The Mandalorian has provided a new avenue for Star Wars to tell expansive stories, with fans falling in love with the journey of Din Djarin and Grogu. The duo will be making the jump to the big screen with the upcoming film The Mandalorian & Grogu, which is expected to commence filming soon, and Pedro Pascal is expected to reprise his role from the live-action series.
Pedro Pascal’s The Mandalorian will expand Star Wars lore with a theatrical film (Image Credit: Disney+).
In the series, a large focus has been placed on the Mandalorians and their use of Beskar to counter the lightsabers. However, in the upcoming film, another anti-lightsaber weapon could be introduced similar to the Darksaber, which was a major plot point in the three seasons of the series. Here is it makes sense to include this weapon in The Mandalorian & Grogu.
The Mandalorian & Grogu...
Pedro Pascal’s The Mandalorian will expand Star Wars lore with a theatrical film (Image Credit: Disney+).
In the series, a large focus has been placed on the Mandalorians and their use of Beskar to counter the lightsabers. However, in the upcoming film, another anti-lightsaber weapon could be introduced similar to the Darksaber, which was a major plot point in the three seasons of the series. Here is it makes sense to include this weapon in The Mandalorian & Grogu.
The Mandalorian & Grogu...
- 5/22/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
Dave Filoni at the Clone Wars premierePhoto: Natalia Stewart (Shutterstock)
To describe something in the Star Wars galaxy as divisive is merely to say that it exists. With each new movie or TV series that comes out, the fandom gets increasingly fractured, with factions picking sides and digging in on multiple fronts.
To describe something in the Star Wars galaxy as divisive is merely to say that it exists. With each new movie or TV series that comes out, the fandom gets increasingly fractured, with factions picking sides and digging in on multiple fronts.
- 5/17/2024
- by Cindy White
- avclub.com
I vividly recall when the trailer for "Star Wars Rebels" season 3 debuted at Star Wars Celebration in 2016. When the promo unveiled Grand Admiral Thrawn -- the awesome Big Bad of Timothy Zahn's "Heir to the Empire" novel trilogy from the Expanded Universe (aka Star Wars Legends) -- as the season's main threat, it was a fist-pump moment for fans of the EU. So, naturally, when the "Rebels" panel opened up to fan questions, one brave soul told "Rebels" co-creator/showrunner Dave Filoni the thing that was on everybody's minds: Do Mara Jade next!
Okay, they framed it as more of a query, but that was the gist.
Mara Jade, as it were, was introduced in "Heir to the Empire" as an assassin in the Emperor's Hand, a secret agent group that served Emperor Palpatine in the EU. A version of the Hand now exists is the Disney canon, but...
Okay, they framed it as more of a query, but that was the gist.
Mara Jade, as it were, was introduced in "Heir to the Empire" as an assassin in the Emperor's Hand, a secret agent group that served Emperor Palpatine in the EU. A version of the Hand now exists is the Disney canon, but...
- 5/15/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
On May 4th, as part of the 2024 Podathan charity streaming event benefiting the Make-a-Wish Foundation, members of Lucasfilm's "Star Wars" story team Pablo Hidalgo and Matt Martin spoke to the hosts of the Full of Sith podcast. The show has been producing almost weekly episodes since 2013 and has covered plenty of "Star Wars" news, and Hidalgo and Martin, among others, have been frequent guests on the podcast over the years.
Hidalgo spoke to my co-host Holly Frey ("Stuff You Missed in History Class") in a wide-ranging interview about his work with Lucasfilm and on "Star Wars". As someone who is intimately involved with the storytelling process at Lucasfilm, Hidalgo elaborated on how that works and what he really does. He's been working at Lucasfilm for over 20 years and was on set for most of the prequels and was even in charge of the revolutionary web-cam that was on set for "Attack of the Clones.
Hidalgo spoke to my co-host Holly Frey ("Stuff You Missed in History Class") in a wide-ranging interview about his work with Lucasfilm and on "Star Wars". As someone who is intimately involved with the storytelling process at Lucasfilm, Hidalgo elaborated on how that works and what he really does. He's been working at Lucasfilm for over 20 years and was on set for most of the prequels and was even in charge of the revolutionary web-cam that was on set for "Attack of the Clones.
- 5/13/2024
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
There will be spoilers for the "Star Wars: Tales of the Empire," episode "The Path of Anger," so beware.
In "Star Wars Rebels" we were introduced to a new prototype Tie Fighter that was far superior to the standard Tie Fighter in use by the Imperial fleet. Unlike the common Tie Fighters seen across "Star Wars" media, Tie Defenders had shields and hyperdrives, and they were deadly and far less disposable than the usual fleet. Grand Admiral Thrawn spent time lobbying the Empire to allocate resources to further develop the Tie Defender program and put them in use for battlefield superiority.
Unfortunately, Grand Moff Tarkin and Director Krennic worked to funnel every credit they could into developing the Death Star, putting all of their eggs in one basket. As the crew of the Ghost found out on "Star Wars Rebels", Tie Defenders were some of the most deadly ships the...
In "Star Wars Rebels" we were introduced to a new prototype Tie Fighter that was far superior to the standard Tie Fighter in use by the Imperial fleet. Unlike the common Tie Fighters seen across "Star Wars" media, Tie Defenders had shields and hyperdrives, and they were deadly and far less disposable than the usual fleet. Grand Admiral Thrawn spent time lobbying the Empire to allocate resources to further develop the Tie Defender program and put them in use for battlefield superiority.
Unfortunately, Grand Moff Tarkin and Director Krennic worked to funnel every credit they could into developing the Death Star, putting all of their eggs in one basket. As the crew of the Ghost found out on "Star Wars Rebels", Tie Defenders were some of the most deadly ships the...
- 5/5/2024
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
20 Most Iconic Star Wars Characters of All Time - Main Image
When Star Wars debuted with A New Hope in 1977, it set the stage for a galaxy rich with complex characters, grand adventures, and epic battles. Over the decades, the franchise has introduced us to unforgettable characters that have captured our hearts, so narrowing it down to only 20 was challenging.
From droids to humans, these iconic characters have helped shape Star Wars into the ever-expanding universe it is today.
20. Jyn Erso
The courageous rebel from Rogue One who spearheaded the Rebel Alliance's mission to steal the Death Star plans. Daughter of the Death Star's architect, Jyn Erso's journey from outlaw to hero is a key chapter in the rebellion's history.
19. Ezra Bridger
The force-sensitive orphan from the animated series Star Wars Rebels, Ezra Bridger, epitomises hope and resilience in a time of darkness. As he discovers his connection to the Force,...
When Star Wars debuted with A New Hope in 1977, it set the stage for a galaxy rich with complex characters, grand adventures, and epic battles. Over the decades, the franchise has introduced us to unforgettable characters that have captured our hearts, so narrowing it down to only 20 was challenging.
From droids to humans, these iconic characters have helped shape Star Wars into the ever-expanding universe it is today.
20. Jyn Erso
The courageous rebel from Rogue One who spearheaded the Rebel Alliance's mission to steal the Death Star plans. Daughter of the Death Star's architect, Jyn Erso's journey from outlaw to hero is a key chapter in the rebellion's history.
19. Ezra Bridger
The force-sensitive orphan from the animated series Star Wars Rebels, Ezra Bridger, epitomises hope and resilience in a time of darkness. As he discovers his connection to the Force,...
- 5/2/2024
- EpicStream
After Disney acquired Lucasfilm, one of their biggest creative decisions regarding the "Star Wars" franchise was to completely disregard the entirety of the Expanded Universe, opting to turn all the novels, comics, video games, and other assorted media surrounding the "Star Wars" movies into what is now known as Legends and removing them from the overall canon of the galaxy far, far away.
However, since then, several "Star Wars" projects have brought some of the Expanded Universe content back under the canon umbrella, such as the villainous, master strategist Grand Admiral Thrawn. The character originated in the "Heir to the Empire" trilogy of novels by author Timothy Zahn, which is largely considered to be among the best "Star Wars" books ever written.
But just because that story was relegated to Legends doesn't mean Lucasfilm is ignoring it. Not only is a version of this storyline slowly coming to fruition in...
