The Complete Canon Thrawn Star Wars Saga: A Thrilling Journey Ahead of Ahsoka (The Ultimate Chronological Guide)

Summary

Grand Admiral Thrawn's character made the seamless leap from being a beloved character in the Legends universe to officially joining the esteemed ranks of the Star Wars canon following his triumphant resurgence in Star Wars Rebels season.

In this iconic animated series, he assumed the role of the central antagonist, captivating audiences with his cunning tactics and intricate backstory that was uncovered in subsequent episodes.

Thrawn makes various appearances throughout different stages of the Star Wars timeline. He is portrayed in the Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy, which narrates his journey to becoming the Grand Admiral of the Empire. Additionally, the novel Thrawn explores his involvement with the Galactic Empire after his enrollment.

Continuing his story, Thrawn plays a pivotal role in the animated series Star Wars Rebels. Here, he engages in battles with the Rebellion, encounters the Ghost crew on multiple occasions, and greatly influences the events leading to the finale of the series. Notably, his defeat and subsequent disappearance coincide with the disappearance of Ezra.

Starting with Ahsoka, Grand Admiral Thrawn emerges as the next main antagonist in the Star Wars universe. He has been extensively featured in the wider canon since his original introduction. Interestingly, Thrawn was initially a character from the Legends category. He made his first appearance in Timothy Zahn's novel, Heir to the Empire, where he served as the antagonist during the New Republic era in the 1990s, continuing the storyline from Lucas' original trilogy. However, when Disney acquired Lucasfilm, Zahn's series and Thrawn were deemed Legends, which meant they were considered non-canon within the Star Wars universe.

Despite this, the character of Thrawn persisted. In the third season premiere of Star Wars Rebels, Grand Admiral Thrawn was reintroduced into the canon. Throughout the final two seasons of Rebels, this Chiss Imperial became the primary villain, and his backstory was further explored through other stories to solidify his place in the canon. It is important to note that all these appearances occur chronologically before Thrawn's anticipated appearance in the upcoming Ahsoka show.

22 Thrawn Ascendancy: Chaos Rising

21 Thrawn Ascendancy: Greater Good

The first appearance of Thrawn in the Star Wars canon takes place in the novel Thrawn Ascendancy: Chaos Rising. This book is set in 19 BBY and primarily unfolds in the Outer Rim on Csilla, the homeworld of the Chiss. Through this story, we witness Thrawn's journey and his rise within the Chiss Ascendancy, the governing organization of his people. Authored by Timothy Zahn, who previously wrote the Thrawn Star Wars Legends series, this book marks the beginning of a trilogy that chronicles Thrawn's ascent to becoming the Grand Admiral of the Empire.

Thrawn Ascendancy: Greater Good serves as the second installment in the Ascendancy series and serves as a sequel to Chaos Rising. Building upon the events of its predecessor, this book further showcases Thrawn's exceptional military skills and his rise within the ranks of the Chiss Ascendancy. Similar to the first book, Greater Good delves into Thrawn's ongoing battle against a mysterious threat that jeopardizes the very existence of the Chiss society.

20 Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil

19 Thrawn

The concluding book of Timothy Zahn's Ascendancy Trilogy, Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil, depicts Thrawn's relentless battle to ensure the future of the Chiss Ascendancy. The narrative delves into Thrawn's unearthing of long-held secrets held by the influential Nine Ruling Families of Chiss, which pose an imminent threat to his people's well-being and stability. Serving as the culmination of the Ascendancy saga, Lesser Evil also delves into Thrawn's banishment from the Chiss Ascendancy, subsequently leading to his establishment of a notable political and military career within the formidable Galactic Empire.

Thrawn made his next appearance in the Star Wars canon in a book titled Thrawn, which was actually released earlier than the Ascendancy Trilogy despite being set later in the Star Wars timeline. Authored by Timothy Zahn once again, the book follows Thrawn's journey as he joins the Galactic Empire and chronicles his ascent to power within the organization, mirroring the way the Ascendancy series showcased the rise of the Chiss Ascendancy. The novel concludes just prior to the events of season 3 of Star Wars Rebels in the overall Star Wars timeline.

18 Rebels Season 3, Episode 1 - "Steps Into Shadow"

The initial appearance of Thrawn in the Star Wars canon is actually the fifth in chronological order. This occurs in the first episode of season 3 of Star Wars Rebels, titled "Steps Into Shadow." Taking place shortly after Thrawn's recent promotion to Grand Admiral within the Chiss Imperial forces, the episode follows his assignment to confront the escalating Rebellion threat in the galaxy. It is during Rebels' season 3 premiere that Thrawn first encounters the Ghost crew.

17 Rebels Season 3, Episode 5 - "Hera's Heroes"

Thrawn made his next appearance in Star Wars Rebels during season 3, episode 5 titled "Hera's Heroes." In this particular episode, Thrawn devises a plan to ensnare Hera Syndulla and the Ghost crew by transforming her ancestral home, Ryloth, into an Imperial stronghold. He seizes Hera's precious Syndulla family heirloom, known as kalikori, as bait. Nevertheless, Hera's resourcefulness outwits Thrawn, leaving a lasting impression on the Grand Admiral, who ultimately grants her the opportunity to flee.

