Classic Star Wars Toy Seemingly Inspires Droid Featured in Ahsoka Trailer

A vintage Star Wars R2-D2 action figure has seemingly inspired a new droid in the live action Disney+ series Ahsoka.

The droid, which appeared in the recent Ahsoka trailer, bears a striking resemblance to the original R2-D2 Kenner action figure, released all the way back in 1978.

It’s unclear quite how the astromech in question factors into the show, but the little droid makes its appearance about halfway through the trailer – sat in the droid bay of a ship that’s blocking the path of Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) as she hurtles towards it on a speeder bike.

YES! That was 100% a nod to the kenner R2-D2 action figure in the new Ahsoka trailer that dropped today! 1 point Feloni lol I see what you did there 😉 pic.twitter.com/sBsjocrpxY

— Heroes & Villains Toys & Collectibles (@HeroesToys) July 11, 2023

The original figure (somewhat infamously) didn’t quite match up with the R2-D2 featured on screen, but its markings undeniably line up with the new droid seen here.

Ahsoka stars Rosario Dawson as the titular Jedi alongside a stellar new cast depicting many returning characters from Star Wars Rebels. Mary Elizabeth Winstead stars as Hera Syndulla alongside Bordizzo as Sabine Wren and Eman Esfandi as Ezra Bridger. Genevieve O’Reilly also returns as Mon Mothma following her recent appearance on Andor.

Lars Mikkelsen will also suit up as legendary Star Wars villain Grand Admiral Thrawn, and Rebels droid Chopper is also back and features heavily in the new Ahsoka trailer.

Want to read more about Ahsoka? Check out which recent Star Wars villain has been teased in Ahsoka as well as what we know about the hunt for Grand Admiral Thrawn.

Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.