George Lucas made one horribleAhsoka Tanodecision inStar Wars: The Clone Wars, but, thankfully,Star Warshas since fixed it with one major Ahsoka glow-up. Ahsoka was introduced in theStar Wars: The Clone Warsmovie and then was fleshed out considerably in the show.
Ahsoka has only become more important inStar Warsmovies and TV showssince then, with multiple returns to the franchise, including in her own show,Ahsoka. Yet, upon her debut,there was one glaringly obvious problem with Ahsoka’s character that George Lucas himself had created, and it took years forStar Warsto fix it.
George Lucas Chose An Uncomfortably Exposing Outfit For Ahsoka Tano
Although Ahsoka was just 14 years old when she was introduced inThe Clone Wars,she was wearing a shockingly revealing outfitthat exposed her stomach in addition to more generally being little more than a skirt and a crop top (an odd choice of attire for a Jedi Padawan).
We had seen similar costuming for other female Jedi before, such as Aayla Secura in the prequel trilogy, which is an issue as well. However, it felt very different for this problem to be perpetuated with a character who was a child.
Perhaps most surprising was the fact that this was an idea George Lucas insisted upon, even when Dave Filoni had drawn uporiginal plans for Ahsoka, including a costume that would have used the general style of the clothing eventually shown in the movie and show but much more in keeping with Ahsoka’s age and the Jedi more generally.
Star Wars Has (Thankfully) Completely Corrected This Mistake
Although little can be done about the choices made forAhsoka’soriginal outfit in retrospect,Star Warshas since corrected this issue moving forwardin multiple ways. For one, asThe Clone Warsshow went on, Ahsoka’s outfits became much more sensible. The best correction of this issue actually came in theAhsokashow, though.
Namely, inAhsokaepisode 5, Ahsoka once again entersthe World Between Worlds, this time encountering her former master, Anakin Skywalker. The two then move through a sequence of events, including a flashback to the Clone Wars.
In this scene, Ahsoka is clearly donning her original red outfit, but major modifications have been made. While the general style is the same, the top has been changed to completely cover her stomach, and her skirt is longer.
This is perhaps as close asStar Warsis ever going to come to admitting the outfit Ahsoka first wore was completely inappropriate for a child and a poor choice, but it is still satisfying to seeStar Warsrecognize and correct the error, even if it was never addressed as directly as it could (and arguably should) have been.
Ultimately, this reflects a major glow-up forAhsoka TanoinStar Wars, as it offers her character considerably more respect and treats her as the child she always was during the Clone Wars—which also, aptly, made these Clone Wars scenes all the more horrifying.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Cast
Star Wars: The Clone Wars is an animated series that explores the intense conflict between the Republic and the Separatists. Featuring a mix of loyalty shifts and alliances, it delves into complex mysteries of the Force and showcases pivotal moments for characters like Anakin Skywalker and Master Yoda.
Ahsoka
Ahsoka follows the journey of former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. Released in 2023, this series takes place within the Star Wars universe and features Ahsoka navigating through a complex political and cosmic landscape.
