As Lucasfilm continues to expand the Star Wars franchise by exploring what became of the Galaxy post-Return of the Jedi, we're beginning to see whole new sides to the previously unexplored period between the original trilogy and sequels. Now, Making Star Wars (via SFFGazette.com) is reporting that Ahsoka will include a very unique class of Stormtroopers.
They start by reminding us that, in The Rise of Skywalker, Kylo Ren visited a mysterious ape-like armourer who repaired his mask with what we'd later learn was Sarrasssian iron.
As a result, it was covered in red lines, a cool aesthetic (and a smart way to sell more action figures). With Stormtroopers in short supply after the Empire's defeat, it's said that those who report to Grand Admiral Thrawn will be decked out in rebuilt and reforged armour that is covered in gold or yellow "cracks" and "veins."
Apparently, this armour has been reforged by the Nightsisters, and as the site explains, "[the Stormtroopers] had their armor cracked like glass and then in an awesome showing of power, put back together like Humpty Dumpty. Did the soldiers under those sets of armor die? Did the Nightsisters resurrect the Stormtroopers with rebuilt armor?"
Those are undeniably compelling questions, particularly as the Nightsisters have previously used an undead army to counter the forces of Count Dooku and General Grievous!
Whatever the case may be, this army will serve Thrawn, Baylon, and Shin, Ahsoka's lead villains (you can read more about the latter two here). The prospect of them essentially being zombies is exciting, and fans of the Expanded Universe will know this is a concept that's been explored in a variety of ways in now non-canon tie-in material.
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 Dave Filoni's storytelling abilities.
What are your thoughts on this latest Ahsoka intel? Let us know your thoughts in the usual place!