Star Wars Unveils an Iconic Ship Finally Brought to Life on Screen After 3 Decades

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episode 6

Summary

Episode 6 of Ahsoka introduces The Chimaera, Thrawn's powerful starship, in live-action form. This long-awaited event has excited Star Wars fans for over three decades. The Chimaera plays a significant role in both the Legends and official canon storylines, serving as Thrawn's flagship and striking fear into the hearts of its enemies with its distinctive design and formidable weaponry.

The Chimaera makes its live-action debut in Ahsoka, setting the stage for Thrawn's return to the main Star Wars galaxy. This could potentially position it as the flagship for the Imperial Remnant, paralleling its role in the Legends storyline. In episode 6 of Ahsoka, viewers will witness the first appearance of the awe-inspiring starship, The Chimaera, in live-action after a span of 32 years. Adding to the excitement is the imminent return of Grand Admiral Thrawn, who has been discovered in exile in a completely different galaxy. With Thrawn's live-action debut in Ahsoka, fans can also expect the formidable presence of the Imperial Star Destroyer, The Chimaera.

Darth Vader's Super Star Destroyer, known as The Executor, may have been impressive, but Grand Admiral Thrawn's Chimaera was no less formidable. Serving as one of the most powerful and capable cruisers in the Imperial Navy, The Chimaera made its first appearance alongside Thrawn in the 1991 novel Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn, and later became part of the official Star Wars canon in Star Wars Rebels. In Ahsoka episode 6, The Chimaera finally made its long-awaited live-action debut, and its rich history in both canon and Legends made it well worth the wait.

The Chimaera's History In Star Wars Legends & Canon Since 1991

The Chimaera held the second position in authority behind Darth Vader's Executor in the Legends storyline and participated in the Battle of Endor. Initially under the command of Gilad Pellaeon, who issued the retreat order for the Imperials after the destruction of the second Death Star, Pellaeon eventually rose to become the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Remnant. Once Thrawn returned and took charge of the remaining Imperial Navy forces, he selected The Chimaera as his flagship, with Pellaeon serving as his esteemed ally. As a result, The Chimaera became the central focus of the Imperial Remnant, though it was ultimately captured by the New Republic and later reclaimed by Pellaeon in the Star Wars Legends timeline.

In the current Star Wars canon, The Chimaera has always been under Thrawn's ownership as he climbed the ranks of the Empire to become a Grand Admiral. Serving as the flagship of the Seventh Fleet, The Chimaera played a significant role in the Liberation of Lothal as depicted in Star Wars Rebels. However, during the mission, the cruiser was forcefully propelled into hyperspace by a group of star whales under the guidance of Ezra Bridger, a Jedi, taking Thrawn, the entire crew, and himself to an unknown destination. Through Ahsoka's intervention, it has now been revealed that The Chimaera ended up on Peridea, the original home planet of the Nightsisters, in an entirely new galaxy.

The Chimaera Is One Of Star Wars' Coolest Ships

The Chimaera, belonging to the Imperial Navy, stands out as a distinct Star Destroyer. Adorning its underside is a stylized three-headed serpent, which serves as Thrawn's personal symbol and has long been associated with him even before his affiliation with the Empire. This intricate iconography represents fear and is worn by many of Thrawn's subordinates. Thrawn also requested numerous upgrades for the Chimaera, including additional turbo lasers and eight-barreled cannons, distinguishing it from other Star Destroyers in the Imperial fleet. With its exceptional firepower and visually striking design, which showcases Thrawn's appreciation for art and culture, the Chimaera is undeniably one of the most impressive ships in the Star Wars universe.

The Chimaera's Live-Action Debut Was Worth The Wait

After 32 years, The Chimaera makes its live-action debut, bearing the scars of the star whales that transported it in Star Wars Rebels. Despite this, The Chimaera seems to have withstood the damage and served as Thrawn's operational base during his years of exile. Morgan Elsbeth's large hyperspace ring appears to be capable of docking with The Chimaera, offering the potential to bring Thrawn and his surviving forces back to the primary Star Wars galaxy.

The depiction of Captain Pellaeon in canon and the vows made to the Imperial Shadow Council in The Mandalorian season 3 seem to be becoming a reality, signaling the resurgence of the Imperial Remnant's military with Thrawn's return. If Thrawn does indeed come back to the main Star Wars galaxy, it is likely that The Chimaera will be the vessel used, undergoing repairs and serving as the unique flagship for the Remnant with Thrawn as the "Heir to the Empire". This would provide an exciting and dynamic reflection of the starship's original role in Legends.

Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Disney+.