Grand Admiral Thrawnwill return to wage war against the New Republic, but an intriguingAhsokatheory hints that he may have found a greater enemy while exiled on Peridea. Following his 1991 debut in the pages of Timothy Zahn’sStar Wars: Heir to the Empire, Thrawn became one of the most popular characters in the originalStar WarsExpanded Universe, now known as Legends. He returned to the officialStar Warscanon inStar Wars Rebelsseason 3, and after disappearing with Ezra Bridger in the series finale, fans were thrilled by his live-action debut inAhsokaseason 1.
Because theThrawntrilogy andStar Wars Rebelsfocus on Thrawn fighting the New Republic and the Rebellion respectively, it seems logical that he would follow suit when he next appears onscreen. However, whileAhsokaseason 1 set this up, it also dropped several hints that there may be more for viewers to expect.A lot is still unknown about Thrawn’s time in exile in the other galaxy, but there’s likely another threat to theStar Warsuniverse on the horizon. This hidden enemy could be even worse for the New Republic, or they could be Thrawn’s undoing instead.
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Ahsoka Hinted Thrawn Found Enemies In Another Galaxy
He was in a big hurry to leave
Ahsokaseason 1 hinted at a threat greater than Grand Admiral Thrawn on Peridea, and it would make sense it was an enemy of his. When Morgan Elsbeth and the others arrived on Peridea, Thrawn was nowhere to be seen, even though he had been expecting them for some time. Considering how important escape would be for Thrawn, it seems odd that he would take his time showing up.
However, Thrawn’s absence makes more sense if an enemy were drawing him away or keeping him away.Baylan Skoll was drawn to Peridea because he felt a dark power calling to him, and he suspected the Nightsister may have felt it too, which was why they and Thrawn were desperate to leave. Thrawn may have chosen to stay off the planet as long as possible so they could leave Peridea quickly and not risk destruction. Of course, a galaxy is a big place, so Thrawn could have been in the middle of fighting another enemy off-planet before his allies arrived.
Will Thrawn’s Enemies Be Ahsoka’s As Well… Or Will They Be Allies?
The enemy of my enemy is my friend?
If Thrawn did make enemies in the other galaxy, then the only remaining question is whether they’re Ahsoka’s enemies too. This mystery depends on whether the enemy Thrawn is running from is the dark power on Peridea or another alien race from somewhere else.Whatever darkness called Baylan Skoll to Peridea cannot possibly be Ahsoka’s ally, unless Baylan misunderstood what he was sensing. If Thrawn was fighting another enemy, then there’s a good chance his forces did something to provoke them, meaning they could side with Ahsoka.
If this unknown enemy fights the Imperial Remnant and the New Republic, then it would be a war between three sides instead of two, which doesn’t happen as often inStar Wars.
However, making Thrawn’s enemies Ahsoka’s enemies presents a fascinating opportunity for the story. If this unknown enemy fights the Imperial Remnant and the New Republic, then it would be a war between three sides instead of two, which doesn’t happen as often inStar Wars.It could also force Thrawn and the New Republic to join forces against a common foe, similar to how the New Republic teamed up with the Imperial Remnant to stop the Yuuzhan Vong in Legends.
Thrawn’s Enemies Could Be Just What The New Republic Needs
The New Republic can’t defeat Thrawn alone
Considering the state of the New Republic inAhsokaandThe Mandalorian, Thrawn’s enemies could be the key to defeating him. The Mandoverse shows have demonstrated the fragile state of the New Republic as it awkwardly transitions back to democracy following a generation of tyranny. Many in the Outer Rim worlds consider the New Republic a joke for failing to maintain order, while others wouldn’t want to bow to New Republic bureaucracy anyway. Senators like Hamato Xiono will do anything to prevent another war, even if it means ignoring the threat of the Imperial Remnant.
The Rebellion also needed the help of the Mandalorians just to escape from Thrawn in theStar Wars Rebelsseason 3 finale.
With the New Republic facing these problems, its leaders will need all the help they can get to stop Thrawn. This has proven true in most of Thrawn’s stories, from the purrgil destroying Thrawn’s fleet at the Battle of Lothol to the Noghri turning against him in theThrawntrilogy. Having the New Republic foster peace with people from another galaxy would also open up more possibilities for futureStar Warsstories, but fans will have to wait untilAhsokaseason 2or Dave Filoni’s film to know for sure.
Ahsoka
Cast
Ahsoka follows the journey of former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. Released in 2023, this series takes place within the Star Wars universe and features Ahsoka navigating through a complex political and cosmic landscape.