16 Rebels Season 3, Episode 8 - "Iron Squadron"

Star Wars Rebels season 3, episode 8 is titled "Iron Squadron" and showcases the efforts of the Ghost crew as they strive to recruit a skilled pilot named Mart, who is part of the eponymous squadron. In this episode, Thrawn makes a brief appearance, as he devises a plan to ambush Iron Squadron and the members of the Ghost crew who accompany them. Despite the challenging situation, the crew narrowly escapes once again, setting the stage for Thrawn's forthcoming reappearance.

15 Rebels Season 3, Episode 10 - "An Inside Man"

In season 3, episode 10 of Star Wars Rebels, titled "Inside Man," yet another clash takes place between Grand Admiral Thrawn and the crew. During their inspection of an Imperial factory situated on Lothal, the Ghost crew unexpectedly encounters Thrawn again. It is revealed that he is utilizing the factory to construct a new version of the formidable TIE Fighter known as the TIE Defender. Imperial Agent Kallus, who covertly supports the Rebellion, assists the Ghost crew in their escape, ensuring their acquisition of crucial intelligence about Thrawn's Defender project. Recognizing the presence of a spy within their ranks, Thrawn deduces that the Rebels could not have obtained this knowledge unaided. Thus, he vows to leverage the spy's allegiance against the Empire's adversaries.

14 Rebels Season 3, Episode 14 - "Warhead"

Thrawn's subsequent appearance in Star Wars Rebels is once again limited. During the 14th episode of season 3, titled "Warhead," Thrawn dispatches probe droids across the galaxy in search of the Rebel base. However, his plans are thwarted when Zeb, Chopper, and AP-5 destroy the droids. Nevertheless, Thrawn is able to narrow down his search for the Ghost crew's homebase. Although the other droids report back safely, the destruction of the warhead alerts Thrawn to some Rebel activity in the vicinity of Chopper Base, bringing him one step closer to achieving his goal of locating the Rebels.

13 Rebels Season 3, Episode 17 - "Through Imperial Eyes"

Thrawn reappears chronologically in Star Wars Rebels season 3, episode 17, titled "Through Imperial Eyes." During this episode, Thrawn boards Agent Kallus' ship with the intention of identifying the spy within the Imperial ranks. Meanwhile, Ezra, Chopper, and AP-5 arrive to rescue Kallus after the Empire intercepted his recent transmission. Eventually, Kallus shifts the blame onto another Imperial, providing an opportunity for the Rebels to escape. They also manage to erase their home base planet, Attolon, from Thrawn's computer. However, the episode concludes with Thrawn exposing Kallus as the spy and recognizing the potential benefit of using him to serve the Empire's interests.

12 Rebels Season 3, Episode 18 - "Secret Cargo"

11 Rebels season 3, Episodes 21 & 22 - "Zero Hour"

In episode 18 of season 3 of Star Wars Rebels titled "Secret Cargo," the Ghost crew rescues Mon Mothma from the clutches of the Empire as she bravely condemns the Emperor. The Rebels find themselves entangled in a gripping space battle against Thrawn, who puts his prototype TIE Defender to the test. Their daring escape only becomes possible when they trigger an explosion in a nearby nebula, ultimately leading Thrawn to make his next significant appearance in the finale of Star Wars Rebels' season 3.

"Zero Hour" concludes Star Wars Rebels season 3 by showcasing Thrawn's astute capture of Kallus just as the latter reaches out to the Rebel alliance. Thrawn tenaciously traces Kallus' signal to Attolon and launches a full-scale assault on the Rebel base. Utilizing two Interdictor Cruisers, Thrawn effectively blocks any potential escape route through space, forcing the Rebels into a vulnerable position. However, the combined efforts of Sabine Wren, the Mandalorians, and the enigmatic, impartial Bendu rescue the Rebels, enabling their safe retreat. Before vanishing, the Bendu solemnly warns Thrawn of his premonition, foreseeing the eventual downfall of the Imperial Grand Admiral.

10 Thrawn: Alliances

9 Rebels Season 4, Episode 6 - "Flight Of The Defender"

The novel Thrawn: Alliances, written by Timothy Zahn, serves as a sequel to the 2017 Thrawn novel. Set in the interim between Star Wars Rebels seasons 3 and 4, it diverges from the plot of the animated series. The story follows Thrawn, who is sent to Batuu in collaboration with Darth Vader, to investigate a growing threat to the Empire. Despite their constant struggle for the Emperor's approval, the book concludes with Vader and Thrawn begrudgingly gaining respect for each other.

