Grand Admiral Thrawn is a Chiss Imperial officer first introduced in the non-canon novel Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn. He was integrated into Disney and Lucasfilm’s newer continuity during Star Wars Rebels’ run. Thrawn was last seen being taken into hyperspace by a group of purgil along with his star destroyer and Ezra Bridger. He will, however, be back in Ahsoka on Disney+ where he will be portrayed by Lars Mikkelsen, who initially voiced the character in Rebels.

Thrawn’s Intelligence

Lars Mikkelsen broke down what makes his character a much-worthy adversary. He stated that Thrawn doesn’t have the force or any superpowers, but he has the brain. In Rebels, Thrawn was laser-focused on finding and defeating Phoenix Squadron along with Hera Syndulla and the rest of the Ghost Crew. Displaying a vast intellect and a large degree of patience, the Grand Admiral was eventually able to locate the rebel cell’s base on Atollon. Mikkelsen expanded on his remarks about Thrawn’s brainpower, stating that Thrawn’s superpower is his mind, which is always seven paces ahead of everybody.

Thrawn’s Role In Dave Filoni’s MandoVerse

Dave Filoni is directing a crossover film based around his and Jon Favreau’s “MandoVerse” slate of Star Wars shows. Given the trajectory that the series leading up to said movie are currently on, it seems possible that the big bad of this saga could very possibly be Thrawn alongside the Imperial Remnant. In essence, he might be the MandoVerse’s Thanos. Factoring in Thrawn’s intelligence and drive, the heroes of the New Republic era are going to have their work cut out for them in defeating this nefarious force.

Thrawn’s Calm In Battle

What’s remarkable about Thrawn is his ability to maintain his calm in the heat of battle. It’s often eerie to see the level of composure he possesses in carrying out his attacks on the Rebels throughout his animated appearances.