The Epic Rise and Mysterious Fate of Thrawn in Star Wars Legends

Grand Admiral Thrawn is making a highly anticipated return to the Star Wars universe in the upcoming Ahsoka series, titled "Heir to the Empire." This title serves as a thrilling nod to Thrawn's initial introduction in the now non-canonical Legends novels. However, Lucasfilm and Dave Filoni, the showrunner for Ahsoka, are incorporating significant influences from the books and adapting them into the official Star Wars canon. To fully grasp the significance of this, it is crucial to understand Thrawn's journey in both Legends and the existing canon before his reappearance as "Heir to the Empire."

In the Ahsoka trailer, Rosario Dawson's Ahsoka, the exiled Jedi, reveals that she has been searching for Thrawn, portrayed by Lars Mikkelsen. Ahsoka mentions rumors referring to Thrawn as the "Heir to the Empire." This phrase alludes to the original novel of the same name by Timothy Zahn, published in 1991. This book initiated a trilogy that explored Thrawn's endeavors following the events of the original trilogy, establishing him as a central figure in the Star Wars universe. Understanding the significance of this title and knowing what transpired with Thrawn in both Legends and the official canon is paramount.

Who Is The Heir To The Empire? Thrawn, Leia & Joruus C’baoth

In the Legends universe, three characters were contenders for the title of "Heir to the Empire". One was Joruss C'baoth, a Dark Jedi clone created by Emperor Palpatine to safeguard his secret cloning facilities in Mount Tantiss. After Palpatine's demise in Return of the Jedi, C'baoth aimed to train Force-sensitives in the dark side, with the intention of becoming a powerful successor to Palpatine. Another contender was Leia Organa, who, as the daughter of Darth Vader, held significant importance in the Thrawn trilogy. Her encounter with the Noghri, a race long enslaved by her father, would deeply impact the story.

However, it is widely regarded that Grand Admiral Thrawn is the true "Heir to the Empire" in the trilogy. Having returned to the Star Wars galaxy to find Vader and Palpatine dead and their Empire in ruins due to the Rebellion's efforts, Thrawn patiently bided his time. With the goal of restoring the Empire under his sole leadership, he assumed control of the majority of active Imperial warships during the era of the New Republic.

What Happens In Heir To The Empire In Star Wars Legends

The Thrawn Trilogy, consisting of Zahn's Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, and The Last Command, chronicles the exploits of Grand Admiral Thrawn. Following his absence during the Battle of Endor, Thrawn quickly rallies the remaining Imperial Remnant under one united banner, determined to rectify the mistakes of his fellow officers. With the assistance of Joruss C'baoth and a newly formed Imperial Fleet, Thrawn initiates an extensive campaign against the New Republic, waging war to restore the Empire.

Alongside Thrawn's efforts, notable events unfold during the trilogy. Han Solo and Leia give birth to twins named Jacen and Jaina, who become targets for C'baoth, who plans to train them in the dark side alongside their uncle, Luke Skywalker. Luke, confronting the threat of Dark Jedi and a clone of himself created by C'baoth named Luuke, utilizes the Lost-hand Skywalker, lost during The Empire Strikes Back. The introduction of Imperial assassin Mara Jade in Heir to the Empire is also significant, as she plays a pivotal role and develops a relationship with Luke by the conclusion of the trilogy.

What Happens To Thrawn In Star Wars Legends & Canon

Renowned for his strategic brilliance in the Legends universe, Thrawn achieved numerous significant victories against the New Republic. Alongside his alliance with the unpredictable Joruus C'baoth, Thrawn managed to keep iconic heroes like Luke Skywalker occupied. However, his ultimate downfall came through a combination of ill fortune, unexpected allies supporting the New Republic, and a shocking act of betrayal from his most trusted Noghri bodyguard, Rukh. During the events of "The Last Command," Rukh delivered a fatal blow to Thrawn as an act of revenge for the Empire's undisclosed betrayal of his people, which Princess Leia had revealed. Similar to how the deaths of Palpatine and Vader led to the Empire's collapse, Thrawn's demise marked the end of his campaign and the subsequent disintegration of the revitalized Empire he sought to restore.

In recognition of his enduring popularity, Thrawn was reintroduced into the new Star Wars canon established by Disney, thanks to Filoni and his animated series "Star Wars Rebels." Additionally, author Zahn wrote a series of canonical books that delve into Thrawn's origins prior to the establishment of the Empire and chronicle his ascent through its ranks. This revamped version of Thrawn, untouched by the events of the Battle of Endor, disappeared into the Unknown Regions before the original trilogy's conclusion and resurfaced several years following the events of "Return of the Jedi." Presently, Thrawn has emerged once again with his esteemed title as the "Heir to the Empire," and indications suggest that Filoni will incorporate various aspects from the Legends storyline for Thrawn's live-action debut.

How Ahsoka & The Mandalorian Movie Are Adapting Heir To The Empire

The canonical and non-canonical journeys of Grand Admiral Thrawn have significant differences, but the core essence of the character and future story developments will likely remain consistent. Thrawn, being aware of an impending threat in the Unknown Regions, believed that the Empire had the best chance of withstanding it. This led to his recruitment by the Empire and his favor with Palpatine. Currently, the Grand Admiral is focused on reuniting and rebuilding the shattered Empire, as hinted in The Mandalorian season 2, with further teases of Thrawn to come in The Mandalorian season 3 and its final episodes.

Furthermore, the villains featured in the first Ahsoka trailer may potentially be Dark Jedi, similar to C'baoth, who is known to be allied with Thrawn. Additionally, there are ships shown in the trailer that could be part of Thrawn's Katana fleet from the Legends storyline. The introduction of Mount Tantiss and Palpatine's cloning facilities in The Bad Batch also suggests that a revised and canonized version of Heir to the Empire is being established to align with the existing canon. Consequently, it would not be surprising if Dave Filoni's upcoming Star Wars film, which brings together all the Mandoverse shows, is indeed titled Heir to the Empire, serving as the ultimate confrontation with Grand Admiral Thrawn.