It looks as ifStar Warsis setting up events inThe MandalorianandAhsokato support aGrand Admiral Thrawntrilogy adaptation, but there are still some big missing pieces. In 1991,Heir to the Empire, the first book in the Thrawn trilogy by Timothy Zahn, was released, and the world was introduced to Grand Admiral Thrawn. This Imperial and this story kicked theStar WarsExpanded Universeinto full throttle, leading to many rich stories told in books, comics, and more.
In the newStar Warscanon, Grand Admiral Thrawn made his return inStar WarsRebels, and was eventually brought to live action inAhsoka. All of this, logically taking place in theNew Republic era,builds up to what will likely be an adaptation of the Thrawn trilogy for the new canon.Ahsokain particular seems to have been laying the foundation for this adaptation, but it’s still not complete – so far. Here’s everything that’s still missing from canon’s adaptation of the Thrawn trilogy.
7The Smuggler’s Alliance With The New Republic
Is Boba Fett Meant to Be Talon Kaarde?
One of the most important players in the Thrawn trilogy is the smuggler legend and crime lord Talon Kaarde. A dealer in criminal enterprise and specifically information, Kaarde played a huge role in theNew Republicvictory against Thrawn and theImperial Remnant. Leading a group called the Smuggler’s Alliance, Kaarde represented the aligning of seedier elements of the galaxy with the New Republic to defeat a greater evil.
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This group seems to not exist so far in canonStar Warsstorytelling, which is especially significant considering the underworld’s heavy presence in the New Republic era. But the roots of the coalition could be presented in Boba Fett inThe Book of Boba Fett. In that series,Boba is becoming a more moral criminal syndicate leader, emphasizing coalition – possibly leading to the Smuggler’s Alliance type organization for canon’s Thrawn trilogy adaptation.
6Thrawn And Pellaeon
The Grand Admiral & His Right-Hand Man
One of Timothy Zahn’s most recurring characters,Gilad Pellaeonwas an Imperial naval officer who served alongside Thrawn throughout his campaigns inLegends. InThe Mandalorianseason 3’sImperial Shadow Councilscene, audiences finally met canon’s live-action Pellaeon. However, he is still not in the place he should be for a proper retelling of the Thrawn trilogy’s events.
Pellaeon was created as the Watson to Thrawn’s Sherlock Holmes, a simpler individual that exists for the narrative purpose of explaining the genius’s actions to the reader.Thrawn without Pellaeon is like Sherlock without Watson – an essentially less interesting character. In order for the best possible adaptation, Pellaeon, as part of the Imperial Remnant as seen relaying information about Thrawn inThe Mandalorian, needs to actually link up with the Grand Admiral.
5Thrawn’s Dark Jedi Companion
Another key aspect of Thrawn’s side of the trilogy is the clone Jedi Joruus C’baoth. In Legends, C’baoth was a Jedi Master from the days of theGalactic Republicwho was cloned and left to go insane on the planet Wayland. While Wayland has been very thoroughly reintroduced to canon throughStar Wars:The Bad Batch, Joruus being a clone Jedi is less likely because of Force-sensitive cloning developments in that same animated series.
Still,Thrawn having a Force-sensitive older Dark Jedi ally is important to his schemes. Many viewers theorized thatBaylan Skollwould play this role in the canon timeline, but given the character’s presence on Peridea and seemingly ulterior motives, this is unlikely. Though theGreat Mothers, elite Nightsisters working for Thrawn, could very easily be filling C’baoth’s role already.
4A Jedi In Luke’s Place (Or Luke Himself?)
Sabine, Ezra, Or Ahsoka
As is expected for aStar WarsLegends story set after Endor, Luke Skywalker also played a large role in the Thrawn trilogy’s overall narrative. Most importantly, Luke, along with Leia and her unborn twins, served as bait for Joruus C’baoth’s alliance with Thrawn. The Grand Admiral promised the Dark Jedi that these New Republic Force-sensitives would become his apprentices upon their victory. Along with that, Luke was essential in eventually stopping Thrawn and his forces.
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In canon, though,due to the age of actors and certain creative decisions against recasting, Luke Skywalker has not been as major of a player in the era. This has led many viewers to surmise that other Force users in these live-action series could take Luke’s place in this particular story.Sabine WrenandAhsoka Tanoare obvious choices, thoughEzra Bridgerseems the most likely at this point, as he was shown to be reunited with the New Republic at the end ofAhsoka’s finale.
3Thrawn’s Surprise Army
Clones, Or More Zombie Stormtroopers?
Before the release of the prequel trilogy, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s reference to “the Clone Wars” inA New Hopefascinated many authors, including Timothy Zahn. Zahn took this cloning tidbit and turned it into a major plot point in the Thrawn trilogy, with Thrawn’s master plan including a clone army. Using the mysterious Ysalamiri, Thrawn was able to produce fully-grown clones faster than ever, and they comprised much of his forces during his campaign.
This clone army was a major surprise to the New Republic, leading to many viewers thinking that Thrawn’s canonNight Troopers, or, zombie stormtroopers, are taking its place. This is likely, but also factors in the ending ofAhsoka, with Thrawn arriving at Dathomir.The Night Troopers are powered by Dathomiri Nightsister magick, meaning that the return to Dathomir may be an effort to procure a larger army, much like in the original Thrawn trilogy.
2An Anti-Force Power For Thrawn
The Ysalamiri
In preparation for his alliance with Joruus C’baoth, Thrawn decided that he needed to be immune to the powerful Dark Jedi’sForce powers, and procured Ysalamiri for that job. Ysalamiri were lizard-like creatures native to Myrkyr that had the natural ability to create Force-neutral bubbles, making those in their proximity unable to use the Force.The Ysalamiri were a key part of Thrawn’s victories, and are notably missing from canon.
Though referenced with statues in Thrawn’s office inStar Wars Rebels, Ysalamiri have no canon appearances. Their necessity for an adaptation remains slightly unknown, considering the more willing behavior of the Great Mothers in joining Thrawn’s cause. There is, however, absolutely still time for Lucasfilm to establish some sort of Force-immunity for Thrawn to make him all the more intimidating for the galaxy’s protagonists.
1Mara Jade
The Emperor’s Hand, Ally Of Luke Skywalker
One of the most influential contributions that the Thrawn trilogy made to canon was the creation of Mara Jade. Jade has the backstory of formerly serving Palpatine as Emperor’s Hand, and eventually making her way into the service of Talon Kaarde. This was how Mara met Luke Skywalker, swearing on her former master’s orders to kill him. Mara Jade, however, is famously not a part of canon in the slightest, leading to an issue for a Thrawn trilogy adaptation.
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Many viewers have suggestedShin HatifromAhsokacould be a modern adaptation of Mara Jade, as a female Force-user who complicatedly once served evil, possibly being linked to a new faction on Peridea. This is, so far, the only likely candidate for this role, and it mostly aligns with predictions surrounding Sabine taking Luke’s place in the story as well. IfStar Warswants to do a proper Thrawn trilogy adaptation, however, they’ll need to establish someone like Mara Jade, among other story elements, before treading into the much anticipated territory of Thrawn’s campaign against the New Republic.
July 04, 2025
Grand Admiral Thrawn
The only alien to ever ascend to the rank of Grand Admiral, Thrawn is a strategic genius who hails from an isolationist race known as the Chiss. Thrawn’s motives are enigmatic, but his tactical brilliance made him a vital asset for the Empire. Jedi Padawan Ezra Bridger successfully defeated Thrawn during the Battle of Lothal, resulting in Thrawn’s exile to the distant planet Peridea in another galaxy, but the Grand Admiral has now returned.
