Phil Roberts 
A detailed review of the elusive Hasbro Grand Admiral Thrawn action figure from Star Wars: Rebels
Have you found a Thrawn?
That is the burning question being circulated amongst fan circles and collector’s groups alike from all corners of the Outer Rim Territories. The rare and elusive Grand Admiral Thrawn action figure, manufactured by the toy giant Hasbro, has been scarce since its release alongside the other figures in the third wave of the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story toy line leaving the fans frustrated by its scarcity. The reasoning behind this absence has been as widespread as it has been fantastical with many conspiracy theories being suggested to explain the lack of availability, but the truth is far more elusive.
Here at Future of the Force, we have been keeping our ears close to the ground and have heard tales of the figure having been recalled due to a faulty rank insignia print and as a result, the Star Wars Rebels antagonist has been removed from the boxes being delivered to the retailers. We have heard eyewitness accounts confirming this suspicion and for that reason, the Imperial tactician has become one of the most sought after figures in many years.
However, thanks to the incredible team at action figure importer Star Action Figures, I have been fortunate to get my hands on a pair of these super elusive figures and I am delighted to share this first, up close and personal look for you…our devoted readers.
The figures synopsis is as follows:
As the fledgling rebellion challenges the Galactic Empire in the wilds of the Outer Rim Territories, it faces a new danger, the most cunning of the Emperor’s fleet officers. A tactical and military genius, Grand Admiral Thrawn coldly dissects rebel operations and methodically devises brilliant counterstrategies that make him unstoppable.
The stunning figure, comes complete with a blaster pistol and a projectile firing launcher which comes in the form of an RPG. The master tactician’s brilliant white Imperial uniform is a little disappointing due to it resembling that of a cream pigment which takes the sparkle away from the finished figure but the Imperial rank insignia accentuates the cleanliness of the uniform. The blue tone of his incredible skin and gloriously red eyes betrays his sinister nature and in combination with the uniform, sets the figure apart from other Imperial officers in the range.
The only detraction, which is common within the range of action figures since the formula change of the Star Wars Rebels collection, is the lack of articulation. As is the case with every action figure since The Force Awakens in 2015, these figures come with a limited degree of movement that is restricted to the arms, legs and head. As result, the flexibility of the figure is disappointing and restricts his placement within displays and diorama sets.
However, if your intention is to keep him contained within his plastic prison, then you are in for a real treat with Grand Admiral Thrawn. Set against the vivid red backdrop of the packaging, his cream uniform stands out in such a way that the figure will be prominent amongst the crowd.
In summary, the Grand Admiral Thrawn action figure may be more aesthetically pleasing than articular, but that does not detract from the overall splendour of the finished article. Should you find him in the wild, snap him up without delay and make your collection all it can be.
Until then…
May The Force Be With You
(Editor’s Note: A big Future of the Force thank you to my son Michael *The mini Mandalorian* for donating his Grand Admiral Thrawn action figure to be the model of the piece)
Phil Roberts is the owner, daily content manager, and editor-in-chief of The Future of the Force. He is a huge fan of Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies.
If he’s not in the cinema he’s probably streaming something equally awesome!