However, since then, several "Star Wars" projects have brought some of the Expanded Universe content back under the canon umbrella, such as the villainous, master strategist Grand Admiral Thrawn. The character originated in the "Heir to the Empire" trilogy of novels by author Timothy Zahn, which is largely considered to be among the best "Star Wars" books ever written.
But just because that story was relegated to Legends doesn't mean Lucasfilm is ignoring it. Not only is a version of this storyline slowly coming to fruition in...
- 4/9/2024
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Grand Admiral Thrawn is poised to be the next big villain in the "Star Wars" franchise. The classic character created by author Timothy Zahn in the '90s finally made his live-action debut last year in the first season of "Ahsoka." But that was just the beginning. The end of the season set up Thrawn as a major threat who will undoubtedly return in the show's second season, if not on the big screen as well in the coming years (more on that in a moment). Now, Lucasfilm Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni has shed some light on what might be in store for Thrawn in the future. Or, more specifically, who might be in store for the blue-skinned expert tactician.
Filoni, who is the main creative force behind "Ahoska" as well as animated shows like "The Clone Wars" and "Star Wars Rebels," recently spoke with Empire about Thrawn's future.
Filoni, who is the main creative force behind "Ahoska" as well as animated shows like "The Clone Wars" and "Star Wars Rebels," recently spoke with Empire about Thrawn's future.
- 1/31/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
While Luke the mighty Jedi, Han the rogueish smuggler, and Leia the badass princess get all the attention, Chewbacca has long been the unsung hero of the "Star Wars" universe. Easily mistaken for a furry mascot, Chewbacca is the best friend you can ask for, the best co-pilot, and also one of the strongest fighters in the franchise.
Unfortunately, most of Chewbacca's lore has been told outside of the movies, like the best-forgotten "Star Wars Holiday Special" introducing Chewbacca's family and their holiday traditions, or the Expanded Universe books introducing the idea of Chewie owing Han a life debt. This means that a lot of people know rather little about him or the Wookiees.
Like so many elements of the galaxy far, far away, Chewbacca's life and general Wookiee culture only come into the picture and become important if and when a particular author decides it is important. That's the...
Unfortunately, most of Chewbacca's lore has been told outside of the movies, like the best-forgotten "Star Wars Holiday Special" introducing Chewbacca's family and their holiday traditions, or the Expanded Universe books introducing the idea of Chewie owing Han a life debt. This means that a lot of people know rather little about him or the Wookiees.
Like so many elements of the galaxy far, far away, Chewbacca's life and general Wookiee culture only come into the picture and become important if and when a particular author decides it is important. That's the...
- 12/31/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
When "Star Wars" came out in 1977 and there were associated toys and novels, there wasn't really a vocabulary for anything beyond what was seen in the movies. That's why you had toys named Hammerhead and Snaggletooth. It persisted through "Return of the Jedi" more than half a decade later, giving you toys like Prune Face and Yak Face. No one really seemed to care. Kids just wanted to play with their "Star Wars" toys and the comics and books carried on, making up whatever names they wanted or skipped naming things altogether.
So how did "Star Wars" get its vocabulary? Why do we know that Hammerheads are really called Ithorians and that Snaggletooth is really a Snivvian named Zutton? You know what a Twi'lek is, right? And you know that the Imperial Center is Coruscant?
Well, the reason is simple: The 1987 "Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game" from West End Games.
So how did "Star Wars" get its vocabulary? Why do we know that Hammerheads are really called Ithorians and that Snaggletooth is really a Snivvian named Zutton? You know what a Twi'lek is, right? And you know that the Imperial Center is Coruscant?
Well, the reason is simple: The 1987 "Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game" from West End Games.
- 12/26/2023
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
Even diehard fans of the decades-long "Star Wars" franchise have trouble keeping the timeline straight sometimes. The stories that have been told about a galaxy far, far away haven't always been told in a linear fashion. There are books, films, comics, TV series, and video games that jump all over the place, through hundreds of years of history. That isn't a complaint. It's really wonderful to be able to see how the New Republic started to go wrong, how the Jedi council screwed up Anakin's journey, or how the history of the Mandalorians took shape. It can just be a bit confusing at times.
"Star Wars" creators Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, who have been responsible for shows like "The Mandalorian" and "Ahsoka," can't always keep it perfectly straight in their heads either. There are certainly a lot of resources and timelines out there, but they had their own method...
"Star Wars" creators Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, who have been responsible for shows like "The Mandalorian" and "Ahsoka," can't always keep it perfectly straight in their heads either. There are certainly a lot of resources and timelines out there, but they had their own method...
- 12/19/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Timothy Zahn, who created Grand Admiral Thrawn in the 1990s Heir to the Empire Star Wars book series, recently talked about the direction the character could go in Season 2 of Disney+'s Ahsoka.
Although Rosario Dawson's Ahsoka Tano and Natasha Liu Bordizzo's Sabine Wren went toe-to-toe with multiple villains in Season 1 of Ahsoka, Lars Mikkelsen's Grand Admiral Thrawn turned out to be the main antagonist.
Some reports and rumors stated that Disney and Lucasfilm could be looking ahead at developing a Season 2 of Ahsoka, which would undoubtedly flesh out characters such as Thrawn. This is all while fans wait for Dave Filoni's culminating MandoVerse movie that could feature the Grand Admiral as the main villain.
Read full article on The Direct.
Although Rosario Dawson's Ahsoka Tano and Natasha Liu Bordizzo's Sabine Wren went toe-to-toe with multiple villains in Season 1 of Ahsoka, Lars Mikkelsen's Grand Admiral Thrawn turned out to be the main antagonist.
Some reports and rumors stated that Disney and Lucasfilm could be looking ahead at developing a Season 2 of Ahsoka, which would undoubtedly flesh out characters such as Thrawn. This is all while fans wait for Dave Filoni's culminating MandoVerse movie that could feature the Grand Admiral as the main villain.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 11/11/2023
- by Nathan Johnson
- The Direct
Isaac Asimov is considered one of the biggest science fiction minds of the 20th century, along with authors like Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. He wrote hundreds of books, including his highly influential "Robot" and "Foundation" series. These shaped many of the sci-fi stories of today, establishing familiar tropes like the galactic empire, and robots being programmed to be unable to harm humans.
Books like "Dune" and "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" owe a lot to Asimov, as do movies like "Star Wars." And yet, Asimov wasn't exactly the biggest sci-fi fan out there, at least not in TV and film. In an interview with the L.A. Times in 1988, Asimov simply described the "Star Trek" films, "Planet of the Apes" and "Back to the Future" as "decent." Asimov even wrote an essay for TV Guide that criticized "Star Trek" and its take on science -- though he...
Books like "Dune" and "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" owe a lot to Asimov, as do movies like "Star Wars." And yet, Asimov wasn't exactly the biggest sci-fi fan out there, at least not in TV and film. In an interview with the L.A. Times in 1988, Asimov simply described the "Star Trek" films, "Planet of the Apes" and "Back to the Future" as "decent." Asimov even wrote an essay for TV Guide that criticized "Star Trek" and its take on science -- though he...
- 10/18/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for "Star Wars: Ahsoka" episode 8 — "The Jedi, The Witch, and the Warlord."
Season 1 of "Ahsoka" reintroduced Grand Admiral Thrawn, one of the great villains of "Star Wars," to a galaxy far, far away. Created by Timothy Zahn, he originally started as the big bad guy in the "Heir to the Empire" trilogy of books that first began in 1991 and helped kickoff a new renaissance of "Star Wars." He's been a fan favorite ever since.
One of the big concerns from fans when Disney decided to officially relegate the only marginally canon novels that had been published to that point into "Legends" was that Thrawn was no longer a part of the official "Star Wars" continuity. That changed when the third season of "Star Wars Rebels" arrived and the character stepped in as the major villain for the rest of that show's tenure. Timothy Zahn was also...
Season 1 of "Ahsoka" reintroduced Grand Admiral Thrawn, one of the great villains of "Star Wars," to a galaxy far, far away. Created by Timothy Zahn, he originally started as the big bad guy in the "Heir to the Empire" trilogy of books that first began in 1991 and helped kickoff a new renaissance of "Star Wars." He's been a fan favorite ever since.
