Could Marrok actually be Starkiller? Evidence explained
By Aidan Burns
A few weeks ago, I released an article speculating on the possibility of Galen Marek (AKA Starkiller) being reintroduced and canonized in the Ahsoka series. A constant talking point was the new, mysterious assassin named Marrok. Marrok’s helmet bore a striking resemblance to the one worn by Starkiller from his legends video game, Star Wars: Force Unleashed. At the time, that was as far as anyone could speculate. However, now three episodes deep into Ahsoka, additional evidence has presented itself that certainly increases the possibility of Galen Marek’s potential return.
The obvious
While many others have already drawn this conclusion, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out what was already in plain sight. Right off the bat, even Marrok’s name is comically close to the last name, “Marek.” Additionally, Both Characters wear quite similar helmets as previously stated.
While this absolutely could have been done by accident, the series creator, Dave Filoni certainly loves to casually tease fans and viewers. A great example of this would be when he wore a shirt to the 2017 Star Wars Celebration saying “Ahsoka Lives?” to only later wear a different shirt saying “Ahsoka Lives!” Keep in mind this was during the period of time in Rebels when we were all left unsure about Ahsoka’s fate. With this in mind, It wouldn’t be unlikely that this is yet another way for Filoni to stir the pot and have some giggles just before a shocking reveal.
Sam Witwer appears in credits
Throughout both Force Unleashed games, the likeness and voice of the Starkiller character were provided by Sam Witwer. Witwer has also done numerous other voicework for the Star Wars universe, Including the fierce Darth Maul.
In the rolling credits of Ahsoka episode 3, “Time to Fly”, Sam Witwer was credited under “Additional Voices” (found on Disney+.) Simultaneously, we also heard Marrok speak for the first time when responding to Shin Hati during a space chase with Ahsoka. While this doesn’t confirm that Witwer provided the voice for Marrok in particular, It does confirm that Witwer is involved with the show and has voiced a random character in the third episode. While it could be anyone, plenty of fans (myself included) are quick to speculate and hope that Witwer did indeed provide Marrok’s voice. Therefore, resulting in Witwer playing Marrok who eventually is revealed as Starkiller.
Marrok’s familiar voice
During his brief appearance in episode 3, Marrok responded to Shin Hati via transponder “As you wish”, a line used by Galen Marek in the older video games. However, this was not the only thing that grabbed the attention of fans. Although Marrok’s helmet deepened and changed his voice, the voice we all heard bore a resemblance to Marek’s masked voice that Witwer provided as well.
Connecting the dots, It’s now a lot more likely that Marrok’s voice is provided by Witwer. With both his name credited under “Additional Voices” and what sounds like an incredibly familiar voice, one might actually be asking himself if Dave Filoni has pulled yet another enormous trigger.
What would this mean for Starkiller?
As thrilling as the reveal would be, Galen Marek entering the canon for the first time would raise a lot more questions than answers. Because The Force Unleashed saga is not canon, Galen’s story would almost certainly be altered from his prior timeline from the video games. Many speculate that rather than Vader’s direct apprentice, Marek would have been only a favored inquisitor of Vader. This would be due to the lack of need for a Direct apprentice when Vader already had Inquisitors doing his dirty work in the Canon.
What may get people excited most is the idea of Lucasfilm and Disney deciding to canonize the Force Unleashed saga. This would allow for everything we know about Starkiller to remain exactly as it was and additionally allow room for the character to continue and expand from what once was.
While we may be a bit ahead of ourselves, all questions will be answered by the end of the series. Many hope that Ahsoka Episode 4 will finally give us the grand reveal that has been long-awaited in the Star Wars fandom.