New Ahsoka trailer is here. Meet Grand Admiral Thrawn, Star Wars' most cunning villain
While homages to Star Wars Rebels and mentions of Anakin are littered across the brand new Ahsoka trailer, a blink-and-miss moment reveals one of Star Wars’ most fearsome big bads. Here’s all you need to know about Grand Admiral Thrawn before Ahsoka releases.
In the vast Star Wars universe, few characters have captured the imagination of fans quite like Grand Admiral Thrawn. Created by author Timothy Zahn, Thrawn made his first appearance in the 1991 novel Heir to the Empire, and has since become one of the most iconic figures in Star Wars literature and media.
Known for his tactical brilliance, keen intellect, and enigmatic persona, Grand Admiral Thrawn has cemented his place as a formidable adversary to the Rebel Alliance and a captivating character in the Star Wars saga. Now, the legendary villain is poised to become a vital part of the future of Star Wars in the canon.
While Star Wars began as a film franchise, it has found significant success in other mediums, particularly in the realm of live-action Disney+ series. Shows such as The Mandalorian, Andor and the upcoming Ahsoka, will culminate in a cinematic event centered around Thrawn himself, marking his importance in the franchise's future.
But before that, here’s a quick rundown on the history and origins of the iconic Star Wars character.
Who?
Grand Admiral Thrawn is a character that embodies intellectual prowess, adaptability, and unorthodox thinking. His strategic brilliance and enigmatic persona have made him a legendary figure within the Star Wars universe. Whether in literature, animated series, or other media, Thrawn's presence continues to captivate fans, leaving an indelible mark on the Star Wars saga.
Planet and species
Thrawn hails from the Chiss Ascendancy, an isolationist and highly advanced civilisation located in the Unknown Regions of the galaxy. With blue skin, red eyes, and a distinctively elegant military uniform, Thrawn stands out among other Imperial officers. He possesses a deep understanding of art and culture, which he skillfully employs in his strategies.
Rise through the ranks
Thrawn's talents caught the attention of Emperor Palpatine, who, recognising his tactical genius, recruited him into the Imperial Navy. Despite being an alien in a predominantly human organisation, Thrawn rapidly ascended the ranks, earning the prestigious title of Grand Admiral. His ascent was due to his strategic prowess, meticulous planning, and the impressive victories he secured for the Empire.
Analytical brilliance
Thrawn's greatest asset is his ability to analyse his opponents and predict their actions. He studies the art, philosophy, and history of various cultures to gain insight into their motivations and thinking patterns. This unique perspective allows him to anticipate his enemies' moves, turning their strengths into vulnerabilities and exploiting their weaknesses.
Thrawn is a master of adapting to different combat situations. He analyses his adversaries' strategies and adjusts his own tactics accordingly, making him a challenging opponent to outmanoeuvre.
Unconventional warfare
He is also reknowned for his unconventional approach to warfare. He employs tactics and strategies that catch his enemies off guard, utilising psychological warfare, misdirection, and unconventional combat tactics to gain the upper hand. Thrawn's ability to think outside the box gives him a distinct advantage against foes who rely on traditional military doctrine.
Legacy and impact
I’m planning on starting Thrawn Ascendency Chaos Rising tomorrow. I wasn’t planning on reading the trilogy this summer but I found Chaos Rising recently and didn’t know I had it lol. pic.twitter.com/dGvVEdGH2i
— Michael (Luke Skywalker era) (@MJediB03) July 10, 2023
Thrawn's impact on the Star Wars universe extends beyond his fictional character. He played a significant role in revitalising the Expanded Universe (now known as Legends) through Timothy Zahn's original trilogy of novels. Thrawn's popularity and captivating personality led to his inclusion in the animated series Star Wars Rebels, where he became a fan-favourite villain.
Thrawn first appears in Rebels will always give me goosebumps😱😱😍😍😳😳
— Mariam Skywalker (@MariamSkywalker) June 29, 2023
pic.twitter.com/2l2wx1Djo0
Namedrops and teases
The Mandalorian has laid the groundwork for Thrawn's return, with Ahsoka searching for the Grand Admiral in her own live-action series. In Season 2 Episode 5, Ahsoka encountered an Imperial magistrate named Morgan Elsbeth, leading to her interrogation about Thrawn's whereabouts, marking the first mention of Thrawn in the new Star Wars canon since Rebels.
2 years ago: the namedrop heard around the galaxy!! #Thrawn #Mandalorian
— Kyle Katarn (@Ky1eKatarn) November 28, 2022
We knew #Ahsoka was coming to the #Mandoverse but Thrawn?! that blew our minds!https://t.co/yCzXxpuqb5 pic.twitter.com/7SJ8juJzY8
In Season 3, Episode 7 introduced Moff Gideon attending a Shadow Council, which formed the basis of the Imperial resurgence under Thrawn's secret leadership. Captain Pellaeon, Thrawn's right-hand man from Legends, also made an appearance, discussing Thrawn's growing military capabilities poised against the New Republic. These hints and teases set the stage for Thrawn's eventual appearance in Ahsoka.
Live-action debut
Thrawn's live-action debut in Ahsoka will be led by actor Lars Mikkelsen, who previously voiced the character in Star Wars Rebels. Mikkelsen's return confirms the continuity between Thrawn's appearance in Rebels and his portrayal in the live-action series. Although it remains unclear how large his role will be in Ahsoka Season 1, Mikkelsen's reprisal underscores Thrawn's importance to the future of Star Wars.
Thrawn's significance to the future of Star Wars is undeniable. Recent announcements suggest a rough outline of Thrawn's story in the New Republic era. His role in Ahsoka may be minimal, with much of the series focusing on Ahsoka's quest to find him.
Dave Filoni has described Thrawn as an "iconic villain" who stands apart from the typical helmet-wearing, lightsaber-wielding adversaries. Thrawn's true threat lies in his strategic genius, his ability to outthink his opponents, and his precision in deploying military force.
Thrawn's place in the future of Star Wars
After Ahsoka, Thrawn will make his appearance in a cinematic event helmed by Dave Filoni, the acclaimed Star Wars creator. This film will bring together characters from The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, The Book of Boba Fett, and potentially even Skeleton Crew for a climactic battle against the Chiss Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Dave Filoni explaining The Mandalorian Thrawn Movie he’s making #StarWarsCelebration pic.twitter.com/BNG5vtAO5i
— Charlie Schneider (@AwesomEmergency) April 7, 2023
This demonstrates the significance of Thrawn in the Star Wars canon, despite the assumption that his stories from the Legends era would remain separate. Filoni's adaptation of Heir to the Empire' further emphasises Thrawn's essential role in the future of Star Wars.
Thrawn legacy
Grand Admiral Thrawn's place in the future of Star Wars is substantial. As the franchise expands into live-action TV shows and cinematic events, Thrawn emerges as a key figure. Here’s hoping the upcoming Ahsoka series lives upto Thrawn’s fullest potential.
Ahsoka will recieve a two-episode premiere on August 23 on Disney+ Hotstar.