One of the big concerns from fans when Disney decided to officially relegate the only marginally canon novels that had been published to that point into "Legends" was that Thrawn was no longer a part of the official "Star Wars" continuity. That changed when the third season of "Star Wars Rebels" arrived and the character stepped in as the major villain for the rest of that show's tenure. Timothy Zahn was also...
- 10/6/2023
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for "Star Wars: Ahsoka" episode 8 — "The Jedi, The Witch, and the Warlord."
Well, the season finale of "Ahsoka" is somehow already here, and it definitely left us wanting more. That's not to say that episode 8, "The Jedi, The Witch and The Warlord," was lackluster or anticlimactic, necessarily. There was plenty of action and intrigue as Ahsoka teamed up with Ezra Bridger and Sabine Wren on the planet Peridea to try and prevent Thrawn and his army of death troopers from escaping out of exile. Now that Thrawn has finally been introduced into live-action after appearing in "Star Wars Rebels" and multiple novels by Timothy Zahn, he was finally given the spotlight he truly deserves. Then, the credits rolled.
As the last few minutes of the finale came to pass, multiple threads popped up that were all incredibly compelling, suggesting that there is much more to come.
Well, the season finale of "Ahsoka" is somehow already here, and it definitely left us wanting more. That's not to say that episode 8, "The Jedi, The Witch and The Warlord," was lackluster or anticlimactic, necessarily. There was plenty of action and intrigue as Ahsoka teamed up with Ezra Bridger and Sabine Wren on the planet Peridea to try and prevent Thrawn and his army of death troopers from escaping out of exile. Now that Thrawn has finally been introduced into live-action after appearing in "Star Wars Rebels" and multiple novels by Timothy Zahn, he was finally given the spotlight he truly deserves. Then, the credits rolled.
As the last few minutes of the finale came to pass, multiple threads popped up that were all incredibly compelling, suggesting that there is much more to come.
- 10/4/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for "Ahosoka" episode 7, "Dreams and Madness."
With the show's seventh episode in the books, "Ahoska" season 1 (assuming it isn't just a one-and-done) is rapidly approaching its conclusion. Not only do we have all of the major pieces on the board following the arrival of Grand Admiral Thrawn and Ezra Bridger last week, but the pieces have started to come together as Ahsoka Tano finally made it to the distant galaxy that both her friend and enemy had been stranded in for more than a decade. But this episode also lightly touched on a part of Thrawn's past involving one of the most notorious characters in all of "Star Wars" history: Darth Vader.
In the episode, Thrawn learns that Anakin Skywalker was Ahsoka Tano's master. This new information hits him like a bag of bricks. While Thrawn is a very even-tempered, calculated being, a bit of true...
With the show's seventh episode in the books, "Ahoska" season 1 (assuming it isn't just a one-and-done) is rapidly approaching its conclusion. Not only do we have all of the major pieces on the board following the arrival of Grand Admiral Thrawn and Ezra Bridger last week, but the pieces have started to come together as Ahsoka Tano finally made it to the distant galaxy that both her friend and enemy had been stranded in for more than a decade. But this episode also lightly touched on a part of Thrawn's past involving one of the most notorious characters in all of "Star Wars" history: Darth Vader.
In the episode, Thrawn learns that Anakin Skywalker was Ahsoka Tano's master. This new information hits him like a bag of bricks. While Thrawn is a very even-tempered, calculated being, a bit of true...
- 9/27/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for "Star Wars: Ahsoka" episode 5 — "Dreams and Madness."
The penultimate episode of "Ahsoka" sees two stories play out: the potential court martial of Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) from the New Republic and the journey of Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) to rescue Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) and Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi) from the machinations of Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelson) and his allies.
Hera's story is completed before the opening title card, with Senator Leia Organa helping Hera out of the jam. When Senator Xiono wants to strip Hera of her rank, the golden droid arrives to offer proof (albeit via false truth) that Leia sanctioned Hera's mission personally, and as leader of the Defense Council, they can take up any problems with her personally.
Back in the other galaxy, Thrawn continues his preparations to return to the New Republic, loading the secret cargo...
The penultimate episode of "Ahsoka" sees two stories play out: the potential court martial of Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) from the New Republic and the journey of Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) to rescue Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) and Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi) from the machinations of Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelson) and his allies.
Hera's story is completed before the opening title card, with Senator Leia Organa helping Hera out of the jam. When Senator Xiono wants to strip Hera of her rank, the golden droid arrives to offer proof (albeit via false truth) that Leia sanctioned Hera's mission personally, and as leader of the Defense Council, they can take up any problems with her personally.
Back in the other galaxy, Thrawn continues his preparations to return to the New Republic, loading the secret cargo...
- 9/27/2023
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
Star Wars just released a new Ahsoka poster featuring the long-awaited debut of Grand Admiral Thrawn.
First introduced in Timothy Zahn's book trilogy, Lucasfilm's Dave Filoni brought Thrawn into canon through his Star Wars Rebels animated series.
But apart from glimpses of this fan-favorite villain during April's Star Wars Celebration and in the Disney+ series' marketing, Ahsoka Episode 6 marks the first time he's been portrayed in live-action.
Read full article on The Direct.
First introduced in Timothy Zahn's book trilogy, Lucasfilm's Dave Filoni brought Thrawn into canon through his Star Wars Rebels animated series.
But apart from glimpses of this fan-favorite villain during April's Star Wars Celebration and in the Disney+ series' marketing, Ahsoka Episode 6 marks the first time he's been portrayed in live-action.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 9/21/2023
- by Savannah Sanders
- The Direct
This article contains spoilers for "Ahsoka" episode 6, "Far, Far Away."
Even though the series' titular character hardly appeared in the episode at all, "Ahsoka" episode 6 was arguably the show's most important installment to date. With "Far, Far Away," viewers finally got to visit the second galaxy which was, as George Lucas always liked to say, far, far away, where Grand Admiral Thrawn has been in exile since the events of the "Star Wars Rebels" series finale. Now, he's back and ready to make his return to the galaxy now ruled by the New Republic -- and he's got an army of very unique-looking stormtroopers with him. Only, they're technically not stormtroopers.
Thrawn's entrance is appropriately epic, with the Imperial grand admiral approaching his rescuers in his trusty Star Destroyer, the Chimaera. When Thrawn greets the group of travelers who have come very far to find him, he is surrounded by...
Even though the series' titular character hardly appeared in the episode at all, "Ahsoka" episode 6 was arguably the show's most important installment to date. With "Far, Far Away," viewers finally got to visit the second galaxy which was, as George Lucas always liked to say, far, far away, where Grand Admiral Thrawn has been in exile since the events of the "Star Wars Rebels" series finale. Now, he's back and ready to make his return to the galaxy now ruled by the New Republic -- and he's got an army of very unique-looking stormtroopers with him. Only, they're technically not stormtroopers.
Thrawn's entrance is appropriately epic, with the Imperial grand admiral approaching his rescuers in his trusty Star Destroyer, the Chimaera. When Thrawn greets the group of travelers who have come very far to find him, he is surrounded by...
- 9/21/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for "Ahsoka" episode 6, "Far, Far Away."
It took roughly five and a half episodes, but "Ahoska" finally delivered on one of its biggest promises with its sixth episode, "Far, Far Away." Ever since the first trailer debuted, it's been explicitly clear that Grand Admiral Thrawn was going to be a big part of the show's proceedings. At long last, the Imperial mastermind made his live-action debut after Morgan Elsbeth, Baylan Skoll, Shin Hati, and Sabine Wren completed the trek to a galaxy far, far away, where Thrawn has spent the last decade and change in exile. The moment was pretty epic and that felt rather appropriate, as this was a "Star Wars" moment more than 30 years in the making.
Thrawn, up until the premiere of this episode, was easily one of the most beloved characters in all of "Star Wars" that had never appeared in live-action.
It took roughly five and a half episodes, but "Ahoska" finally delivered on one of its biggest promises with its sixth episode, "Far, Far Away." Ever since the first trailer debuted, it's been explicitly clear that Grand Admiral Thrawn was going to be a big part of the show's proceedings. At long last, the Imperial mastermind made his live-action debut after Morgan Elsbeth, Baylan Skoll, Shin Hati, and Sabine Wren completed the trek to a galaxy far, far away, where Thrawn has spent the last decade and change in exile. The moment was pretty epic and that felt rather appropriate, as this was a "Star Wars" moment more than 30 years in the making.
