Will Cal Kestis Ever Meet Kanan and Ezra in Star Wars Live-Action?

The Bardugo saga introduced Cal Kestis as the protagonist of a promising new series set in the Star Wars universe. Will Cal ever have the opportunity to meet Kanan and Ezra? Let's dive into the possibilities and why it might be worthwhile for the story's writers to explore this interaction.

Why Meeting Kanan and Ezra Might Be Inappropriate for Cal's Character

Cal Kestis, the young Jedi protagonist, is portrayed as a complex and underdeveloped character in his saga. According to the timeline, Kanan died before the events of Episodes IV-VI. Therefore, it wouldn't make sense for Cal to meet Kanan in any meaningful way. Similarly, Ezra, a key figure from Star Wars: Rebels, is part of a different timeline.

Given this, meeting Kanan and Ezra would feel like a misuse of Cal's character. It would be cool, but it would waste a unique opportunity to showcase Cal's journey and development. If they bring Cal to the live-action realm, they should leverage his backstory and background in a more intriguing and meaningful way.

Alternatives for Cal Kestis

One of the best portrayed Jedi characters in the Star Wars saga is Cal Kestis. It would be a travesty to just have him meet Ezra and the Ghost crew. Instead, it would be more compelling to introduce Cal in a different context, such as the The Mandalorian. Cal was a youngling at the same time as Grogu (Baby Yoda). They could have had a friendship that was severed by the events of Order 66.

This could provide an interesting narrative thread, explaining why the Jedi fought so hard to see him escape from Order 66. Perhaps Cal is connected to the Jedi legacy in a way that makes him the chosen one, not just prophesied to bring balance to the Force, but to the galaxy. This would align with the legacy of Yoda and set up a crucial storyline for future adventures.

The Importance of Proper Casting and Storylines

Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill have put in their best performances in portraying Luke Skywalker and Anakin/Darth Vader, respectively. Cameron Monaghan plays Cal Kestis in the live-action version, bringing a fresh perspective to the character. Having him appear in multiple post-Endor TV shows would do the character justice and further develop his unique qualities.

For instance, in The Mandalorian, Cal Kestis's presence could provide context for the relationship between Din Djarin (Jon Favreau) and the other characters. It would also allow for deeper exploration of Cal's past and his connection to the Jedi Order.

Other Possible Meetings

While a meeting with Kanan and Ezra in live-action might seem like a natural progression, it's more plausible that Cal might meet younger versions of these characters. Kanan and Ezra had significant roles in Star Wars: Rebels, but it would require a substantial reason for these characters not to reach out and reconnect. Instead, meeting Ashoka Tano could provide a more compelling storyline. Ashoka and Cal share a deeper connection, and their meeting would necessitate less contrived reasoning.

Furthermore, Ashoka and the Stinger Mantis crew could be introduced in a way that ties into Cal's backstory. This would offer a more cohesive narrative and allow for a deeper exploration of the Star Wars universe's complexity. Thrawn's storyline could also be explored in this context, potentially leading to interesting cross-overs and battles.

In conclusion, while the idea of Cal Kestis meeting Kanan and Ezra is intriguing, the live-action realm of Star Wars would benefit more from exploring his character in ways that align with his unique background and journey. By leveraging Cameron Monaghan's acting talents and providing rich storylines, the writers can do the character justice and enhance the overall narrative coherence of the franchise.