Eman Esfandi Talks About Key Ezra Bridger Line In 'Ahsoka'
Image Source: Star Wars
Actor Eman Esfandi, who plays live-action Ezra Bridger in Ahsoka, was asked by fans at GalaxyCon to share his favorite line from the series. Esfandi took the opportunity to explain why the line, “Hi, Hera. I’m home,” is close to his heart. Esfandi recalled his experience playing a Middle Eastern Muslim in the movie "The Inspection." In the film, Esfandi’s character joins the Marines, and his lieutenant catches him with prayer beads. During a scene, Esfandi’s character is singled out for his Middle Eastern identity, as his superior points at him and says, “This is what the enemy you kill is gonna look like.” Esfandi’s voice began to shake as he described the effect this particular scene had on him. He says, he “almost never went back to acting because of that day.” He compared that experience to arriving at the New Republic base at the end of Ahsoka with his Stormtrooper helmet on, and having everyone pointing a blaster at him, except this time, as soon as he removed his helmet, everyone lowered their blasters.
An emotional Esfandi said, “Now in this universe, I’m the hero of Lothal. And it has nothing to do with what I look like and everything to do with who I am, so saying, “Hi, Hera. I’m home,” felt like finally arriving at a place where what I’m meant to do and who I am meant to be is aligned.” His co-star, Rosario Dawson, hugged him after he finished speaking. It’s rare for an actor to open up on a personal level in front of fans, but it confirms what a great choice Eman Esfandi is to portray Ezra Bridger. So much of Ezra’s story was about finding his place in the galaxy, and despite feeling judged for his appearance, it seems Eman has found where he belongs because of Ezra Bridger. Fans have always considered Eman to be one of the most brilliant casting choices in recent years, who looks, sounds, and represents everything Ezra Bridger does. Still, he’s also an example of an actor who loves being a part of Star Wars, as this role presents him with an opportunity to feel at home and be accepted for who he is. Eman will reprise his role asEzra Bridger again in Ahsoka Season 2, which streams later this year.
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Sources: Star Wars, Star Wars Holocron
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