'The Clone Wars' Season 7: Ashley Eckstein Promises 'Epic' Ahsoka Ending [Exclusive]

The last few episodes of "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" Season 7 will be about Ahsoka (voice by Ashley Eckstein). In an exclusive interview with International Business Times, Eckstein talked about what it is like to play the character and she also teased a "proper ending" for Ahsoka. "The Siege of Mandalore" episodes, according to Eckstein, are "beyond epic."

International Business Times: Ahsoka Tano is such a popular character in "Star Wars." Ahsoka cosplay is always eye-catching at conventions. What do you think about all this love?

Ashley Eckstein: It's absolutely incredible to see all of the love for Ahsoka! Ahsoka Tano is literally a part of my heart and soul and I care about this character so much. So to see people from all over the world showcase their love for this character, it makes me so happy and proud.

IBTimes: There is a chance that you will forever be known to your fans as their beloved Ahsoka Tano, no matter how many other roles you play. Just like Mark Hamill is Luke Skywalker. How do you feel about this?

Eckstein: To me, it's an honor to be known as Ahsoka Tano. I feel like I won the lottery by having the opportunity to originate a "Star Wars" character and it's truly a once in a lifetime role.

Ahsoka Tano means so much to so many people and that's something that I do not take lightly. She is a character that has literally changed lives and saved lives by her influence and inspiration, and because of that, I take my job very seriously.

IBTimes: Ahsoka has a big role in this last season of "The Clone Wars." What can you tell our readers about the character's journey in this season and what the future holds for her?

Eckstein: Ahsoka Tano finally gets a proper ending in "The Clone Wars." Ahsoka's story was never meant to end with the Season 5 finale and there were always more stories to tell during The Clone Wars period.

These last eight episodes in the final season of "The Clone Wars" gives Ahsoka the proper ending she deserves and, in my opinion, it's truly some of the best "Star Wars" storytelling that's ever been made. "The Siege of Mandalore" episodes are beyond epic!

IBTimes: In both "Clone Wars" and "Rebels," Ahsoka is a witness to Anakin's transformation into Darth Vader. Did you have any discussions about your character's relationship with Anakin and Darth Vader?

Eckstein: I am constantly asking Dave Filoni (executive producer) what Ahsoka knows about Anakin. I can't speak to how much she knows, especially in "The Clone Wars," but what's clear throughout "The Clone Wars" and "Rebels" is how much she cares about Anakin. He is like a brother to Ahsoka and she cares for him very deeply. She doesn't want to believe that he could actually fall to the Dark Side and become Darth Vader. It's almost too much for her to comprehend.

IBTimes: You have a book coming out this week, "I Am A Padawan." That cover looks exciting! What can kids expect from it?

Eckstein: The Little Golden Books are so iconic and it's a dream come true to have written a "Star Wars" Little Golden Book about Ahsoka! It's part of the "I AM" series for "Star Wars" and the book is about how to become a Padawan.

It's all about the lessons that Ahsoka learns during her time as Anakin Skywalker's Padawan and what it means to be a student. Even though these lessons are learned in a galaxy far, far away, kids will definitely be able to relate to Ahsoka and apply those lessons to their own lives. It's also a good reminder for adults too! There are lessons about bravery, helping others and hope, among others.

IBTimes: You are currently involved with Nationwide Children's Hospital’s program that deals with children's mental health issues. Why is this such an important issue for you to tackle?

Eckstein: I am very proud to be an advocate for mental health and a champion for Nationwide Children's Hospital and their On Our Sleeves campaign. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, but there is such a stigma surrounding mental health.

Fifty percent of lifelong mental illnesses present themselves by the age of 14, so if we catch it early, think of how many people we can help!

Nationwide Children's Hospital just opened up the first Behavioral Health Pavilion on a children's hospital campus in the nation and that is groundbreaking! Their On Our Sleeves Campaign is encouraging kids, teens and families to wear their emotions on their sleeves and talk about how they are feeling.

OnOurSleeves.org provides a wealth of information for families all over the nation. I'm proud to join them and help break the stigma surrounding mental health!

"Star Wars: The Clone Wars" Season 7 airs every Friday on Disney+.