Thrawn's next appearance in the Star Wars timeline occurs in Star Wars Rebels season 4, episode 6 titled "Flight of the Defender." During this episode, Sabine and Ezra secretly infiltrate the testing grounds on Lothal, where the TIE Defender is being evaluated. To everyone's surprise, Thrawn himself makes an unexpected appearance to personally oversee the demonstration. As the episode concludes, Thrawn realizes the astonishing capabilities of the Defender when Ezra, a relatively inexperienced pilot, uses the ship to defeat three highly-skilled Imperial pilots.

8 Rebels Season 4, Episode 7 - "Kindred"

7 Rebels Season 4, Episode 9 - "Rebel Assault"

: In the Star Wars Rebels season 4, episode 7, titled "Kindred," a notable character named Rukh is introduced. Rukh is renowned for his roles as Thrawn's dedicated bodyguard and skilled assassin in Thrawn's Legends stories. However, it is in this specific episode that Rukh makes his first appearance within the Star Wars canon. Tasked by Thrawn, Rukh is sent on a mission to retrieve the hyperdrive from the stolen TIE Defender, which was previously seized by the Rebels. Unfortunately, Rukh's attempt ends in failure as he is defeated by the Rebels.

In the thrilling mid-season finale of Star Wars Rebels season 4, episode 9, titled "Rebel Assault," the Rebels launch a daring attack on Lothal. Their objective? None other than the complete annihilation of Thrawn's factory and his notorious TIE Defender project. However, their hopes are quickly dashed as Thrawn himself takes charge of the defense, obliterating the courageous Rebel force without mercy. Only Hera, Chopper, and Mart from Iron Squadron manage to escape the devastating onslaught. In a shocking twist, the episode concludes with Thrawn successfully capturing Hera and subjecting her to intense interrogation, his ultimate aim being to extract vital information regarding the whereabouts of the Rebellion's larger fleet.

6 Rebels Season 4, Episode 10 - "Jedi Night"

5 Thrawn: Treason

The 10th episode of season 4 of Star Wars Rebels, titled "Jedi Knight," marks the return after the mid-season break. In this episode, we see Hera being incapacitated by Thrawn, the Chiss Imperial. Thrawn attempts to extract information about the Rebellion fleet's whereabouts from Hera through interrogation. However, Hera resists Thrawn's relentless questioning. Interestingly, Thrawn reveals his admiration for Hera's culture by admitting to collecting her kalikori from season 3 of Star Wars Rebels.

Furthermore, as the episode progresses, Thrawn is summoned to Coruscant, the capital planet, where he engages in a debate with the Emperor. The topic of discussion revolves around Thrawn's TIE Defender project, which he defends as being more valuable than Director Krennic's Stardust project, also known as the Death Star from Rogue One.

5 Thrawn: Treason

Thrawn: Treason, the final installment of Zahn's Thrawn trilogy in the official Star Wars canon, takes place after the events of "Jedi Night" and Thrawn's relocation to Coruscant. The book delves into his justifications for supporting his TIE Defender initiative over Director Krennic's construction of the Death Star, all while emphasizing Thrawn's unwavering allegiance to the Chiss Ascendancy despite his exile. Thrawn confronts the Grysk, an imminent threat from the uncharted territories of the Unknown Regions that he believes will eventually pose a danger to the Empire. As the story concludes, Krennic's Project Stardust secures complete funding, while Thrawn is dispatched to combat the Rebel forces on Lothal. However, before departing, the Emperor cautions Thrawn about the potential conflict between his loyalty to the Chiss and his duty towards the Empire.

4 Rebels Season 4, Episode 11 - "DUME"

"DUME" takes place after the Thrawn: Treason book. Thrawn's only appearance in the episode is in hologram form. Governor Pryce informs him about the Lothal situation, attempting to hide her destruction of the TIE Defender's fuel supply from the events of "Jedi Night." She claims that the explosion led to the death of Kanan Jarrus, resulting in victory for the Empire. Thrawn, however, realizes that Pryce's actions have completely halted his project. He is furious that the death of Kanan alone cannot justify this and vows to address the issue with Pryce when he returns to Lothal.

3 Rebels Season 4, Episodes 15 & 16 - "Family Reunion - and Farewell"

Thrawn's war against the Ghost crew reached its climax in the ultimate episode of Star Wars Rebels. When Thrawn returns to Lothal, he discovers that the Rebel forces have taken control of the Imperial Dome. Ezra, the leader of the Rebels, demands that Thrawn leave Lothal immediately, threatening to detonate the Dome and annihilate all the Imperial troops within it. In response, Thrawn launches an assault on the innocent civilians of Lothal, knowing that they are now trapped inside the Dome for protection. This forces Ezra to surrender, but he manages to escape Emperor Palpatine and confront Thrawn, who is still relentlessly bombarding the city.

At Ezra's command, a group of Purgill suddenly emerges. The space whales swiftly envelop Thrawn with their tentacles, dragging him into hyperpsace. This marks the end of Thrawn's control over Lothal and ultimately fulfills Bendu's prophecy of his downfall. While trying to keep Thrawn tangled using the Force, Ezra himself becomes stranded in the Unknown Regions alongside the enemy commander.