Game-Changing Encounter: How Lars Mikkelsen Redefined Live-Action Thrawn in Ahsoka

Lars Mikkelsen is excited for fans to witness his fresh portrayal of Thrawn in the highly-anticipated Ahsoka series on Disney Plus. The show's imminent premiere has generated a great deal of anticipation, and Thrawn's live-action debut is just one of the many reasons. Ahsoka, being the first Star Wars project helmed by creator Dave Filoni since Tales of the Jedi, has instilled a sense of eagerness among fans who are curious about what Lucasfilm's esteemed Executive Creative Director has in store. While the prospect of another Filoni production is alluring, one character, in particular, is bringing fans, both old and new, together in eager anticipation. The cunning Grand Admiral Thrawn has returned to the Star Wars canon, much to the delight of the masses. However, having lent his voice to the character in animated form in Star Wars Rebels, Mikkelsen brings a unique perspective to reprising the role of Thrawn.

Mikkelsen recently spoke to Empire Magazine (via Collider) and revealed that his decision to not revisit his previous portrayal of Thrawn was just the first step in reimagining the character. The next phase involves adapting his voice for live-action, as Mikkelsen acknowledges the distinct differences between voice acting and on-screen performances. "I will still retain elements of the voice, but I am refining it for the live-action format," he confirmed. "When you lend your voice to an animated character, there is a certain melodious approach. However, in a live-action setting, that level of stylization would be a tad excessive."

Mikkelsen expressed his adoration for the character, which resonated with the fans who warmly received his role as Thrawn in Ahsoka. "I admire how he rises within the Empire and carries himself to become someone," Mikkelsen explained. "Additionally, it's impossible not to appreciate a brilliant antagonist. Thrawn invests time in understanding his opponent's culture and motivations. It's a delight to portray that character."

Undoubtedly, Mikkelsen is correct about the superiority of voice-acting performances. The reason why casting celebrities in animated movies often falls short compared to professional voice actors is due to the distinct acting methods involved. Despite being primarily known for his screen acting, Mikkelsen dedicated himself to Star Wars Rebels and acknowledges the demands of both portrayals of the character. Long-time fans of Thrawn since his initial appearance in Timothy Zahn's Heir to the Empire novels will likely find this news encouraging.

Mikkelsen has already given a taste of the impressive writing in Ahsoka, which many anticipated given it's a project created by Filoni. It's reassuring to hear, even though it's part of the usual press tour rhetoric. However, with his deep understanding of the character of Thrawn and the already lofty expectations, the excitement for the show remains strong as we countdown to its upcoming release. Ahsoka is scheduled to debut on Disney Plus on August 23rd, 2023.

Source: Empire Magazine (via Collider)