Here is the actor playing Grand Admiral Thrawn in Ahsoka, marking the first live-action appearance of the infamous villain. The strategic adversary was first introduced in Star Wars canon with Star Wars Rebels. Timothy Zahn originally invented the character as part of a trilogy of Expanded Universe books.
There he met Ahsoka Tano and the rest of the Ghost crew, who ultimately proved to be instrumental in his downfall. His participation in the upcoming Disney+ series Ahsoka, which will continue the plotlines of the animated series and The Mandalorian, is confirmed.
Grand Admiral Thrawn’s arrival was confirmed in the first official Ahsoka trailer. In Star Wars Rebels’ last moments, the character was seen leaving with Ezra Bridger towards the Unknown Regions. As part of the Ahsoka show’s plot, The Mandalorian has often hinted at Thrawn’s return.
This will occur in the live-action spinoff series, and Star Wars Celebration 2023 confirmed Thrawn’s casting. With this new video, we get our clearest look yet at the menacing Imperial tactician that is Ahsoka.
Who Plays Thrawn in Ashoka?
Grand Admiral Thrawn will be played by Lars Mikkelsen, who also voiced the role in Star Wars Rebels. Lars Mikkelsen was the fan favorite for the role of Thrawn despite only appearing in 17 episodes of the Ahsoka cartoon series.
His portrayal of the character hit on all the right notes, encapsulating his knowledge, menace, and supremacy. It helped establish the character as a top villain in the Star Wars universe, a reputation that his live-action return should maintain. The second Ahsoka teaser confirms that, beyond the voice, he also looks the part in live-action.
Take a look at the below tweet about the Ashoka series:
We have a lot of work to do.
So ICYMI, watch the official trailer for the upcoming #Ahsoka series, featuring new details and looks at Ahsoka, Sabine, Grand Admiral Thrawn, and more. https://t.co/iscPeYhKAl pic.twitter.com/PoPiPuqYpp
— Star Wars (@starwars) July 11, 2023
In January 2023, Mikkelsen dispelled rumors that he would be playing Thrawn, but either he was lying (perhaps due to NDAs) or the situation changed rapidly. Brother of actor Mads Mikkelsen, Mikkelsen’s illustrious TV credentials include roles as Troels Hartmann in The Killing, Charles Augustus Magnussen in Sherlock, and Viktor Petrov in House of Cards, all of which he will add to with his comeback as Thrawn.
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The Future of Star Wars hinges on Grand Admiral Thrawn
Thrawn’s introduction in Ahsoka is only the beginning of his future significance in the Star Wars saga. The fact that he is mentioned multiple times in The Mandalorian suggests he is the main antagonist in Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni’s plot.
With Dave Filoni at the helm, it’s likely that Grand Admiral Thrawn will play a role in the conclusion of the Mandoverse in The Mandalorian. Mikkelsen’s portrayal of Thrawn in Ahsoka could also lead to additional live-action appearances, as Moff Gideon and the Grand Admiral’s ambitions are related in some way.
The first live-action glimpse of Thrawn can be seen in the new Ahsoka video:
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