The cameo from Maul in Solo: A Star Wars Story might be a bigger deal for the franchise than most fans realize, suggesting that Lucasfilm is willing to incorporate developments from the animated shows into the films in ways that are upfront and obvious, even at the risk of leaving casual viewers confused. In this light, it comes as little surprise that some of the recent Star Wars: Episode IX speculation concerns further connections with Star Wars Rebels, with this new rumor prompting fans to suspect a possible appearance from a grown up Ezra Bridger.
In a report that should be taken with the usual pinch of salt, it’s said that Maz Kanata will be sharing her ship with a group of Resistance fighters as they engage in combat with the First Order. Next to her is allegedly a man who looks close to Luke Skywalker’s age with long hair, blue eyes, and what could be an unignited lightsaber in his hands. From here, it’s been theorized that this character might be none other than the famed Rebels lead.
As a piece of speculation built on an unverified report, you’d do well not to take this idea too seriously until some solid evidence comes our way, but this isn’t the first time the internet has suggested that a character from the show will be featuring in J.J. Abrams’ next film, and it probably won’t be the last, either. Earlier this year, there was even a theory going round that Richard E. Grant will be playing Ezra’s old enemy Grand Admiral Thrawn, though the actor himself soon laid that idea to rest.
In any case, we’ll find out how many familiar faces Abrams brings to the big finale when Star Wars: Episode IX hits theaters on December 20th, 2019.
