Star Wars Celebration 2023 kicked off today with some huge announcements and one very highly anticipated trailer release which included the first live action glimpse at Grand Admiral Thrawn. The cast and crew of Ahsoka were there to unveil the first official trailer of the series which premieres this August on Disney+.
Along with being shown from behind, Thrawn was also mentioned in the trailer by name, with Ahsoka discussing his return and referring to him as “heir to the Empire”. Heir To The Empire was the title of Timothy Zahn’s novel on Thrawn. Timothy Zahn is responsible for bringing Thrawn to life along with providing the background for his people, the Chiss.
There’s still no confirmation on who will be playing Thrawn. Thrawn is well known to Star Wars fans not only because of Timothy Zahn’s books but the role he played in Rebels where he was voiced by Lars Mikklesen. Many fans have expressed their hopes that Mikklesen will portray the “Grand Admiral” in live action as well, but so far this particular casting has been a well kept secret.
The Ahsoka series is in post-production and all set for an August release. The series will serve as a sequel to Rebels. Ahsoka and the “Ghost Crew” will go on a mission to bring Ezra Bridger home, while confronting the threat posed by Thrawn when he makes his return to the galaxy.
Thrawn will now most likely serve as the main villain across all the shows set during the timeline of The Mandalorian. Along with Thrawn, the trailer gave us looks at live action Sabine Wren, Hera Syndulla, Ezra Bridger, the return of Morgan Elsbeth, along with several new characters.
Rosario Dawson will play Ahsoka Tano, the “Warrior. Outcast. Rebel. Jedi”. Hayden Christensen will reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader. The series also stars Natasha Lieu Bordizzo, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Eman Esfandi, Ivanna Sakhno and Ray Stevenson.
Ahsoka arrives in August on Disney+.