Suvudu Universe

Following USA Today’s unveiling of gunslinging cowboy Jedi Kanan Jarrus, TV Guide has revealed a new Star Wars Rebels cast member: Ezra Bridger. Earlier this year, one of the first names to surface from the LEGO summer 2014 products was Ezra Bridger. At the time, we only knew him as a cadet piloting the LEGO Phantom set. Voiced by Taylor Gray, Ezra is a charismatic 14 year old street smart kid who pickpockets his way through town to survive in an era of growing Imperial rule. As a kid who travels on his own, he develops trust issues but knows when to turn on the charm when it best suits him.

Ezra Bridger from Star Wars Rebels wearing a customized stormtrooper helmet. Credit: Lucasfilm.

Stealing from the Empire every chance he gets, Ezra was the first character to be created for the series. In an IGN interview with Greg Weisman, the executive producer stated that there is one focus character surrounded by five other characters. According to Weisman in the “Meet Ezra” video, “We see this whole series very much through Ezra’s eyes. As his eyes get opened to what the Empire’s capable of, his eyes are opened to the fact that there are people who care–who are trying to fight the good fight, and he becomes one of them.” From this, we can infer that Ezra will be the show’s focus character. In many ways, he resembles Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Ahsoka went from a snippy Padawan to a young woman capable of making her own life decisions. I hope to see a similar growth in Ezra.

Ezra Bridger and Kanan Jarrus from Star Wars Rebels sneaking around. Credit: Lucasfilm.

“When he meets Kanan and the crew of The Ghost, it’s kind of his opportunity to have a family,” said creative executive Rayne Roberts.

Ezra is also a Force user, using his powers on a reactionary basis and not really understanding what abilities he possesses. Given that Kanan is a Jedi, this is an opportunity for Ezra to harness his power as well as an opportunity for Kanan to continue growing as the Jedi he’s been fighting hard to keep secret. Executive producer Dave Filoni adds, “[Kanan and Ezra] need each other. Ezra will never become a Jedi without Kanan, and Kanan will never reclaim his status and become a Jedi Knight without Ezra.”

Inexperienced, family, need. Could we see attachment being an issue for both characters? I wonder how much of the Jedi principles and way of life will influence this mentor and apprentice relationship, if any.

Ezra sounds like a great addition to the Star Wars universe! Personally, I find him adorable and would love to give him a hug. Three members of the rebel crew have been revealed so far, and there are three characters left: Hera Syndulla, Zeb Orretios, and another unknown character. I hope this yet-to-be known cast member is another female, since it would be a shame to have only one female aboard The Ghost.

Lastly, make sure to tune in to Disney XD on Monday, February 17, during Kickin’ It (6:00/5:00c) and Lab Rats (6:30/5:30c) for the premiere of TWO new teaser trailers for Star Wars Rebels. Looking forward to capturing the teasers for those who are unable to join. Stay tuned!