We now know for certain who will be playing the live-action Ezra Bridger in the upcoming Star Wars series Ahsoka. Per THR, it has been announced that Eman Esfandi has been cast in the role, set to make his debut as the character alongside Rosario Dawson in the Disney+ series. Esfandi has also appeared in the acclaimed biopic King Richard with Will Smith and had roles in Red 11, Phaedra, and Austin Weird, as well as the upcoming gay military drama The Inspection.
This casting contradicts the rumors that Aladdin remake star Mena Massoud was lined up for the role of the live-action Ezra Bridger. Because his name had been rumored for the part, many fans were already on board with the idea and hopeful about seeing this casting officially announced. Because of this, Massoud addressed his fans commenting about the situation. He revealed that he didn’t have a “fair shot” at landing the role, and while that may have been unfortunate, he’s still fully supportive of Esfandi as Ezra, given how much he physically resembles the character.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
“Glad the rumors will stop now,” Massoud said. “Never really had a fair shot at it unfortunately (1 self-tape months ago) but just wasn’t meant for me I guess. Can’t deny the dude looks exactly like Ezra. Hope it’s done justice!”
Clarifying that he’s just happy he can now publicly speak about the situation, he added in a follow-up tweet, “I’m not sad at all. Always been a believer what’s meant to be yours will be. It just sucks know the truth and not being able to say anything - those NDAs!!”
Ezra Bridger Has Been a Fan Favorite in Animated Star Wars
Voiced by Taylor Gray, Ezra Bridger first appeared as the protagonist in the animated series Star Wars Rebels, which lasted for four seasons from 2014 to 2018. He has also appeared in the series Star Wars Forces of Destiny and Lego Star Wars: Droid Tales. In 2014, an official Star Wars book dubbed Ezra’s Gamble was published with the novel serving as a prequel to Star Wars Rebels.
Ahsoka comes from Star Wars Rebels co-creator Dave Filoni and The Mandalorian creator Jon Favreau. Along with Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano and Eman Esfandi as Ezra Bridger, the series stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ivanna Sakhno, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, and Ray Stevenson. Hayden Christensen will also appear as Anakin Skywalker.
Ahsoka does not yet have a premiere date.
