The Risk of Continuity Issues in the Modern Star Wars Canon

The Return of Grand Admiral Thrawn

Grand Admiral Thrawn's return to the modern Star Wars canon timeline has fans and critics alike concerned about the potential for major continuity issues. Thrawn, known for his tactical genius and leadership, poses a significant threat to the Rebellion and the New Republic. Despite lacking Force powers, Thrawn's reintroduction in Ahsoka hints at a larger role in upcoming Star Wars properties, raising questions about the impact on the already troubled timeline.

Lars Mikkelsen as Grand Admiral Thrawn in Ahsoka

Originally from the Star Wars Legends timeline, Thrawn's reintroduction risks exacerbating the continuity problems that have plagued the modern Star Wars canon. The Legends timeline, though niche, maintained a tidier continuity and used retcons to resolve inconsistencies. In contrast, the modern canon has faced frequent overwrites and continuity issues, with Thrawn's return potentially contributing to this problematic trend.

Thrawn holding the Kalikori from Star Wars Rebels Season 3, Episode 1

The Time of Peace and the Emergence of the First Order

In the modern Star Wars canon, the Galactic Civil War came to an end with the signing of the Galactic Concordance roughly a year after Return of the Jedi. This marked a period of relative peace in the galaxy for approximately 30 years. However, the emergence of the First Order, a military junta of surviving Imperials, and their gradual violation of the Galactic Concordance led to the formation of the Resistance and eventually reignited conflict.

The Battle of Jakku in Star Wars: Battlefront.

The rise of the First Order and the Resistance's efforts to counter it can be traced back to Claudia Gray's 2016 novel Bloodline. The gradual emergence of the First Order and its impact on the established peace between the original and sequel trilogies set the stage for the conflict that followed, shedding light on the political landscape and the events leading up to the resurgence of war in the modern Star Wars canon.

Thrawn being wrapped up by Purgill in Star Wars Rebels Season 4 Finale

The Potential Impact of Thrawn's Return

The reintroduction of Grand Admiral Thrawn in Ahsoka and the upcoming Star Wars properties raises concerns about the potential for continuity contradictions. Thrawn's reemergence hints at a new conflict with the New Republic and the possibility of reigniting the Empire, posing a challenge to the established timeline. The temptation to elevate Thrawn to a galaxy-threatening menace in the modern canon presents a significant risk of continuity problems, echoing the challenges faced by previous Star Wars properties in maintaining a coherent timeline.

Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) commanding from his ship in the finale of Ahsoka season 1

To avoid further continuity issues, Thrawn's role in the modern Star Wars canon would need to be carefully balanced to ensure consistency and coherence. The impact of Thrawn's attempt to rebuild the Empire and his conflict with the New Republic would require creative and meticulous handling to preserve the continuity of the timeline, presenting a unique challenge for upcoming Star Wars properties.

Closeup of Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) in Ahsoka