Thrawn, up until the premiere of this episode, was easily one of the most beloved characters in all of "Star Wars" that had never appeared in live-action.
- 9/20/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Grand Admiral Thrawn has captured the imagination of Star Wars fans since his introduction in Timothy Zahn’s Heir to the Empire trilogy over thirty years ago. Even when Disney declared that much of the Star Wars Extended Universe was non-canon, Thrawn survived and went on to be featured in Star Wars: Rebels where he was voiced by Lars Mikkelsen. As we know, Thrawn now set to make the leap to live-action in Ahsoka.
While speaking with Entertainment Tonight in a newly released interview from Star Wars Celebration in April, Ahsoka showrunner Dave Filoni said that Lars Mikkelsen was really the only choice to play Thrawn.
“It was a very considered decision… It was a very big challenge to cast the voice,” Filoni said. “You know, how do you find a voice for a character that everybody who has read it, pictured it probably in a different, unique way? Eventually,...
While speaking with Entertainment Tonight in a newly released interview from Star Wars Celebration in April, Ahsoka showrunner Dave Filoni said that Lars Mikkelsen was really the only choice to play Thrawn.
“It was a very considered decision… It was a very big challenge to cast the voice,” Filoni said. “You know, how do you find a voice for a character that everybody who has read it, pictured it probably in a different, unique way? Eventually,...
- 9/16/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
It's been 46 years since George Lucas injected the "Star Wars" virus into the pop cultural bloodstream, and, for those who weren't there from the start, I often wonder if they fully understand why the first film captured moviegoers' imaginations and changed the medium forever.
Though "Star Wars" seems more ubiquitous than ever, it was never sacrosanct in terms of non-canonical spinoffs. After a limited series that retold the story of the first movie, Marvel Comics built out the universe in a run that lasted until 1987. Dark Horse Comics picked up that torch in 1991 and had a ball imagining a post-Original Trilogy universe for decades. The Extended Universe books by Timothy Zahn also filled in blanks you didn't know you needed to fill in.
But until recently, "Star Wars" was, as it had initially been conceived, a big-screen saga. It was mythic. As such, its narrative was all big gestures. Luke Skywalker was the chosen one.
Though "Star Wars" seems more ubiquitous than ever, it was never sacrosanct in terms of non-canonical spinoffs. After a limited series that retold the story of the first movie, Marvel Comics built out the universe in a run that lasted until 1987. Dark Horse Comics picked up that torch in 1991 and had a ball imagining a post-Original Trilogy universe for decades. The Extended Universe books by Timothy Zahn also filled in blanks you didn't know you needed to fill in.
But until recently, "Star Wars" was, as it had initially been conceived, a big-screen saga. It was mythic. As such, its narrative was all big gestures. Luke Skywalker was the chosen one.
- 9/11/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
This Star Wars: Ahsoka article contains spoilers.
Three episodes into Ahsoka and the stage is set for an epic showdown millions of lightyears away from the known galaxy. Lady Morgan Elsbeth is building the Eye of Sion, a massive hyperspace ring unlike anything we’ve seen in live action before, so that she and her band of dark siders can travel through the Pathway to Peridia to find Grand Admiral Thrawn. It’s the first time we’ve heard of Peridia, even if former Jedi Baylan Skoll has heard the Jedi fairytales, but the existence of another galaxy beyond the one where the rest of the saga is set has huge implications for the future of Star Wars.
But it’s not the first time Star Wars has suggested there’s more to explore outside of the galaxy far, far away. In fact, the very novel that introduced Thrawn in...
Three episodes into Ahsoka and the stage is set for an epic showdown millions of lightyears away from the known galaxy. Lady Morgan Elsbeth is building the Eye of Sion, a massive hyperspace ring unlike anything we’ve seen in live action before, so that she and her band of dark siders can travel through the Pathway to Peridia to find Grand Admiral Thrawn. It’s the first time we’ve heard of Peridia, even if former Jedi Baylan Skoll has heard the Jedi fairytales, but the existence of another galaxy beyond the one where the rest of the saga is set has huge implications for the future of Star Wars.
But it’s not the first time Star Wars has suggested there’s more to explore outside of the galaxy far, far away. In fact, the very novel that introduced Thrawn in...
- 8/31/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
This Star Wars: Ahsoka article contains spoilers.
So much of Ahsoka‘s third episode feels like classic Star Wars, from Sabine’s blind training nodding back to A New Hope to the space battle that combines elements from both the Original and Prequel Trilogies for one of the best dogfights ever made for Disney+. But that doesn’t mean Ahsoka has skipped out on bringing back a bunch of stuff from Rebels this time around. In fact, one major cameo allows this Disney+ series to pick up exactly where its animated predecessor left off.
Here are all the Star Wars easter eggs and callbacks we spotted in “Time to Fly”:
Evan Whitten as Jacen Syndulla
There was never any doubt that Jacen Syndulla would pop up in Ahsoka, but we definitely didn’t expect to see this little dude so soon. Introduced in the final minutes of the Rebels...
So much of Ahsoka‘s third episode feels like classic Star Wars, from Sabine’s blind training nodding back to A New Hope to the space battle that combines elements from both the Original and Prequel Trilogies for one of the best dogfights ever made for Disney+. But that doesn’t mean Ahsoka has skipped out on bringing back a bunch of stuff from Rebels this time around. In fact, one major cameo allows this Disney+ series to pick up exactly where its animated predecessor left off.
Here are all the Star Wars easter eggs and callbacks we spotted in “Time to Fly”:
Evan Whitten as Jacen Syndulla
There was never any doubt that Jacen Syndulla would pop up in Ahsoka, but we definitely didn’t expect to see this little dude so soon. Introduced in the final minutes of the Rebels...
- 8/30/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
This post contains spoilers for "Ahsoka" episode 3: "Time to Fly."
The latest episode of "Ahsoka," directed by Steph Green and written by Dave Filoni, adds more intricacy to the web of conspiracy surrounding the whereabouts of Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) and his potential return. Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson), alongside close confidantes Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth-Winstead) and Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), tries to edge closer to the truth of Ezra's disappearance alongside Thrawn, while weeding out Imperial loyalists hiding among the ranks of the fledgling New Republic. A connective tissue between the animated series, "Star Wars: Clone Wars" and "Star Wars Rebels," and the events of the sequel era are woven here, with familiar faces returning or reintroduced, including Chancellor Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly).
Amidst the thrilling dogfighting and the tense, slow-burn dynamic between Ahsoka and Sabine, the episode introduces a live-action Jacen Syndulla (Evan Whitten), who makes...
The latest episode of "Ahsoka," directed by Steph Green and written by Dave Filoni, adds more intricacy to the web of conspiracy surrounding the whereabouts of Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) and his potential return. Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson), alongside close confidantes Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth-Winstead) and Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), tries to edge closer to the truth of Ezra's disappearance alongside Thrawn, while weeding out Imperial loyalists hiding among the ranks of the fledgling New Republic. A connective tissue between the animated series, "Star Wars: Clone Wars" and "Star Wars Rebels," and the events of the sequel era are woven here, with familiar faces returning or reintroduced, including Chancellor Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly).
Amidst the thrilling dogfighting and the tense, slow-burn dynamic between Ahsoka and Sabine, the episode introduces a live-action Jacen Syndulla (Evan Whitten), who makes...
- 8/30/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for Ahsoka episodes 1 and 2.
It’s taken a while, but more than five years after the credits rolled on Star Wars Rebels, we’re finally getting some payoff for its cliffhanger ending in Dave Filoni’s Ahsoka on Disney+. The Rebels creator is effectively giving us a live-action season 5, while also gifting fans the long-awaited solo series for the talented Togruta.
Alongside Rosario Dawson taking the lead as Ahsoka, a mix of new and returning faces sees Rebels alumni David Tennant and Lars Mikkelsen reprise their roles, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Natasha Liu Bordizzo take over from previous voice actors, and the likes of Ivanna Sakhno and Ray Stevenson playing brand-new roles. Sadly for Stevenson, he didn’t get to see the breakout reaction to Baylan Skoll.
Ray Stevenson tragically passed away on May 21, 2023, just four days before his 59th birthday. No cause of death has been revealed,...
