As Star Wars continues its all-consuming expanse across entertainment, it seems every performer will enter the galaxy far, far away. Some, like legendary character and voice actor Clancy Brown, will appear multiple times. Ahsoka is the latest Disney+ Star Wars series. It follows the enduringly popular animated efforts like Rebels and The Clone Wars. Many characters from Rebels are enjoying their live-action debut without the portrayer that made them famous. Ryder Azadi enters Ahsoka with Clancy Brown intact.
Who is Ryder Azadi?
Clancy Brown plays Ryder Azadi in Ahsoka. Ryder Azadi is a supporting character in Star Wars: Rebels. He’s introduced as a high-ranking governor who serves under the Galactic Empire. Azadi oversaw a destitute Outer Rim planet called Lothal. His home was drowning in debt due to ruinous taxes levied by the Empire. The Empire decimated their once prosperous farms to make room for strip mining operations and weapons manufacturers. Azadi’s heart was never with the Empire. He saw his people abused by corrupt functionaries and robbed by greedy owners. Azadi partnered with Ephraim and Mira Bridger, a couple who sent out rebellious radio broadcasts from Lothal. The Empire discovers Azadi’s treason and incarcerates him for over a decade.
Ryder Azadi appears in Ahsoka at the end of his journey. Rebels depict him as he returns to the rebellion. Prison breaks Azadi. The Bridgers and their son Ezra break Azadi out of jail. Ephraim and Mira die in the jailbreak. Azadi is initially terrified to participate in Ezra’s new rebellion. He couldn’t face the possibility of returning to prison. Ezra and his Specters laid out their plans, but Azadi was too afraid to help. Over time, however, Azadi couldn’t ignore the plight of his people. Azadi offered knowledge, leadership, and wisdom to the team of unstoppable young rebels. He becomes a valuable leader in the rebellion, eventually freeing Lothal from their grasp. In Ahsoka, Clancy Brown portrays Ryder Azadi as the well-respected governor of Lothal under the New Republic.
Besides Ahsoka, where else can fans see Clancy Brown?
Ahsoka isn’t the only Disney Plus Star Wars series Clancy Brown appears in. He previously portrayed Burg in The Mandalorian. Brown donned red makeup to play a horned alien mercenary who works alongside Din Djarin. He appears in “Chapter Six: The Prisoner,” where he enjoys a brief fight with Mando and dies shortly after. Rebels isn’t Brown’s only voice-acting role in the franchise, either. In The Clone Wars, he portrayed Savage Opress. His character was Darth Maul’s brother and Asajj Ventress’ mate. Oppress was a significant villain in the series as part of Maul’s Shadow Collective. Brown also portrays a Mandalorian named Montross in Star Wars: Bounty Hunter.
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Outside of Ahsoka, Clancy Brown has been celebrated for several roles. Most fans probably grew up hearing Brown’s performance as Mr. Eugene H. Krabs in Spongebob Squarepants. Brown has portrayed the miserly crustacean consistently since 1999. He regularly provides the voice of Lex Luthor in several DC Animated projects. Brown has appeared in video games, notably lending his voice and face to Lieutenant Hank Anderson in Detroit: Become Human. He made his live-action debut in the 1983 crime drama Bad Boys. He recently appeared as The Harbinger in the action blockbuster John Wick: Chapter 4. Brown has been in the industry for forty years. He’s part of the biggest entertainment franchises of all time. He’ll join more massive brands later this year. He’s set to appear in The Boys spin-off Gen V and The Batman spin-off The Penguin. Not every fan knows his name, but they have heard his voice.
Clancy Brown appears in Ahsoka and Star Wars: Rebels as Ryder Azadi. His appearance is brief, but many fans were surprised to see him. Those who didn’t check out the animated series might have missed the importance of his cameo. Star Wars series always treat their cameos like they’re waiting for a live studio audience to applaud. That will force some viewers to question what’s so important about the new arrival. Clancy Brown’s Ryder Azadi might not play a big role in Ahsoka, but he’s already been a huge part of Star Wars history. Ryder Azadi comes to Ahsoka at the end of his compelling arc, but curious fans might love to see his story played out.
