Star Wars Celebration 2016: Grand Admiral Thrawn Returns!

During today’s Star Wars: Rebels panel at Star Wars Celebration, it was revealed that one of the most diabolical and cunning villains from the Star Wars Expanded Universe is coming to the show.

Originally debuted in Timothy Zahn’s ‘Heir to the Empire‘ trilogy (largely considered to be the greatest series of Star Wars novels ever written), Grand Admiral Thrawn became an instant fan favorite. When Emperor Palptaine and Darth Vader died at the end of Return of the Jedi and coupled with the destruction of the second Death Star, the Empire was in shambles. With the remnants of the Empire left leaderless, they were easily hunted down and captured by the Republic. Ultimately, Grand Admiral Thrawn would take it upon himself to unify the remnants of the Imperial Navy and mount calculated strikes against the Republic. After locating the late Emperor’s secret facility, and attaining the aid of a cloned Jedi, Thrawn was nearly successful in gaining control of the galaxy, but that was not to be. Thrawn ultimately met his end y the hands of his own bodyguard, but with Star Wars: Rebels, the Gran Admiral now has a new lease on life.

When Disney and Lucasfilm announced in 2014 that the existing Star Wars Expanded Universe (all comic, video games, novels, etc.) was no longer canon, many fans became upset since it meant popular characters such as Mara Jade, Dash Rendar, Kyle Katarn, and Grand Admiral Thrawn no longer existed. With today’s announcement; however, there may be hope that other popular characters from the old EU will return in some way, shape or form.

Geekscapists, if you can bring back any character from the old Star Wars Expanded Universe, who would you bring back? Let us know in the comments below!