Phil Roberts 
Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni unveil Lars Mikkelsen as Grand Admiral Thrawn in the Star Wars: Ahsoka Disney+ series
Star Wars Celebration is officially underway and the big reveals are coming thick and fast. On day one, those lucky enough to bag a seat for the Lucasfilm Studio showcase were treated to a camtono of glorious new content to digest. The studio unveiled a first look at Skeleton Crew; The Acolyte, Andor: Season 2, and revealed three new big-screen adventures. And if that wasn’t enough, attendees were treated to a first look at the upcoming Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. But the highlight of the panel was the unveiling of the long-awaited trailer for Star Wars: Ahsoka.
DAY TWO
The trailer was spectacular and delivered a wealth of glorious imagery for us to digest. But the focal point of the two-minute bonanza was the ominous silhouette of Grand Admiral Thrawn. Sadly, Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau stopped short of unveiling the actor cast to portray the iconic villain. But all that changed on Day 2 at the Star Wars: Ahsoka panel. Those fortunate to be in the room were on hand to meet the cast in person. Rosario Dawson (Ahsoka), Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Sabine), Ivanna Sakhno, Ray Stevenson, Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Hera Syndula), and Diana Lee Inosanto were all introduced to the fans.
And then, Dave Filoni dropped a bombshell by sharing a re-tuned version of the trailer. And this version was mind-blowing. Now, the images that were shown are for those who attended the panel and them alone. And we will not be spoiling anything here. However, I can confirm that the trailer revealed our first look at Grand Admiral Thrawn…and the actor cast to portray him. And as the bright lights illuminated the room once again, the creatives behind the series unveiled Lars Mikkelsen as the Chiss tactician.
LARS MIKKELSEN
Now, as mentioned above no spoilers will be addressed here. However, I can confirm that Mikkelsen looks sensational as Thrawn. Of course, this isn’t his first rodeo as the character. He famously offered his vocals to Thrawn in the Star Wars: Rebels animated series. But this represents his first foray into the realm of live-action Star Wars. And it promises to be a landmark event. Of the casting, Dave Filoni told the crowds that Thrawn“doesn’t have the Force but it doesn’t matter. He will outsmart you and trap you and play chess better than you…I feel really, really privileged, Lars too, to bring Thrawn to life in this way and we want to make sure we get it right.” Mikkelsen, in his chilling voice added that it is “wonderful” to be returning to the role for Ahsoka. And on the strength of the unreleased full trailer, we are 110% here for it.
KEVIN KINER
It was also revealed that Kevin Kiner was also returning to score the series. Kiner famously delivered the soundtrack to both Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Rebels, and recently, The Bad Batch, and Filoni added that he couldn’t make the series without Kiner’s iconic music. And that is music to our ears. Kevin Kiner’s music has been the soul of Star Wars animation for well over a decade, and the Ahsoka series wouldn’t be the same without him.
But can Filoni stick the landing and deliver the series we’re all dying for? That remains to be seen. But on the strength of the re-tuned trailer, and the love and passion he has for these characters, I’d say it’s a shoo-in to become the standout Star Wars live-action series. And that is a tantalizing prospect.
Star Wars: Ahsoka will debut on Disney+ in August.
Phil Roberts is the Owner, Daily Content Manager, and Editor-In-Chief of The Future of the Force. He is passionate about Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Follow him on Twitter where he uses the force and babbles frequently!
