If you're a fan of Star Wars Rebels, then we're sure you're aware of the importance Dave Filoni placed on wolves, tying them into the Force and revealing that they're connected to the World Between Worlds. That's a location the upcoming Ahsoka series promises to better explore, hence why we're getting a very different spin on Revenge of the Sith's final duel!
In that animated series, Ezra Bridger was depicted as having a unique connection to Loth-wolves, and Making Star Wars (via SFFGazette.com) has now revealed that we can expect to see the fantastic beasts in Ahsoka Tano's live-action spin-off.
Ahsoka will reportedly ride one of them in the show, with a real-life horse used as a stand-in. Visual effects will presumably be used to create the giant wolf which it's said the former Jedi takes charge of while decked out in a white cloak. The site notes that the idea of building a puppet-like head for practical shots was discussed, but can't confirm whether that went anywhere.
Here's where things get particularly interesting, though.
The wolf was reportedly nicknamed "Doom" on set, and in Rebels, one of the creatures - an avatar of Kanan Jarrus' will in the Force - appeared before Ezra. Essentially a reincarnated version of the fallen Jedi - whose real name was Caleb Dume - this suggests the hero will have a presence in Ahsoka, even if Freddie Prinze Jr. doesn't show up for a cameo role.
Now, we have Ezra, Sabine Wren, Hera Syndulla, and Kanan...but still no Zeb. We'd be shocked if he doesn't wind up making some sort of cameo appearance in the series, with Steve Blum likely reprising the role.
In recent months, it's become clear that this show is going to explore very different sides of this Galaxy, with magic deepening the Star Wars franchise's mythology in new and unexpected ways. That inevitably won't sit well with some fans, but we have all the faith in the world in Filoni's storytelling abilities.
Ahsoka is still expected to arrive on Disney+ later this year.