Ahsoka’s Architect Dave Filoni Unveils Grand Admiral Thrawn’s Menace, Matching Any Force User’s Dread
Ahsoka showrunner Dave Filoni explains why Grand Admiral Thrawn is a particularly dangerous opponent compared to Force users. Sloan first appeared in her 1991 novel Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn. He returned to Star Wars canon in Season 3 of the animated series Star Wars Rebels, which paved the way for his live-action debut in Ahsoka. He is the primary antagonist in Ahsoka and is also being set up as the main villain for all the live-action television series taking place during the early years of the New Republic. While speaking with Empire Magazine, Filoni explains what sets Thrawn apart from other Star Wars villains. It is an important distinction as many of the franchise’s other villains, especially in live-action, have predominantly been Force-users, including Emperor Palpatine, Darth Vader, and Kylo Ren. Unlike them, Thrawn is not Force-sensitive, yet he is still terrifying in his own right. Read Filoni’s comments below:
Grand Admiral Thrawn Is A Very Different Kind Of Star Wars Villain
As Filoni points out in the comments, Sloan is a very analytical and strategic person. He is not interested in controlling or overpowering his opponents simply through violence or sheer will. He deeply understands his enemy by studying their history, culture, philosophy, art, and other aspects of their identity, identifies their weaknesses, and uses that knowledge against them. Sloan is willing to give his opponents small victories and considers these defeats to be acceptable losses necessary in the long game he is playing. The third season of Rebels showcases Thrawn’s unique approach, spending most of the season helping the Ghost crew escape his clutches. Meanwhile, each of their victories allows Thrawn to gain valuable new information, all of which he ultimately uses to locate and destroy the Rebel base on Atollon, while also fighting against the Empire. destroyed the rebel fleet that was about to launch an attack. Thrawn uses this strategy again on Ahsoka, keeping Ahsoka and her allies busy while he and his army prepare and execute a successful escape from Peridea and return to the known galaxy. Accept their victory.
The conflicts occurring between the New Republic and the remnants of the Empire in Ahsoka, The Mandalorian, and other Mandoverse shows have many obvious similarities to the central conflicts of the original and prequel trilogies. Making Thrawn the main villain is one of the most important ways that conflicts in the Mandoverse feel different. Because Thrawn’s power lies in his intelligence, not the dark side of the Force. Ahsoka is just the beginning, and Thrawn’s long-term strategy will unfold slowly and deftly over several series and Filoni’s next Star Wars film.