Ashley Eckstein, best known for her role as the voice ofAhsoka Tano inStar Wars: The Clone Wars, recently discussed the necessity of updating her character’s attire during a panel at FAN EXPO Philadelphia 2024. Eckstein, who has long been the voice behind the Jedi Padawan, couldn’t help but humorously critique the original design of her character’s outfit. “Who fights a war in a tank top?” she joked during theRebels & Clones panel, moderated byKevin Polowyfrom Screen Rant, making a great point about the impracticality of Ahsoka’s first costume.
Ahsoka Tano, who was initially introduced as Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan during the Clone Wars, was quickly embraced by fans despite early criticisms, including her less-than-functional wardrobe. Her original outfit, notably a crop top for the series' initial seasons, drew criticism for its impracticality and inappropriate sexualization of the character, who began the series as a teenager.
Lucasfilm’s chiefDave Filoniand the team behind the recent Disney+ TV shows have addressed these concerns, adjusting Ahsoka’s wardrobe in subsequent appearances.Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, for example, presented Ahsokawearing a more sensible and tactical outfit appropriate for her adventures. This change was further emphasized in Season 2 ofAhsoka, where strategic flashbacks within the World Between Worlds featuredAriana Greenblatt’syounger Ahsoka donning the updated attire.
These wardrobe updates reflect a broader trend within the franchise to correct past oversights, showcasing a thoughtful evolution of the character that aligns better with her role and the practical demands of her environment. The shift not only makes Ahsoka’s costume more realistic for the scenarios she faces in her experiences but also respects the character’s significance without compromising her depiction.
Controversial Costumes in ‘Star Wars’
Costume controversy inStar Warshas surfaced several times over the years, reflecting broader societal discussions about representation and appropriateness. One of the most famous controversies revolves around Princess Leia’s costume inReturn of the Jedi. In this film, Leia is captured by Jabba the Hutt and forced to wear a revealing gold bikini,often referred to as the “Slave Leia"costume. The outfit has been criticized for its sexualization of a key female character, sparking discussions on the sexual objectification in media and prompting calls for more thoughtful costume designs for women in theStar Warsuniverse.
Additionally, even the design of some droids and lesser-known characters has come under scrutiny for inadvertently resembling racial stereotypes. These designs have prompted discussions about the implications of visual choices in theStar Warsuniverse, pushing for more sensitivity and awareness in character design. Thankfully,Star Warsis heading in the right direction when it comes to those kinds of issues.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Jedi Knights lead the Grand Army of the Republic against the droid army of the Separatists.
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