Rosario Dawson And Star Wars Creators Reveal Ahsoka’s Mandrill Upgrades At Japan Celebration
CBR host gets the scoop on 3D-printed montrals from Dawson, Filoni, and Favreau in Tokyo.

Image: Instagram
The iconic headpieces that define the Togruta character Ahsoka Tano have received a major technological upgrade, according to revelations shared at Star Wars Celebration Japan. In a recent interview with CBR Host Grae Drake, the creative team behind the hit Disney+ series “Ahsoka” pulled back the curtain on the evolution of the character’s distinctive montrals.
Technological Leap For Iconic Star Wars Character
During the conversation at Star Wars Celebration Japan, Rosario Dawson, who portrays the live-action version of Ahsoka Tano, was joined by executive producers Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau to discuss the practical aspects of bringing the animated character to life.
Favreau revealed that Ahsoka’s montrals—the horn-like head appendages characteristic of the Togruta species—have undergone a significant production upgrade. The team has transitioned to using 3D printing technology, a substantial improvement over the previous versions used in Dawson’s earlier appearances as the character.
According to Favreau, this technological shift represents a game-changing development in creating Ahsoka’s distinctive look. The previous montrals were reportedly heavier and detachable, likely causing some practical challenges during filming. The new 3D-printed versions presumably offer advantages in terms of weight, comfort, and possibly even visual fidelity.
Behind The Scenes Of Bringing Ahsoka To Life
The revelation offers fans a glimpse into the practical considerations that go into transforming animated characters into their live-action counterparts. Ahsoka Tano, who first appeared in the animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” has become one of the franchise’s most beloved characters, making her successful transition to live-action particularly significant for fans.
The interview, conducted by CBR Host Grae Drake who expressed particular fascination with the character’s montrals, highlights the continuing evolution of practical effects in the Star Wars universe, even as digital technology plays an increasingly important role.
The full interview, which promises to cover more behind-the-scenes details about the production of “Ahsoka,” is available on CBR Presents’ YouTube channel, as noted in the original post.
Rosario Dawson’s Journey As Ahsoka
Rosario Dawson’s portrayal of Ahsoka Tano has been a highlight of recent Star Wars content. After making her debut as the character in the second season of “The Mandalorian,” Dawson went on to lead her own series, which premiered on Disney+ in 2023.
Dawson, whose career spans over two decades in film and television, has fully embraced her role in the Star Wars universe. In a recent Instagram post, she shared her excitement for Star Wars Celebration Japan, posting “🇯🇵🌌 2025!” along with the hashtag #starwarscelebration, suggesting future plans for the character and her continued involvement with the franchise.
The actress has been actively participating in Star Wars events, including celebrating “Ahsoka Tano Day” with fans. In another recent post, she shared information about her appearance at Star Wars Celebration Japan, noting that photo ops and autographs would be available for attendees.
Continued Evolution Of Star Wars Storytelling
The technological advancements in bringing characters like Ahsoka to life reflect the broader evolution of the Star Wars franchise under the guidance of creators like Filoni and Favreau. Their approach has often blended cutting-edge technology with practical effects and storytelling techniques that honor the franchise’s legacy.
Filoni, who created Ahsoka Tano for “The Clone Wars” animated series, has been instrumental in shepherding the character through various iterations, culminating in the live-action series. His close collaboration with Favreau, beginning with “The Mandalorian,” has helped shape the current era of Star Wars television content.
Beyond her Star Wars commitments, Dawson remains active in various causes. She recently promoted environmental documentaries “Kiss the Ground” and “Common Ground” becoming available on Prime Video, demonstrating her continued engagement with environmental activism alongside her acting career.
As Star Wars continues to expand its storytelling across various media, the attention to detail in creating authentic character appearances—down to the technical specifications of alien headpieces—speaks to the commitment of creators like Filoni and Favreau to delivering experiences that satisfy both new viewers and longtime fans.
The full interview with Dawson, Filoni, and Favreau promises to offer more insights into the creation of “Ahsoka” and potentially hint at future directions for the character in the ever-expanding Star Wars universe.

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