“Ahsoka” First Reactions: Rosario Dawson And Natasha Liu Bordizzo Shine in Latest “Star Wars” Series

The first reactions to Ahsoka, the latest live-action Star Wars series coming to Disney+, have arrived in under twelve parsecs (Star Wars nerd alert!). It’s good news for those eager for some more Star Wars action and even better news for fans of the animated series Star Wars: Rebels, which debuted in 2014 and is the source from which this Rosario Dawson-led series draws many of its characters and narrative drive.

Dawson plays the titular Jedi rebel operating in a galaxy after the fall of the Empire (the series set after the events of Return of the Jedi), sussing out an emerging threat in a vulnerable time. Dawson is coming in for major praise for her performance, as is Natasha Liu Bordizzo, who plays her protogé, Sabine Wren. Many of the critics who have gotten a peek at the first two episodes are saying that creator Dave Filoni (the man behind Star Wars: Rebels) has crafted an appropriately epic story, one that even casual fans will be able to follow and that Rebels fans will love.

Ahsoka features a slew of characters from the hit animated series, including Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi), and the main villain, Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen). Newcomers include Baylan Skoll (the late Ray Stevenson) and Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno). Then there’s Darth Vader himself, at least the version played by Hayden Christensen, who returns here after playing a major role in Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Let’s take a peek at what some of the critics are saying. Ahsoka arrives on Disney+ on August 23.

Initial #Ahsoka thoughts: Dave Filoni lovingly brings his rebels to life in a story that embraces mythology, magic, and lore in a way that could turn off, say, ANDOR fans. Slower paced than expected but still enthralling for this Rebels fan. Natasha Liu Bordizzo is my early MVP. pic.twitter.com/fK9lZY4eqo

— Meghan O’Keefe (@megsokay) August 18, 2023

First two #Ahsoka episodes are really good! Fans of Rebels are in for a treat as this is Filoni’s Star Wars in the best way possible.

Loving Natasha Liu Bordizzo’s Sabine, as well as Ray Stevenson’s Baylan Skoll. Some great lightsaber action throughout too, which I LOVED. pic.twitter.com/3ajk3fP5VE

— Josh Martin-Jones (@JoshM_Jones) August 18, 2023

#Ahsoka episodes 1 & 2 are tremendous. As expected, #SabineWren steals every single scene she’s in. The villains are tremendous, so very interesting, with so much potential. There’s a pace to the story that’s really enjoyable, and the character dynamics are fun. pic.twitter.com/SLJQ7aKIDS

— Tom Bacon (@TomABacon) August 18, 2023

The first 2 eps of #Ahsoka hooked me. Definitely a continuation of Rebels and it’s worth brushing up when we last saw everyone. I cant take my eyes off Ivanna Sakhno whenever she’s on screen and I’m so intrigued by her character. Would like a Loth-cat to cuddle this evening. pic.twitter.com/SKdMSfdjoZ

— Ash Crossan (@AshCrossan) August 18, 2023

A promising start for #Ahsoka with many cool story elements that expand the #StarWars universe and feel different from Mando. Ep 1 has some slow moments involving a MacGuffin but Ep 2 really gels. Sabine is a standout. I think those meeting her for first time will really dig her. pic.twitter.com/Jzt6GFqkAt

— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) August 18, 2023

First two episodes of #Ahsoka are really good. Even if you’ve never seen #Rebels or #clonewars it’s super easy to follow. Impressed with the action & how it’s all story. No side missions or filler. Can’t wait to see episode 3. Wish I could watch future episodes on a movie screen. pic.twitter.com/x1aEi0DRZ5

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) August 18, 2023

#Ahsoka is a DREAM COME TRUE for Star Wars Rebels fans and an exciting reunion for my fav characters in the galaxy. I’ve seen the first 2 episodes and while it trades whimsy for more serious tone, the performances & action are STELLAR. #Sabine is perfect. A VERY promising start! pic.twitter.com/IBZ4lzFBqi

— Daniel Baptista • The Movie Podcast (@dbapz) August 18, 2023

I think #Ahsoka has a lot of potential. As a Rebels fan, I felt a connection to it that was truly special. And yet it’s hugely epic at some times & oddly flat at others. Sabine is the standout through & by Ep 2 I was fully sucked in. It could go south but I don’t think it will 🤞 pic.twitter.com/9BKgNcgXuR

— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) August 18, 2023

#Ahsoka is epic! It’s got those classic Star Wars vibes while also feeling very fresh. The first episodes set the scene vividly, with intriguing villains, a complex bond between Ahsoka and Sabine, and some awesome lightsaber duels already – I really think we’re in for a treat 🧡 pic.twitter.com/oFslCUzqFL

— Molly Edwards (@mollycaroline7) August 18, 2023

I just watched the first two episodes of the #Ahsoka series! It’s a true visual spectacle. Rosario Dawson is phenomenal as the titular star. The fight scenes are epic and heart pounding. The story has a rich history and great themes about second chances and female empowerment.

— Jeff Conway (@jeffconway) August 18, 2023

I enjoyed the first two episodes of #Ahsoka, and the best part about it is that it’s focused on telling one grand story.

I’ve never watched the animated shows, so I don’t know the ins and outs of these characters’ backstories, but their dynamics are clear. pic.twitter.com/L6iwc8eoMB

— Brian Davids (@PickYourBrian) August 18, 2023

And here’s a taste of the epic action in Ahsoka:

For more on all things Star Wars, check out these stories:

Taking a Hero’s Journey With “Ahsoka” in New Teaser

“Star Wars”: How Rey’s Upcoming Movie is Linked to the Past & Future of the Franchise

A New “Star Wars” Movie is Part of Disney’s Upcoming, Reshuffled Film Slate

On This “Star Wars Day,” The Galaxy is Expanding

Featured image: (L-R): Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) and Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) in Lucasfilm’s AHSOKA, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.