Star Wars: Rebels fits right in. It came bursting on the scene last year and gave us some traditional “merrily blasting at stormtroopers who can’t hit the broad side of a bantha,” we had back in 1977. In the course of the first season, we’ve seen connections to the larger canon. Whether it’s the introduction of The Inquisitor, a character who’s roots can be found in the West End Games tabletop roleplaying game supplements, the inclusion of film characters like Grand Moff Tarkin, or the paint brush of Ralph McQuarrie – which can be felt through the entire series – it’s all there. Star Wars: Rebels is the real deal – a genuine part of a galaxy far, far away.
But I have a theory that runs a bit deeper. In Episode 8 of season one we learn that the Galactic Empire has a holiday marking its founding aptly called “Empire Day.” We also learn that this is Ezra’s birthday. Ezra turns 15 during that episode and we’ve been told that Star Wars Rebels begins 5 years before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope. That means that when A New Hope begins, Ezra (if he’s alive) will be 19.
The exact same age as Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa.
Ezra Bridger, Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa all share the exact same birth date. Same year, same day. One of the key events surrounding the founding of the Galactic Empire is Order 66 and the destruction of the Jedi Order. In a single day, the vast majority of the galaxy’s Jedi were snuffed out. 
To quote Michael Crichton, “Life finds a way.” Ezra, Luke and Leia all have extraordinary natrual proficiency with the Force. Ezra is able to perform obviously Jedi assisted acrobatics without any training. Luke is told after a few weeks of training with Yoda that he “already knows that which he needs.” Both are able to build their lightsabers with minimal aid. Leia Organa shows the resolve of will to resist interrogation at the hands of Darth Vader and is able to sense Luke’s state and presence instinctively.
So what if, the Force itself reacted to the events of Order 66. When thousands of Force-sensitives were suddenly slain by treachery and deceit, so too in that instant were so many born on that day unusually powerful in the Force. Sure, it’s probably just a theory. Maybe I’m reading too much into it – but I think it’s a cool theory and fun to bounce around in my head.
James Spahn – Star Wars Reporter Co-Founder
James Spahn is a life-long fan of all things Star Wars. His earliest memories are of sitting on the living room floor, watching the original film on Beta Max. He is a father, husband, and writer who has done extensive freelance work in the table-top gaming industry. He is obsessed with all things related to the Jedi and a total Luke Skywalker fanboy. Follow him @PathoftheJedi1 on Twitter.
