In season 2 of The Mandalorian, we were treated to the first-ever, live-action reference to fan-favorite character Grand Admiral Thrawn. But will viewers be in for a sighting of the master tactician in the show?
The grand admiral’s reference in Chapter 13 of The Mandalorian is more than likely intended to set up his appearance in the upcoming series Ahsoka starring, of course, the wayward Jedi herself, Ahsoka Tano, who made mention of the Chiss in the episode.
Thrawn — or “Mitth’raw’nuruodo” for you diehard novel readers –first appeared all the way back in 1991 with Timothy Zahn’s award-winning novel Heir to the Empire. The novel’s success and Thrawn’s popularity among fans are given credit for renewing interest in the Star Wars franchise after almost a decade of cultural oblivion for the galaxy far, far away.
Soon after the novel and its sequels became ingrained in Star Wars fans’ minds, George Lucas announced he would soon begin writing the next phase of the saga, which would eventually take the form of the prequel trilogy.
Will the old Expanded Universe favorite be in The Mandalorian?
After the canon reset of 2014, Thrawn was relegated to the old Legends continuity but regained canon status in season 3 of the animated show Rebels, in which he was the primary antagonist until its end. Zahn even returned to his old character and has written many new canon books featuring his breakthrough Imperial mastermind.
The fate of the grand admiral after the events of the Rebels finale remains unknown, as does that of his rival, Jedi apprentice Ezra Bridger. Thrawn’s mention in The Mandalorian, which takes place nearly a decade after the end of Rebels, indicated that he has indeed returned to the galaxy. In what capacity that is, however, we cannot say.
Veteran Danish actor Lars Mikkelsen (House of Cards, Sherlock) provided the voice for Thrawn in Rebels. His brother Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale, Hannibal) portrayed Galen Erso in 2016’s Rogue One. There has as of yet been no casting announcements for Ahsoka or season 3 of The Mandalorian, so it is unknown who will be playing the grand admiral, if anyone at all.
Do you think the grand admiral will be making an appearance? Let us know in the comments below! For all things Star Wars, check out more at Dork Side of the Force!