Grand Admiral Thrawn’s Live-Action Entrance
When Ahsoka Tano name-dropped Grand Admiral Thrawn in The Mandalorian season 2, fans were sent into a frenzy of anticipation. And at last, in Ahsoka episode 6, the wait was over. Thrawn, previously exiled in the Peridea galaxy, distinct from the primary Star Wars universe, took center stage. With intentions to rejuvenate the Empire’s past grandeur, the live-action entrance of this renowned antagonist hints at some monumental developments.
Lars Mikkelsen: The Face Behind Thrawn
Lars Mikkelsen isn’t new to the Star Wars family. Having voiced Thrawn in the Star Wars Rebels animated series, it seemed almost serendipitous that he would be cast in the live-action adaptation of the character for Ahsoka. Despite voicing the character for only 17 episodes of Rebels, Mikkelsen’s embodiment of Thrawn’s daunting intellect, menacing aura, and evident superiority left an indelible mark on fans. With his likeness matching the role impressively, Mikkelsen further establishes Thrawn as a quintessential Star Wars villain.
Additionally, this role adds to Mikkelsen’s already illustrious television portfolio. His captivating performances as Troels Hartmann in The Killing, Charles Augustus Magnussen in Sherlock, and Viktor Petrov in House of Cards have cemented his place in the industry.
Thrawn’s Transition: Animation to Live-Action
Adapting an animated character into live-action is a tightrope walk. With Thrawn, the Ahsoka team deserves a nod. Differences are palpable; a slightly rounder head in Ahsoka compared to the elongated version in Rebels and a marginally darker blue skin tone. Yet, as expected, Mikkelsen flawlessly emulates Thrawn’s voice and demeanor. The consistency, especially in the iconic red eyes, is commendable.
Thrawn at the Helm of Star Wars’ Narrative Arc
Thrawn’s introduction in Ahsoka is not an isolated event but a foretelling of his continued dominance in the Star Wars narrative. His portrayal in both Ahsoka and The Mandalorian paints him as the supreme antagonist, leading up to Dave Filoni’s The Mandalorian movie. Thrawn’s ambitions transcend galaxies. Allied with Morgan Elsbeth and the formidable Night Troopers, his aim to restore the Empire’s might is poised to shape Star Wars in this epoch.
As we continue to delve into this new era of Star Wars, fans can look forward to new Ahsoka episodes releasing every Tuesday at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Disney+.
