The cancellation of Rangers of the New Republic has created significant storytelling issues for Star Wars’ New Republic-era projects. Originally planned as a key part of the expanding “Mandoverse,” Rangers of the New Republic was expected to explore the political instability of the New Republic and its failure to properly combat the rising threat of the Imperial Remnant and Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Instead, with the show’s abrupt cancellation, pieces of its narrative were awkwardly scattered across other series, resulting in underdeveloped storylines in The Mandalorian season 3 and Ahsoka season 1.
How Rangers of the New Republic Was Supposed to Fit In
Original Focus:
- Cara Dune (played by Gina Carano) was set to lead the series as a Marshal of the New Republic.
- The show would explore the government’s struggles with the Imperial Remnant and the threat of Thrawn’s return.
Why It Was Canceled:
- Gina Carano was fired by Disney after making controversial social media posts.
- Lucasfilm canceled the series entirely instead of reworking it with a new lead character.
This decision forced other shows to absorb parts of the New Republic’s storyline, which led to disjointed pacing and storytelling struggles across the Mandoverse.
The Fallout: How the Mandoverse Suffered Without It
1. The Mandalorian Season 3’s Pacing Issues
Instead of focusing on Din Djarin and Grogu, the season diverted attention to political subplots.
Episode 3 (“Chapter 19: The Convert”) barely featured Din and Grogu at all. Instead, it focused on:
- Dr. Pershing, the scientist who experimented on Grogu.
- Elia Kane, a former Imperial now working within the New Republic’s Amnesty Program.
While the episode was compelling on its own, it felt out of place in a show about Din and Grogu’s journey. This subplot would have been a perfect fit for Rangers of the New Republic instead.
2. Ahsoka’s Political Subplots Felt Forced
- While Ahsoka should have been focused on Ahsoka Tano and Ezra Bridger’s journey, it spent too much time on New Republic bureaucracy.
- Hera Syndulla’s council meetings slowed the pace, and Senator Mon Mothma’s characterization felt off compared to her Andor portrayal.
- Instead of organically setting up Thrawn’s threat, the show rushed to introduce him without fully explaining why he’s dangerous to audiences unfamiliar with Star Wars Rebels.
“Rangers of the New Republic could have provided all of this backstory without forcing it into other shows where it didn’t belong.”
The Future of the New Republic in Star Wars
Upcoming New Republic-Era Projects
| Upcoming Star Wars Show | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Andor Season 2 | April 22, 2025 |
| Star Wars Visions Season 3 | 2025 |
| Ahsoka Season 2 | TBD |
What We Know About Future Mandoverse Projects:
- The Mandalorian & Grogu will serve as the next big installment of the Mandoverse.
- Dave Filoni’s Untitled Mandalorian Movie will be the culmination of this era.
However, without a dedicated series like Rangers of the New Republic, it’s unclear whether Star Wars will be able to properly establish the threat of Thrawn before Filoni’s film.
What Can Star Wars Do Now?
Focus Ahsoka Season 2 on Peridea
- The show should focus on Ahsoka and Sabine’s journey, rather than cutting away to New Republic bureaucracy.
Use The Mandalorian & Grogu to explore the New Republic’s role
- Since Din and Grogu are now more involved with the New Republic, they could serve as de facto “Rangers”, addressing some of Rangers of the New Republic’s missing storylines.
Ensure Filoni’s Mandalorian Movie properly sets up Thrawn’s threat
- The movie should bridge the gap and make the stakes clear for general audiences, not just fans of Rebels.
