First Look at Thrawn’s Live-Action Face In Ahsoka (Photo)

Ahead of Ahsoka‘s Disney+ debut, new footage revealed more of the series’ anticipated Star Wars antagonist, Grand Admiral Thrawn. 

Lucasfilm first offered a peek at a live-action Thrawn at Star Wars Celebration but only from behind. 

This is also where actor Lars Mikkelsen was confirmed to be playing the villain after having voiced the character in the Star Wars Rebels animated series. 

Ahsoka’s Live-Action Thrawn Revealed

This first official trailer for Ahsoka just offered a first look at actor Lars Mikkelsen’s face as the blue-skinned Chiss Imperial, Grand Admiral Thrawn. 

The character of Thrawn was first introduced in the 1991 Timothy Zahn novel Heir to the Empire and quickly become a fan-favorite.

While the books are no longer considered canon, Dave Filoni re-introduced the villain into Star Wars lore through Season 2 of the animated series, Star Wars Rebels.

With Ahsoka coming to Disney+, Filoni isn’t just exploring Ahsoka Tano’s next chapter but continuing the story of Rebels while bringing the bulk of the series cast (Thrawn included) into live-action. 

For comparison, here’s a look at animated Thrawn from Star Wars Rebels and the now live-action Thrawn for Ahsoka:

Now that new trailer footage has shown his face, fans aren’t only getting a first look at Lucasfilm’s design for the red-eyed, blue-skinned Chiss but also his signature white uniform and familiar Imperial insignia for a Grand Admiral.

The full trailer can be seen below:

How Important Is Thrawn in Ahsoka?

Not only is the first look at a live-action Thrawn, but within the context of Star Wars, it’s the first he’s been seen since Purrgil took Thrawn and Ezra Bridger into hyperspace at the conclusion of Star Wars Rebels.

The Star Wars timeline shows neither has been seen for about a decade. However, that doesn’t mean Thrawn hasn’t been working to get back in the game.

After all, Rosario Dawson’s Ahsoka made her live-action debut in The Mandalorian‘s second season by investigating Thrawn’s whereabouts.

Also, in Ahsoka‘s first teaser, she said, “I started hearing whispers… about Thrawn’s return… as heir to the Empire.” 

And, in this new trailer, she says, “If we don’t stop Thrawn, everything will be in vain.”

Clearly, the two are on a collision course in Ahsoka, which hopefully means plenty of screentime for Mikkelsen’s Thrawn. 

Fans should expect to see and hear more about Thrawn’s role in Ahsoka as the series’ premiere date approaches.

The first two episodes of Ahsoka debut August 23 on Disney+.