Ivanna Sakhno speaks about Shin Hati, Ahsoka, and Ray Stevenson
By Aidan Burns
Ahsoka actress Ivanna Sakhno who plays Shin Hati appeared as a guest on Entertainment Weekly’s Dagobah Dispatch. Considering we just crossed the halfway mark in the Ahsoka series, it makes sense that these types of interviews are starting to occur. It makes additional sense to host Sakno, given that her character is new and heavily speculated on. Sakhno spoke on a number of different topics during the podcast, including her thoughts regarding the Shin Hati character and her professional relationship with the late Ray Stevenson.
New characters are always interesting experiences in Star Wars. Sakhno was happy to say that she felt very positive and involved with her character. She also gave her thanks to the Ahsoka crew and claimed that their contributions to the series made it the best it possibly could be.
"“Creating Shin, I felt my, like everyone else’s, involvement mattered. Because she’s a new character, we got to really create some of the parts of her from the very beginning.” She continued, “It felt like storytelling and it really does have to do with the crew because everyone is equally a genuine storyteller in the crew.”"
Of course, Ahsoka wouldn’t be what it now is without the series’ star, Rosario Dawson. During the podcast, Sakhno was asked about her relationship with Rosario and how she feels about Dawson being the “Captain of the ship.”
"“To me, it makes all the sense that she was chosen to play Ahsoka because she is a real-life Jedi. I have so much respect for her work ethic and the way that she leads her life, the way that she chooses to use her voice as well. I think that she is a wonderful Role Model and the perfect person to play Ahsoka.”"
Sakhno was inevitably asked about the passing of her Ahsoka Co-Star, Ray Stevenson. During the series, Sakhno and Stevenson worked closely with each other due to them playing Master and Apprentice roles. Playing the Baylan Skoll role, Stevenson had a positive impact on Sakhno during their time on and off set together. Sakhno showed gratitude for the late actor and cherished the memories that they made while filming this series.
"“We were inseparable.” Sakno continued, “His impact on my life is immeasurable and so is the ache of losing him. I miss him terribly. I carry the light that was within him. I think of him every day. I only hope to honor him and all that he has given me.”"
We can hardly wait for what else is to come from Shin Hati in Ahsoka’s second half. The character is bound to have a big role for the remainder of the series as she begins her journey towards uncharted territory. Hati’s journey has most likely just begun as Dave Filoni and Lucasfilm plan to expand this new galaxy with the characters that have been recently introduced. While Stevenson unfortunately won’t be there for any projects in the future, Sakhno will take what she has previously learned from him and use it going forward in future endeavors.