Warning: spoilers ahead for episode 4.
The moment finally happened in episode 4 – and it’s safe to say it’s left them losing their minds.
The latest instalment of the series came out earlier today on Plus, featuring the introduction of a curious phenomenon called the ‘World Between Worlds’.
However, the biggest moment of the episode was undoubtedly when Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson) turned around to see () standing before her.
‘Hey Snips,’ a mysterious voice could be heard saying – referencing Anakin’s old nickname for his former Padawan – before the Darth Vader actor appeared on screen.
Ever since the character of Ahsoka made her debut in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, fans have been waiting for the moment that she and Anakin would feature in a live-action tale in the franchise.
So how is it that Anakin could be there, when at this point in the story he would be dead, following Darth Vader’s demise?
Firstly, let’s unpack some of the incredible reactions from diehard fans, who knew that an Anakin and Ahsoka reunion was coming… but could barely contain their excitement nonetheless. Understandably.
‘Maan, the return of Anakin is even better than I was expecting it ??,’ one person wrote.
‘They recreated their meeting in Clone Wars, but from a different perspective, I love it ?.’
‘Anakin: “Hello, Snips.” I am in shambles rn, clone wars fans ATE good. Dave Filoni really delivered,’ another said, with a shoutout to Ahsoka creator Dave Filoni.
Another thankful fan wrote: ‘“Hello Snips.” It was at this moment my whole childhood has now been complete.
‘Hayden Christensen back as Anakin Skywalker talking to Ahsoka Tano in live action has me in TEARS of absolute joy. Dave Filoni you have done IT.’
Of course, speculation is now rife among the Star Wars fandom as to the explanation behind Anakin’s appearance, and what it could mean for Ahsoka.
What is the ‘World Between Worlds’ in Star Wars?
In the latest episode of Ahsoka, the lightsaber-wielding warrior is presumably assumed to be dead by her apprentice Sabine (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) after a duel with antagonist Baylan Skoll (the late Ray Stevenson).
Ahsoka topples off a cliff with an ocean of rocky waves below… but when viewers see her open her eyes, she’s in a mysterious dimension called the World between Worlds.
It’s there that she stands up before hearing Anakin’s voice, and them seeing him in front of her (before Darth Vader’s music plays before the credits start rolling).
The World Between Worlds is featured in the animated series, and is mysteriously linked to the Force as a pocket dimension.
The Force-connected plane exists in adjacence to the real world, and connects all places and times – which is why the peculiarity of Anakin reuniting with Ahsoka might not be so mysterious after all.
In Rebels, Ezra Bridger used the World between Worlds to save Ahsoka, so some fans are theorising that Anakin might have done the same thing now after her lightsaber duel.
In conclusion – many think this could strongly indicate that the lead character is still alive.
Why does Anakin call Ahsoka ‘Snips’?
Ahsoka’s nickname ‘Snips’ – bestowed upon her by Anakin shortly after they first met in The Clone Wars animated series – dates way back.
When the two characters were first introduced, it’s safe to say that they didn’t get on swimmingly.
Anakin didn’t want to take Ahsoka on as his Padawan, while the latter was extremely enthusiastic to learn and train in the ways of the Jedi.
The nickname Snips originally was meant as an insult, as he chose the nickname to describe Ahsoka’s snappy attitude when she stood up to him and spoke back against his opinions.
Eventually, Snips went from a jibe to an affectionate moniker, so it meant a lot to fans of The Clone Wars to hear it uttered by Anakin in Ahsoka’s direction once again.
Ahsoka is available to watch on Disney Plus, with new episodes released on Wednesdays.
