Ahsoka, the newest Disney+ Star Wars streaming present, formally kicked off with a two-episode premiere on August 22. Whereas the present launched a variety of new characters and arrange some doable 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 short 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 identical common period through which The Mandalorian is ready. That’s why it’s so odd to see Marrok present up and battle 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? Effectively, up to now, 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 one in every of them.) and have already provide you with some doable theories as to only who Marrok actually is.
Barris Offee
![An image shows Barris Offee from the Clone Wars TV show.](https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,q_60,w_645/b4c8134b108939cda401db94e52d991f.jpg)
Let’s get my favourite principle out of the best way first: Marrok is Barris Offee. For individuals who didn’t watch the Clone Wars animated present, Offee was a Jedi apprentice and pal of a a lot youthful Ahsoka. Nonetheless, she turned disillusioned with the Jedi and ultimately 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 had been scrapped and canonically the character’s destiny has by no means been revealed.
Contemplating most Inquisitors had been former Jedi turned to the Darkish Facet, it is sensible that Offee would be part of their ranks. She hated the Jedi and would seemingly be part of the Empire with out a lot fuss. And whereas some would possibly 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 principle is that it exhibits an alternate path for Ahsoka, one the place after leaving the Jedi Order she turns to the Darkish Facet. It will be a reminder of how simply we are able to all fall to darkness and it additionally can be one hell of a intestine punch for the now older, former Jedi.
Ezra Bridger
![An image shows Ezra as seen in the Rebels finale.](https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,q_60,w_645/4bb0b8041a4e0c30c31d8cfa53bb8c60.jpg)
Now let’s speak about my least favourite principle: Ezra Bridger is Marrok. I hate this principle for a number of causes. Primary, it ignores the occasions of Rebels, which spent a variety of time coping with Bridger’s curiosity within the Darkish Facet and the way it almost received the higher of him. It additionally feels extraordinarily out of character for the cheery and constant Bridger to out of the blue placed on some black armor and begin killing Jedi. I additionally hate this principle 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 title Marrok has connections to Arthurian legend and a warrior who was twisted right into a werewolf for a number of years. Filoni loves wolves and it will seemingly line up with Bridger turning on his associates. I get it, I don’t prefer it and I actually hope this principle is confirmed incorrect prior to later.
Starkiller aka Galen Marek
![An image shows Starkiller screaming while covered in lightning.](https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,q_60,w_645/5f13cc3520fba5842eb7af7378c224bc.jpg)
Alright, this principle 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 capable of yank a large 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, is perhaps Marrok? Effectively, 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 acquainted with. One other piece of proof is that Galen Marek’s voice actor, Sam Witwer, is listed within the credit of Ahsoka beneath “Extra 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—through the years and is perhaps 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 is perhaps the proper time to drag that lever and convey again this fan favourite.
Mara Jade
![An image shows Mara Jade with a blue lightsaber.](https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,q_60,w_645/94e82cf3b9740f78dc7ca5b7c4fab92b.jpg)
Let’s get even wilder. What if Marrok is definitely Mara Jade? For individuals 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 turned a Jedi herself. She’s a extremely popular Legends character and one who followers have lengthy wished to return to Star Wars.
Take into account: There’s little or no proof for this principle. The truth is, there’s principally none. However, as of proper now, there’s additionally nothing that implies this could’t be true. The principle thrust of the idea is that Ahsoka feels quite a bit 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, appearing as particular brokers to a robust 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 exhausting Star Wars nerds would scream in ecstasy if Jade appeared in Ahsoka, I’m unsure that’s going to occur. Sorry.
A Model New Character
![An image shows a blank grey avatar.](https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/c_fit,f_auto,g_center,q_60,w_645/201cf9b1ce57d0465e8cb7748623502d.jpg)
Lastly, we have to handle the almost certainly principle: Marrok isn’t some fan service character or some bizarre deep-cut reference however is as an alternative a brand new particular person we’ve by no means met.
I do know for some, that is the least thrilling choice. However through the years, fan theories have develop into fashionable regardless of them typically being incorrect. Within the Star Wars fandom, persons are continually arising with wild theories that join again to a dozen completely different characters or previous books, and they’re nearly all the time incorrect. Take into consideration all these horrible Snoke theories! Whereas which may frustrate you or different followers, do not forget 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 offended feedback about her and the way annoying she was or how she was ruining Star Wars.
At this time, 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 and 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 take into account that typically one of the best consequence is one thing new and stunning, not reheated leftovers from a ebook you liked as a teen.