Star Wars Rebels explored the dark ages of the Empire and saw the formation of the Rebellion through the eyes of the Ghost Crew. Ezra Bridger was the last addition, but he is the one who made them a family. A friend, brother and a Jedi, Ezra learned so much from his time with Kanan, Hera, Sabine and Zeb. He disappeared from the galaxy before the Rebellion was won, but his brave actions helped to remove a major threat to the Rebellion. With Ahsoka beginning in August, Ezra will be brought back to the forefront, with his sacrifice finally allowing more answers.
Ezra was an orphan who lived on the streets of Lothal. His parents stood against Imperial control when he was only a young child. They hosted a secret broadcast from the basement of their home. This, of course, got them set to jail, leaving Ezra alone. He schemed his way through life, always playing the trickster. When he met Kanan, his life changed because Kanan sensed his Force sensitivity and trained him as a Jedi. Ezra grew more powerful and was instrumental in the early Rebellion's survival. Without Ezra, the war may have ended very differently.
What Happened to Ezra Bridger at the End of Rebels?
As Star Wars Rebels drew to a close, Phoenix Squadron was facing down the full might of Grand Admiral Thrawn. Thrawn had been their boogeyman -- the shadow always lurking behind them. He had taken over Hera's home, destroyed a Rebel base, and kept Lothal firmly in the Imperial grip. Ezra created an entire plan to rid Lothal and the galaxy of Thrawn along with his troops. Ezra tricked the Empire into evacuating all troops from Lothal, then gave himself up for capture, placing him on Thrawn's Star Destroyer Chimera.
Once he was face to face with Thrawn, Ezra put the final phase of his plan into action. He summoned the Purrgil, hyperspace traveling whales, and had them attack Thrawn's fleet. Hera and Sabine realized what was happening in Ezra choosing to sacrifice himself. Like Kanan, Ezra protected his family and the galaxy rather than just himself. The Purrgil wrapped their tentacles and blasted off into the Unknown Regions of the galaxy, taking Ezra, Thrawn and his ship with them. This sacrifice removed Thrawn as a massive threat and gave the Rebels a fighting chance in their Rebellion.
How Ezra's Ending Effects Ahsoka
Ezra's sacrifice makes up much of the known plot for the upcoming Ahsoka series. From what fans know so far, the show is focused on picking up where Star Wars Rebels ended. Ahsoka, Sabine, and Hera's main quest is to bring Ezra home and stop Thrawn. By taking Thrawn into the Unknown Regions, Ezra removed him from the Civil War but gave him a chance to prepare for a new war. Thrawn has had a chance to gather the Imperials and prepare to strike back at the New Republic. If Thrawn can't be stopped, then the New Republic will suffer. The only person with knowledge about Thrawn's activities is Ezra, making him the key to saving the galaxy again.
Ezra was a crucial figure in the early days of the Rebellion; while the larger Rebellion may not have realized his importance if Thrawn hadn't been removed from the war, the Rebels would have been in trouble. With Ezra set to return to the galaxy, it will be interesting to see how he has changed and, by extension, how he will take on Thrawn for the second time.
Ahsoka is starting on August 23, 2023, on Disney+.