It’s taken a while, but more than five years after the credits rolled on Star Wars Rebels, we’re finally getting some payoff for its cliffhanger ending in Dave Filoni’s Ahsoka on Disney+. The Rebels creator is effectively giving us a live-action season 5, while also gifting fans the long-awaited solo series for the talented Togruta.
Alongside Rosario Dawson taking the lead as Ahsoka, a mix of new and returning faces sees Rebels alumni David Tennant and Lars Mikkelsen reprise their roles, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Natasha Liu Bordizzo take over from previous voice actors, and the likes of Ivanna Sakhno and Ray Stevenson playing brand-new roles. Sadly for Stevenson, he didn’t get to see the breakout reaction to Baylan Skoll.
Ray Stevenson tragically passed away on May 21, 2023, just four days before his 59th birthday. No cause of death has been revealed,...
- 8/23/2023
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
This Star Wars: Ahsoka article contains spoilers.
There’s never been a Star Wars show quite as jam-packed with easter eggs and references as Ahsoka, which is not just pulling from The Mandalorian-era shows but also two animated series and even one of the most celebrated Expanded Universe novels of all time. It’s easily the most ambitious Star Wars series to date, especially as it will presumably also set up the film set to be directed by Ahsoka showrunner Dave Filoni.
Featuring characters from both The Clone Wars and Rebels, and essentially serving as a sequel to the latter cartoon, Ahsoka wastes no time with its callbacks, as elements from those animated series make the jump to live action.
Here are all the biggest easter eggs and points of interest in “Master and Apprentice” and “Toil and Trouble”:
Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren
Two episodes in, it...
There’s never been a Star Wars show quite as jam-packed with easter eggs and references as Ahsoka, which is not just pulling from The Mandalorian-era shows but also two animated series and even one of the most celebrated Expanded Universe novels of all time. It’s easily the most ambitious Star Wars series to date, especially as it will presumably also set up the film set to be directed by Ahsoka showrunner Dave Filoni.
Featuring characters from both The Clone Wars and Rebels, and essentially serving as a sequel to the latter cartoon, Ahsoka wastes no time with its callbacks, as elements from those animated series make the jump to live action.
Here are all the biggest easter eggs and points of interest in “Master and Apprentice” and “Toil and Trouble”:
Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren
Two episodes in, it...
- 8/23/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
This article contains spoilers for "Star Wars: Ahsoka" episode 2 -- "Toil and Trouble."
The second episode of "Ahsoka" sees Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) recovering from her dire injuries at the hands of Baylan Skoll's (Ray Stevenson) dark apprentice, Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno). Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson) is understandably upset that Sabine put herself in such a reckless position and the two of them continue their bickering, further hinting at the strain their relationship went through during their first attempt at finding Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi).
After investigating Sabine's apartment in the old communications tower, Ahsoka finds a leftover Hk-series assassin droid and dispatches it. They're able to trace it back to Corellia, where Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) once operated shipyards for the Empire. While Sabine recovers, Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Chopper, and Ahsoka head to Corellia to investigate. There, they find Elsbeth's old operation still functioning and loyal to the Empire.
The second episode of "Ahsoka" sees Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) recovering from her dire injuries at the hands of Baylan Skoll's (Ray Stevenson) dark apprentice, Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno). Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson) is understandably upset that Sabine put herself in such a reckless position and the two of them continue their bickering, further hinting at the strain their relationship went through during their first attempt at finding Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi).
After investigating Sabine's apartment in the old communications tower, Ahsoka finds a leftover Hk-series assassin droid and dispatches it. They're able to trace it back to Corellia, where Morgan Elsbeth (Diana Lee Inosanto) once operated shipyards for the Empire. While Sabine recovers, Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Chopper, and Ahsoka head to Corellia to investigate. There, they find Elsbeth's old operation still functioning and loyal to the Empire.
- 8/23/2023
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
This article contains spoilers for "Star Wars: Ahsoka" episode 1 -- "Master and Apprentice."
"Ahsoka" is the current culmination of a generation of television storytelling in the "Star Wars" universe. Led by Dave Filoni, who helped originate the character of Ahsoka Tano for "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" working under the direct tutelage of George Lucas, the show gives us a view of the New Republic and Anakin Skywalker's former Padawan Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson) on her quest to protect it from the likes of Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelson). Years have passed and it seems apparent that Ahsoka and Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) have gone questing for Thrawn and their lost friend Ezra (Eman Esfandi) already and come up with nothing, straining their relationship. But now, Ahsoka has a map to another galaxy, a clue to where Thrawn might have been. The only person Ahsoka knows who might be...
"Ahsoka" is the current culmination of a generation of television storytelling in the "Star Wars" universe. Led by Dave Filoni, who helped originate the character of Ahsoka Tano for "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" working under the direct tutelage of George Lucas, the show gives us a view of the New Republic and Anakin Skywalker's former Padawan Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson) on her quest to protect it from the likes of Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelson). Years have passed and it seems apparent that Ahsoka and Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) have gone questing for Thrawn and their lost friend Ezra (Eman Esfandi) already and come up with nothing, straining their relationship. But now, Ahsoka has a map to another galaxy, a clue to where Thrawn might have been. The only person Ahsoka knows who might be...
- 8/23/2023
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
The end of August is a transitionary period in the United States. Parents are breathing a sigh of relief as their kids head back to school, but the fall isn’t really here yet; temperatures are still sizzling in most parts of the country, and the top fall sports like football, basketball and hockey haven’t gotten going in earnest.
Streaming has seen its use increase all summer long, hitting a record high of total TV viewing time during the month of July. The new shows and movies coming to streaming this week should help streaming continue to reign over linear TV for the month of August, as new entries from top franchises like Star Wars and DC Comics make their debuts.
Monday, Aug. 21 ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 20 Finale | ABC, stream with a subscription to Hulu + Live TV
Following her heartbreaking departure after her hometown date on Zach Shallcross’ season of “The Bachelor,...
Streaming has seen its use increase all summer long, hitting a record high of total TV viewing time during the month of July. The new shows and movies coming to streaming this week should help streaming continue to reign over linear TV for the month of August, as new entries from top franchises like Star Wars and DC Comics make their debuts.
Monday, Aug. 21 ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 20 Finale | ABC, stream with a subscription to Hulu + Live TV
Following her heartbreaking departure after her hometown date on Zach Shallcross’ season of “The Bachelor,...
- 8/21/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
In Timothy Zahn's "Heir to the Empire" trilogy, a legendary "Star Wars" character was birthed. Zahn's work reinvigorated the franchise's Extended Universe (EU) by introducing antagonists that were not Sith but motivated by ambitions that did not align completely with that of the Empire. The big bad in Zahn's work was a tactical genius who cared about his men for pragmatic reasons and emerged as someone dangerous without wielding special sabers or Force-sensitive abilities. We're talking about Grand Admiral Thrawn, the blue-skinned Chiss officer who took it upon himself to dismantle the freshly-built New Republic that was still finding its footing.
The key to understanding Thrawn is Zahn's "Thrawn Ascendancy" trilogy, which serves as a prequel to "Star Wars Rebels" and takes place sometime after the events of "Attack of the Clones." The trilogy introduces the Chiss Ascendancy, a relatively-unknown oligarchic autocracy hidden deep within the galaxy, whose...
The key to understanding Thrawn is Zahn's "Thrawn Ascendancy" trilogy, which serves as a prequel to "Star Wars Rebels" and takes place sometime after the events of "Attack of the Clones." The trilogy introduces the Chiss Ascendancy, a relatively-unknown oligarchic autocracy hidden deep within the galaxy, whose...
- 8/8/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
This article appears in the new issue of Den Of Geek magazine. Get your copy here.
Rosario Dawson is having the time of her life. In fact, when we call to chat about her starring role in Star Wars: Ahsoka, she’s literally on a Ferris wheel in New York City, enjoying a little downtime with family before the rollercoaster ride that will be her latest foray into the galaxy far, far away.
When you ask Dawson about Ahsoka, this is what you get: pure, unabashed excitement. Every single second she spends talking about this universe, you get the sense Dawson is absolutely mesmerized by the grandeur of Star Wars and all the work that goes into making it. One moment in particular comes to mind for Dawson when describing that special bit of Lucasfilm magic she discovered on Ahsoka.
