Fifteen years ago, The Clone Wars movie was released. August 10, 2008, brought us the first Star Wars movie since Revenge of the Sith and opened the door to a whole new era of Star Wars animation. The movie definitely has mixed reviews, but one thing is for sure, The Clone Wars movie was massively important to the Star Wars franchise for multiple reasons. From the storytelling it started to the new characters introduced, let’s look at 15 takeaways from The Clone Wars movie on its 15th birthday.
1. Kicked off The Clone Wars series
The most important takeaway for me personally from the movie is that it started my favorite piece of Star Wars, The Clone Wars. I absolutely loved the television series, and it all started with the movie. The animation style isn’t for everyone, but no one can deny the imagery and visuals were stunning at times. If nothing else, Dave Filoni and Kevin Kiner both had their skills and talent shine thanks to the movie and series.
2. Jabba the Hutt has a son!
All I can say is…how? And with who…? According to Wookieepedia, Hutts have the ability to self-impregnate, so maybe that answers that question.
3. Captain Rex
One of the most beloved characters in Star Wars was introduced in The Clone Wars movie. Since his first appearance here, Captain Rex has been a staple of Star Wars animation as a pivotal character in both The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and occasionally shows up in The Bad Batch. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more loyal character than Rex. When I think of The Clone Wars, Rex isn’t just a clone; he is THE clone.
4. Anakin Is truly special
Plenty has been made about the portrayal of Anakin Skywalker on the big screen in movies. He’s often seen more as emotional and rash. We don’t really get to see “The Chosen One” exhibit his abilities as a Jedi. That is not the case in The Clone Wars movie or series. Anakin’s physical gifts are on full display, along with his true strength in the Force.
5. Obi-Wan is absolutely elite
Is there a more well-rounded Jedi than Obi-Wan Kenobi? If there is, the list is about as short as Anakin’s tolerance of sand. While Obi-Wan might not be as physically strong in the Force as Anakin, he has exquisite technical ability. His wits, cunningness, and proficiency in strategy make him a top-notch General. And lastly, Obi-Wan is one of, if not the best, teacher and mentor in all of Star Wars. His patience, coaching, and loyalty are second to none. There is no better big brother than Obi-Wan Kenobi.
6. Ahsoka Tano
Ahsoka burst onto the Star Wars scene in The Clone Wars, and now she will have her own show on Disney+ in just a few days. First thought to be a new Padawan for Obi-Wan, it was discovered that she, in fact, had been assigned to Anakin. Ahsoka was a little rough around the edges at first. I know I am not alone in thinking that she was not my favorite character initially, and I even found her annoying at times. However, over time she blossomed into one of my absolute favorites, and I’m looking forward to watching Ahsoka on August 23rd!
7. Skyguy and Snips
I wasn’t the only one not thrilled with Ahsoka at first. Her begrudgingly assigned Jedi Master Anakin, also took time to warm up to her. As seen in the first half of The Clone Wars movie, they bickered and argued. But by the end, Anakin had developed trust and care toward her. The relationship between Anakin and Ahsoka is one of the deepest and very best in all of Star Wars, with very high moments and extremely low moments throughout The Clone Wars series and even in Star Wars Rebels.
The quote, “You’re reckless little one. You never would have made it as Obi-Wan’s Padawan. But you might make it as mine,” is one of the memorable lines from the series.
8. Battle Droids Are Loveable Losers
Despite them being on the “wrong” side, I just can’t hate B1 Battle Droids. These “battle bots” are often hilarious and oblivious. Many times they also feel the brunt of disgruntled Separatists and Jedi alike. Regardless of what side they fight for, they constantly bring a smile to your face as you watch The Clone Wars.
9. Asajj Ventress
A third character we are introduced to in The Clone Wars movie is Sith apprentice Asajj Ventress. Nothing is known about her in the movie, but we dive into her backstory throughout the television series. In our introduction, we discover she is an apprentice of Sith and Separatist leader Count Dooku. Brandishing two red-bladed lightsabers, Ventress shows off skill and gives us just enough of a sinister personality to be intrigued.
10. The Clone Wars were deadly
Duh. You’d expect a war to be deadly, but we aren’t ready as viewers to care much about the deaths of extras and side characters. That doesn’t take away from the mass number of casualties seen even just in The Clone Wars movie, let alone the television series. In the first 45 minutes of the movie, during The Battle of Christophsis, we see clone after clone gunned down. Extrapolate that to a multi-year war, and the number of deaths is staggering.
11. Anakin was never going to be a “normal” Jedi
Throughout his time in the Jedi Order, Anakin struggles with rigid structure and teachings. In The Clone Wars, it was very evident that he would always struggle. Remember, the movie took place before Revenge of the Sith, so chronologically, we don’t know that Anakin will end up betraying the Order and becoming Darth Vader. At the time of the war, he still was a Jedi. A Jedi that constantly struggled with attachments and emotions, as he cares deeply about the clones he leads, and part of his strength shown is due to him tapping into his fear and anger.
12. George Lucas loves Tatooine
One thing is clear, The Maker absolutely loves the desert planet of Tatooine. During Lucas’ direction of the franchise, we are taken to this outer rim planet in six separate movies. A New Hope, Return of the Jedi, The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith, and now The Clone Wars.
13. But Anakin hates it
In The Clone Wars movie, Anakin and Ahsoka must venture to Tatooine to complete the mission. “I was hoping I’d never have to lay my eyes on this dust ball again,” he says. There’s obviously pain when Ahsoka asks about him going “home,” and rightfully so. He was a slave for nearly the first decade of his life here. He lost his mother here. Tatooine does not elicit positive emotions from Anakin Skywalker at all. “The desert is merciless. It takes everything from you.”
14. Does Palpatine know about Anakin and Padme?
The Clone Wars movie occurs shortly after Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala are wed in a secret ceremony at the end of Attack of the Clones. But does Palpatine somehow know about it? In a quick meeting with Padme, he purposely mentions that Anakin is in danger on Tatooine, even though the meeting between the two had nothing to do with the Jedi. Padme doesn’t exactly hide her concern for Anakin in the ensuing conversation, and Palpatine is very unconvincing when asking her not to go search for Jabba’s uncle on Coruscant. I might be reading too much into it, but as fans, we are put in a position where we always have to question everything Palpatine does or says.
15. Revenge Of The Sith ruined Padme
In the final 20 minutes or so of The Clone Wars movie, we see Senator Padme Amidala. Like in The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, she is fearless, cunning, and takes action. In the short amount of screen time she receives in Revenge of the Sith, though, she is the complete opposite. I understand she’s pregnant, and her hormones and emotions are everywhere. But for the most part, she comes off as just weak. If we did not have The Clone Wars, and Revenge of the Sith was the final appearance of Padme, our lasting impression would be of someone who died of a broken heart. Not the strong and bold leader we were accustomed to previously.