of their journey as Jedi Master and Padawan. Ahsoka at this point had a brash, stubborn attitude, and insisted upon calling Anakin “Skyguy,” which prompted him to warn her not to “get snippy” with him. This then morphed into calling her “Snips” when she continues to call him “Skyguy”. Ultimately, though, it would become a sign of affection, and a reminder for Ahsoka to trust her instincts: that “snippy” attitude wasn’t just her being disrespectful, but often right, and “Snips” instills that confidence in her.
Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET on Disney+.