Initially created by author Timothy Zahn for the 1991 Star Wars novel Heir to the Empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn was a natural force. However, in Star Wars Rebels, his first appearance in the new canon came in the Season 3 episode Steps into Shadow, voiced by Lars Mikkelsen.
Lars had an indirect connection to Stars Wars before he was cast as Thrawn. His brother, Mads Mikkelsen, appears in Rogue One as Galen Erso, the father of the film’s heroine, Jyn Erso.
In the Ahsoka series, Lars will reprise his role as Thrawn, becoming one of the few actors from Rebels to appear in the pseudo-sequel live-action show. Others include Dave Filoni as Chopper and potentially Steve Blum as Zeb. Just an FYI, Zeb appearing outside of Sabine’s mural has not been confirmed as of yet.
Thrawn was last seen when the Purgill with Ezra Bridger spirited him away. He has appeared in one trailer.
What Is Thrawn’s Goal Upon His Return?
It is unclear how Thrawn returns in the Ahsoka series. Still, we know he has minions looking for him, including Morgan Elsbeth (last seen in The Mandalorian Season 2 episode The Jedi), Baylan Skoll (the late Ray Stevenson) and Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno).
However, it is also unclear how much of a role Thrawn will have in the series. It’s currently unknown whether it will be explained what he has been doing since he and Ezra went missing all those years ago. Finally, we don’t know what he has planned for the galaxy upon his return.