“We’re shooting on the Volume [Lucasfilm’s cutting-edge LED soundstage] and the camera’s behind me.
Rosario Dawson is having the time of her life. In fact, when we call to chat about her starring role in Star Wars: Ahsoka, she’s literally on a Ferris wheel in New York City, enjoying a little downtime with family before the rollercoaster ride that will be her latest foray into the galaxy far, far away.
When you ask Dawson about Ahsoka, this is what you get: pure, unabashed excitement. Every single second she spends talking about this universe, you get the sense Dawson is absolutely mesmerized by the grandeur of Star Wars and all the work that goes into making it. One moment in particular comes to mind for Dawson when describing that special bit of Lucasfilm magic she discovered on Ahsoka.
“We’re shooting on the Volume [Lucasfilm’s cutting-edge LED soundstage] and the camera’s behind me.
- 7/20/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Disney+ has released a new trailer for the upcoming “Star Wars” series, “Ahsoka,” providing fans a look at the series’ villain, Grand Admiral Thrawn.
It was announced in April at the Star Wars Celebration fan convention, that Lars Mikkelsen would be set to reprise his role as the “Star Wars” villain and embody the character in the live-action series. Thrawn was originally created by author Timothy Zahn as part of a series of 1990s Star Wars novels chronicling the events following 1983’s “Return of the Jedi,” and he quickly became a fan-favorite character.
However, after Disney purchased Lucasfilm in 2012, Thrawn’s character was removed from the official “Star Wars” canon. Then in 2016, Dave Filoni revived the character and brought him back into a galaxy far, far away after adding him to the “Star Wars Rebels” animated series. Throughout the show, Mikkelsen voiced the character.
Now, seven years later, Grand Admiral...
It was announced in April at the Star Wars Celebration fan convention, that Lars Mikkelsen would be set to reprise his role as the “Star Wars” villain and embody the character in the live-action series. Thrawn was originally created by author Timothy Zahn as part of a series of 1990s Star Wars novels chronicling the events following 1983’s “Return of the Jedi,” and he quickly became a fan-favorite character.
However, after Disney purchased Lucasfilm in 2012, Thrawn’s character was removed from the official “Star Wars” canon. Then in 2016, Dave Filoni revived the character and brought him back into a galaxy far, far away after adding him to the “Star Wars Rebels” animated series. Throughout the show, Mikkelsen voiced the character.
Now, seven years later, Grand Admiral...
- 7/11/2023
- by Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
“Star Wars” is headed to some very Timothy Zahn-inspired places. And some very Dave Filoni places as well. The new trailer for “Star Wars: Ahsoka” just dropped and it’s a feast of storytelling possibilities. It can’t arrive a moment too soon after that disappointing “Mandalorian” Season 3. Watch the trailer below.
What comes across is that this is absolutely a live-action continuation of “Star Wars: Rebels,” the four-season Disney Xd series that was arguably the first and most artistically successful “Star Wars” storytelling to unfold after Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm. The series debuted in the fall of 2014 and wrapped up in early 2018. It told the story of the crew of the Ghost, who go on missions in support of the very early stages of the Rebellion against the Empire. The show started about five years before the events of “A New Hope” — and it introduced beloved characters...
What comes across is that this is absolutely a live-action continuation of “Star Wars: Rebels,” the four-season Disney Xd series that was arguably the first and most artistically successful “Star Wars” storytelling to unfold after Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm. The series debuted in the fall of 2014 and wrapped up in early 2018. It told the story of the crew of the Ghost, who go on missions in support of the very early stages of the Rebellion against the Empire. The show started about five years before the events of “A New Hope” — and it introduced beloved characters...
- 7/11/2023
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
The trailer for Star Wars: Ahsoka has given fans plenty to talk about in the lead up to the show’s August premiere, and inspired all kinds of online theories. Unsurprisingly, much of the current speculation revolves around two brand-new villains, the orange lightsaber-wielding Baylan Skoll (the late Ray Stevenson) and his apprentice Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno).
So far, all we really know about these characters is some backstory and their names. But even these small details hint at a massive secret that could completely change live-action Star Wars and set the Mandoverse on a whole new course.
Thrawn’s Wolves
To say that Dave Filoni has a thing for wolves is an understatement. He’s worked these canines into all of his Star Wars tales, from The Clone Wars to Rebels, and even his own character in The Mandalorian, Trapper Wolf. But it’s in Rebels where he really...
So far, all we really know about these characters is some backstory and their names. But even these small details hint at a massive secret that could completely change live-action Star Wars and set the Mandoverse on a whole new course.
Thrawn’s Wolves
To say that Dave Filoni has a thing for wolves is an understatement. He’s worked these canines into all of his Star Wars tales, from The Clone Wars to Rebels, and even his own character in The Mandalorian, Trapper Wolf. But it’s in Rebels where he really...
- 6/23/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
There has been a lot of speculation around the late Ray Stevenson’s character in Ahsoka, especially after the first trailer introduced Baylan Skoll and his apprentice Shin Hati (Ivanna Sakhno) with their unique orange-red lightsabers. Even though Skoll clearly fights with Ahsoka at some point based on the trailer, it’s been unclear if his allegiances lie with the remnants of the Empire, himself, or another entity entirely.
IGN has been among those to speculate that Skoll is or once was an Inquisitor working for the Empire given his Force capabilities and the remnants of red hue in his lightsaber. It’s a valid theory given the recent image from Ahsoka featuring a masked Inquisitor and the fact that Empire magazine recently revealed that Skoll is a survivor of Order 66.
However, Empire (via Collider) has also confirmed that, after the traumatic events of Order 66, Skoll used his skills to become a mercenary,...
IGN has been among those to speculate that Skoll is or once was an Inquisitor working for the Empire given his Force capabilities and the remnants of red hue in his lightsaber. It’s a valid theory given the recent image from Ahsoka featuring a masked Inquisitor and the fact that Empire magazine recently revealed that Skoll is a survivor of Order 66.
However, Empire (via Collider) has also confirmed that, after the traumatic events of Order 66, Skoll used his skills to become a mercenary,...
- 6/8/2023
- by Brynnaarens
- Den of Geek
Grand Admiral Thrawn has been a favourite among Star Wars fans since Timothy Zahn introduced him in Heir to the Empire, and master strategist will finally be stepping into the realm of live-action for the upcoming Ahsoka series.
It was confirmed at Star Wars Celebration earlier this year that Lars Mikkelsen would be playing Grand Admiral Thrawn in Ahsoka. As he provided the character’s distinctive voice in Star Wars: Rebels, it was only fitting that he would be the one to play the live-action Thrawn. However, the actor told Empire Magazine that he did have to tweak Thrawn’s voice as what works in animation doesn’t always translate to live-action.
“I’m not losing the voice, but I am tweaking it into live-action,” Lars Mikkelsen explained. “When you do an animated character, there’s a whole melodious approach. When you’re there as a real person, that would be just slightly too much.
It was confirmed at Star Wars Celebration earlier this year that Lars Mikkelsen would be playing Grand Admiral Thrawn in Ahsoka. As he provided the character’s distinctive voice in Star Wars: Rebels, it was only fitting that he would be the one to play the live-action Thrawn. However, the actor told Empire Magazine that he did have to tweak Thrawn’s voice as what works in animation doesn’t always translate to live-action.
“I’m not losing the voice, but I am tweaking it into live-action,” Lars Mikkelsen explained. “When you do an animated character, there’s a whole melodious approach. When you’re there as a real person, that would be just slightly too much.
- 6/7/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Few actors are as skilled in making us hate their guts as Ray Stevenson. The late actor, who passed away at age 58, played some truly despicable bad guys in "Dexter," "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," and of course, "Rrr," where he effortlessly captured everything wrong with the British Empire while also teaching audiences about the value of a bullet.
Stevenson found his way into the big two comic book franchises, playing both DC Comics' vigilante avenger Frank Castle in "Punisher War Zone," and Thor's faithful warrior friend Volstagg in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He also voiced Gar Saxon, one of the absolute worst Mandalorians ever, in both "Star Wars Rebels" and "The Clone Wars." Clan Saxon served House Vizsla, which caused endless pain and chaos to Mandalore during the war, and Stevenson's character was a commander in the Shadow Collective, a Sith order led by Darth Maul.
