50 most shocking moments in Star Wars history

22. Kanan’s death (Star Wars Rebels)

Kanan Jarrus was one of few remaining Jedi in Star Wars Rebels. While we know that Ezra ended up having a connection with the Force, there weren’t too many others left who could wield the Force and were using it for good. Even Ezra himself was tempted by the dark side when Darth Maul came around. Thankfully he ended up avoiding that temptation and Kanan’s work with him didn’t end up being thrown out the window.

Just before his death, Kanan knew that someone would have to sacrifice themselves to complete the mission. The realistic option was that it was either him or Ezra because they were the two who could use the Force to push the others to safety.

After Kanan’s death, we also see that he’s survived by a son when the show jumps forward in time. There could have been a part of him that knew Hera was carrying their son and that’s why he made sure they survived. He also knew that Ezra would continue to do what was right and felt that he left him with enough training to survive without him. It’s the ultimate sacrifice and while we can distinguish why it happened, that doesn’t mean we were ready for it.