Gar Saxon was killed...
Stevenson found his way into the big two comic book franchises, playing both DC Comics' vigilante avenger Frank Castle in "Punisher War Zone," and Thor's faithful warrior friend Volstagg in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He also voiced Gar Saxon, one of the absolute worst Mandalorians ever, in both "Star Wars Rebels" and "The Clone Wars." Clan Saxon served House Vizsla, which caused endless pain and chaos to Mandalore during the war, and Stevenson's character was a commander in the Shadow Collective, a Sith order led by Darth Maul.
Gar Saxon was killed...
- 5/22/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
As the story goes, George Lucas at one point planned to make a Skywalker family epic consisting of 12 movies across four trilogies, with Episode Xii serving as the true grand finale of the saga where our heroes would finally face the dreaded Emperor. But then he cut that outline down to nine films, with Luke’s sister (not originally Leia) joining the fray around Episode VIII, just in time for the final battle in Episode IX, according to Gary Kurtz, who produced the first two Star Wars films.
Then, in the early ’80s, Lucas decided to cut down the story further. He pushed up the final battle with the Dark Lord of the Sith to Episode VI, the initially titled Revenge of the Jedi, which would also reveal that Leia had been Luke’s long-lost sister all along (despite their famous smooch in The Empire Strikes Back). Lucas is something...
Then, in the early ’80s, Lucas decided to cut down the story further. He pushed up the final battle with the Dark Lord of the Sith to Episode VI, the initially titled Revenge of the Jedi, which would also reveal that Leia had been Luke’s long-lost sister all along (despite their famous smooch in The Empire Strikes Back). Lucas is something...
- 5/19/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
For better or worse, Palpatine is the big bad of the entire "Star Wars" saga as we know it, and even if you look at it more closely rather than look at the macro story, it's always Force-users who are the villains. We have Vader in the original trilogy, Maul, Dooku, and Palpatine in the prequels, and Kylo Ren and Snoke in the sequel trilogy. Even "Star Wars Rebels" had big force-sensitive villains like the Inquisitors, Vader, and Maul.
Other than "Andor" and its rather despicable human villains, every bad guy we've faced use the Force. That is, until now, because "Heir to the Empire" is coming, and with it, one of the biggest "Star Wars" villains ever: Thrawn. After having a big role in "Rebels," and after teases all throughout "Mandalorian," the trailer for "Ahsoka" finally showed us the Chiss Grand Admiral in the flesh. According to the cowboy hat himself,...
Other than "Andor" and its rather despicable human villains, every bad guy we've faced use the Force. That is, until now, because "Heir to the Empire" is coming, and with it, one of the biggest "Star Wars" villains ever: Thrawn. After having a big role in "Rebels," and after teases all throughout "Mandalorian," the trailer for "Ahsoka" finally showed us the Chiss Grand Admiral in the flesh. According to the cowboy hat himself,...
- 5/10/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Star Wars has always been about epic journeys – whether it’s Luke Skywalker’s transformation from farm boy to Jedi Master, Din Djarin’s foray into fatherhood in The Mandalorian, or Rey’s path to self-discovery in the sequel trilogy. His journey just got a thrilling new destination.
Speculation abounds as to what that movie will involve – is it another step in the wider Mandalorian-Ahsoka-Thrawn story, or could it be the culmination of the whole thing? “Culmination is an interesting word,” teases Filoni, speaking to Empire at Star Wars Celebration. “The way I look at it, there are [small] stories, and then there’s the big story of the day, too. A New Hope, Empire and Return Of The Jedi tell the important parts of the tale that really define the history of the period. There are all kinds of sub-stories underneath that. We’ve been building all these small stories.
Speculation abounds as to what that movie will involve – is it another step in the wider Mandalorian-Ahsoka-Thrawn story, or could it be the culmination of the whole thing? “Culmination is an interesting word,” teases Filoni, speaking to Empire at Star Wars Celebration. “The way I look at it, there are [small] stories, and then there’s the big story of the day, too. A New Hope, Empire and Return Of The Jedi tell the important parts of the tale that really define the history of the period. There are all kinds of sub-stories underneath that. We’ve been building all these small stories.
- 5/5/2023
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Spoiler Alert: The following contains details of the Season 3 finale of Disney+/Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian, episode “Chapter 24: The Return,” written by Jon Favreau and directed by Rick Famuyiwa.
Season 3 of The Mandalorian wrapped with a nice bow versus any grave cliffhanger, or guest appearance from a Star Wars canon character ala Season 2, when a digitized version of Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker swooped in to scoop up Grogu for Jedi training.
Thrawn in the ‘Ahsoka’ trailer
Heading into today’s episode, you could say we were all expecting a cameo by General Admiral Thrawn before his big splash in Mandalorian spinoff Ahsoka due out this August; he being one of the big bad Star Wars villains, having debuted in the 1991 Timothy Zahn novel Heir to the Empire, which took place post-Return to the Jedi. Thrawn, the most evil dead in a universe sans Darth Vader and the Emperor,...
Season 3 of The Mandalorian wrapped with a nice bow versus any grave cliffhanger, or guest appearance from a Star Wars canon character ala Season 2, when a digitized version of Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker swooped in to scoop up Grogu for Jedi training.
Thrawn in the ‘Ahsoka’ trailer
Heading into today’s episode, you could say we were all expecting a cameo by General Admiral Thrawn before his big splash in Mandalorian spinoff Ahsoka due out this August; he being one of the big bad Star Wars villains, having debuted in the 1991 Timothy Zahn novel Heir to the Empire, which took place post-Return to the Jedi. Thrawn, the most evil dead in a universe sans Darth Vader and the Emperor,...
- 4/19/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
There will be spoilers for "The Mandalorian" season 3 finale: "Chapter 24 - The Return"
Everyone loves to learn the villains master plan at the end of their machinations, and Moff Gideon's plans are no different. He revealed to Din Djarin what he was really up to in the season finale of "The Mandalorian" and it has a lot of wide-ranging and far-reaching implications that tie into the past of "Star Wars," the future in the form of the sequel trilogy, and into storytelling yet to come.
What was his plan?
As Gideon explains it to Din Djarin, his goal was to imbue clones with the ability to use the Force. Having clones outfitted in beskar Stormtrooper armor, augmented with Death Trooper technology, and cloned from Moff Gideon himself, the ability to use the Force would make that army unstoppable.
Dr. Pershing's work to facilitate Gideon's wishes comes from his work in the Imperial Science Division,...
Everyone loves to learn the villains master plan at the end of their machinations, and Moff Gideon's plans are no different. He revealed to Din Djarin what he was really up to in the season finale of "The Mandalorian" and it has a lot of wide-ranging and far-reaching implications that tie into the past of "Star Wars," the future in the form of the sequel trilogy, and into storytelling yet to come.
What was his plan?
As Gideon explains it to Din Djarin, his goal was to imbue clones with the ability to use the Force. Having clones outfitted in beskar Stormtrooper armor, augmented with Death Trooper technology, and cloned from Moff Gideon himself, the ability to use the Force would make that army unstoppable.
Dr. Pershing's work to facilitate Gideon's wishes comes from his work in the Imperial Science Division,...
- 4/19/2023
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
The cast of Ahsoka is full of fan-favorite characters from the Rebels animated series, including Grand Admiral Thrawn. We learned that Rebels voice actor Lars Mikkelsen is reprising his villainous role in live-action for Ahsoka during Star Wars Celebration 2023, and it’s starting to look like the series may be about to pull in some other characters from the recent Thrawn novels to expand upon his story. With The Expanse actor Wes Chatham joining the cast in an undisclosed role, there’s a bit of speculation that he could be playing an important character from Thrawn’s past.
According to Deadline, Chatham will portray Thrawn’s “right hand man” in the upcoming Star Wars series. As far as who that character is, io9 was the first to theorize that Chatham may have been cast as Eli Vanto, a character first introduced in Timothy Zahn’s 2017 novel Thrawn who has become...
According to Deadline, Chatham will portray Thrawn’s “right hand man” in the upcoming Star Wars series. As far as who that character is, io9 was the first to theorize that Chatham may have been cast as Eli Vanto, a character first introduced in Timothy Zahn’s 2017 novel Thrawn who has become...
- 4/14/2023
- by Brynnaarens
- Den of Geek
Warning: contains spoilers for The Mandalorian Season 3, Episode 7
Guess who’s back? Back again? Moff Gideon’s back. Tell a friend. Or, not – because his long-awaited return to The Mandalorian heralds all kinds of dark deeds to come in the galaxy far, far away, sure to spell danger for everyone who crosses his path. Ever since we found out earlier in Season 3 that Giancarlo Esposito’s menacing space-baddie had evaded capture by the New Republic, we’ve been eager to see what he’s been getting up to. Now, we have some answers. But this latest episode of The Mandalorian wasn’t just a big deal because of Moff Gideon’s return – it was important because of what he was doing, what he was saying, and who he was saying it to.
Before the title card of Chapter 23, ‘The Spies’, had even kicked in, the conversation between Gideon and his...
Guess who’s back? Back again? Moff Gideon’s back. Tell a friend. Or, not – because his long-awaited return to The Mandalorian heralds all kinds of dark deeds to come in the galaxy far, far away, sure to spell danger for everyone who crosses his path. Ever since we found out earlier in Season 3 that Giancarlo Esposito’s menacing space-baddie had evaded capture by the New Republic, we’ve been eager to see what he’s been getting up to. Now, we have some answers. But this latest episode of The Mandalorian wasn’t just a big deal because of Moff Gideon’s return – it was important because of what he was doing, what he was saying, and who he was saying it to.
Before the title card of Chapter 23, ‘The Spies’, had even kicked in, the conversation between Gideon and his...
- 4/13/2023
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - TV
This Star Wars: The Mandalorian article contains spoilers.
The Mandalorian may have unleashed its most Star Wars-y story ever with “The Spies,” an episode that features Mandos vs. Imperial stormtroopers with jetpacks, several references to Legends canon, and yet another tease for Grand Admiral Thrawn. It also features the single best Grogu gag of the entire season with the arrival of Ig-12 and his “yes” and “no” buttons. The episode is everything you could possibly want from a Star Wars adventure and then some. Plus, some very serious stakes are introduced ahead of the finale.
All the way through, we’re also treated to plenty of easter eggs, references, and callbacks to the wider Star Wars galaxy. Here are the ones that caught our attention…
Captain Gilad Pellaeon (Xander Berkeley)
With the Mandoverse reintroducing tons of Legends lore from Timothy Zahn’s Heir to the Empire to the official canon,...
The Mandalorian may have unleashed its most Star Wars-y story ever with “The Spies,” an episode that features Mandos vs. Imperial stormtroopers with jetpacks, several references to Legends canon, and yet another tease for Grand Admiral Thrawn. It also features the single best Grogu gag of the entire season with the arrival of Ig-12 and his “yes” and “no” buttons. The episode is everything you could possibly want from a Star Wars adventure and then some. Plus, some very serious stakes are introduced ahead of the finale.
All the way through, we’re also treated to plenty of easter eggs, references, and callbacks to the wider Star Wars galaxy. Here are the ones that caught our attention…
Captain Gilad Pellaeon (Xander Berkeley)
With the Mandoverse reintroducing tons of Legends lore from Timothy Zahn’s Heir to the Empire to the official canon,...
- 4/12/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
This post contains spoilers for "The Mandalorian" Chapter 23 - "The Spies."
One of the most exciting cameos in this week's episode of "The Mandalorian" came in the form of Admiral Gilad Pellaeon. He was one of the main speakers during Moff Gideon's assembly of the Shadow Council of the Imperial Remnant, and was the one insisting on the imminent return of Grand Admiral Thrawn, played in live-action form by Lars Mikkelsen.
Fans of Thrawn may remember the character getting name-checked by the Grand Admiral in "Star Wars Rebels." But the history of Gilad Pellaeon stretches back to the 1991 release of "Heir to the Empire," and promises a lot of surprises in the storytelling to come out of the Mandoverse as Thrawn becomes a major player in the on-screen corners of the galaxy -- especially as Moff Gideon continues to jockey for power among the Shadow Council, doing his best to...
One of the most exciting cameos in this week's episode of "The Mandalorian" came in the form of Admiral Gilad Pellaeon. He was one of the main speakers during Moff Gideon's assembly of the Shadow Council of the Imperial Remnant, and was the one insisting on the imminent return of Grand Admiral Thrawn, played in live-action form by Lars Mikkelsen.
Fans of Thrawn may remember the character getting name-checked by the Grand Admiral in "Star Wars Rebels." But the history of Gilad Pellaeon stretches back to the 1991 release of "Heir to the Empire," and promises a lot of surprises in the storytelling to come out of the Mandoverse as Thrawn becomes a major player in the on-screen corners of the galaxy -- especially as Moff Gideon continues to jockey for power among the Shadow Council, doing his best to...
- 4/12/2023
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
Spoilers follow for "The Mandalorian" Chapter 23 - "The Spies."
The neon-lit underworld of Coruscant is where the new episode of "The Mandalorian" begins. A shadowy figure in a trenchcoat walks through the alleys until we see who it is. Elia Kane (Katy M. O'Brien), the "former" Imperial who sold out Dr. Pershing in the third episode of the season, and then convinced the New Republic to withhold help for Nevarro, turns a corner to see an Imperial probe droid. It puts her in contact with none other than Moff Gideon, who is angry at her for allowing Nevarro to be rescued by the Mandalorians, since Gorian Shard's attack was one of his machinations as well. He tells her to get back to work and goes to the Imperial Shadow Council, warlords and Imperials who are working to bring about the glory of the Empire in the era of the New Republic.
The neon-lit underworld of Coruscant is where the new episode of "The Mandalorian" begins. A shadowy figure in a trenchcoat walks through the alleys until we see who it is. Elia Kane (Katy M. O'Brien), the "former" Imperial who sold out Dr. Pershing in the third episode of the season, and then convinced the New Republic to withhold help for Nevarro, turns a corner to see an Imperial probe droid. It puts her in contact with none other than Moff Gideon, who is angry at her for allowing Nevarro to be rescued by the Mandalorians, since Gorian Shard's attack was one of his machinations as well. He tells her to get back to work and goes to the Imperial Shadow Council, warlords and Imperials who are working to bring about the glory of the Empire in the era of the New Republic.
- 4/12/2023
- by Bryan Young
- Slash Film
A whole lot happened during Star Wars Celebration, so much so that it was genuinely difficult to keep up with. But one of the biggest of big things came in the form of the "Ahsoka" trailer, which will give the beloved character a solo series for the first time ever. This has certainly been a long time coming. Based on what we see in the trailer, it certainly seems like the show will be setting the stage for something much, much larger. Namely, an adaptation of "Heir to the Empire," author Timothy Zahn's trilogy of novels from the '90s where Grand Admiral Thrawn was born. Not to speculate too hard here, but it seems likely this is where Dave Filoni's announced "Star Wars" movie is headed.
Not only does Rosario Dawson's Ahsoka Tano actually say that Thrawn (who appears in the flesh in the trailer) is...
Not only does Rosario Dawson's Ahsoka Tano actually say that Thrawn (who appears in the flesh in the trailer) is...
- 4/11/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
As the upcoming "Ahsoka" live-action series hovers on the horizon, the recent Star Wars Celebration announcement of Lars Mikkelsen taking up the blue make-up to reprise his legendary animated voice role in the full-bodied flesh sent waves of excitement through Star Wars fans. A main baddie for the final half of the "Star Wars Rebels" animated series created by Dave Filoni (showrunning again for "Ahsoka"), the ice-blue Chiss Admiral proved to be a formidable and terrifying threat to the Ghost crew. Mitth'raw'nuruodo's (Thrawn's Chiss name) epic (re)entrance into the public consciousness provided fond memories for Celebration attendees back in 2016, especially for the generation who grew up with the Legends novels that started with Timothy Zahn's 1991 "Heir to the Empire." That book kicked off an enduring Legends reign for Thrawn as an intelligent Imperial tactician who had no nonsense for Imperial stupidity.
Thrawn might admire how the history rhymes like poetry.
Thrawn might admire how the history rhymes like poetry.
- 4/10/2023
- by Caroline Cao
- Slash Film
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