Editing Grand Admiral Thrawn

{{Use American English|date=June 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{short description|Star Wars character}}
{{For|book titles related to this character|Thrawn (disambiguation){{!}}Thrawn}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox character
| name        = {{ubl|Mitth'raw'nuruodo|Grand Admiral Thrawn}}
| series      = [[Star Wars]]
| image       = Grand Admiral Thrawn.png
| caption     = Thrawn from the ''[[Star Wars Miniatures]]'' game ''Imperial Entanglements'' expansion pack packaging (2009)
| first       = ''[[Heir to the Empire]]'' (1991)
| creator     = [[Timothy Zahn]]
| portrayer   = [[Lars Mikkelsen]] (''[[Ahsoka (TV series)|Ahsoka]]'')
| voice       = {{plainlist|
* Tris King (''[[Star Wars: TIE Fighter|TIE Fighter]]'')
* Tim Russell (''Dark Forces: Soldier for the Empire'', audio drama)
* [[Robin Atkin Downes]] (''[[Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of Corruption|Empire at War: Forces of Corruption]]'')
* Lars Mikkelsen (''[[Star Wars Rebels|Rebels]]'', ''[[Tales of the Empire]]'')}}
| full_name   = {{ubl|Mitth'raw'nuruodo|Kivu'raw'nuru (birth name)<ref name="ChaosRising"/>}}
| nickname    = {{ubl|Thrawn|Vurawn<ref name="ChaosRising">{{cite book |last1=Zahn |first1=Timothy |title=[[Thrawn Ascendancy: Chaos Rising]] |date=2020 |publisher=Penguin Random House |location=New York |isbn=978-0593157688 |edition=First}}</ref>}}
| species     = [[Chiss]]
| gender      = Male
| title       = {{ubl|[[Grand Admiral]] of the Imperial Navy|Agent of the Chiss Ascendancy|Senior Captain<ref name="LesserEvil">{{cite book |last1=Zahn |first1=Timothy |title=[[Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil]]|date=2021 |publisher=Penguin Random House |location=New York |isbn=978-0593158326 |edition=First}}</ref>}}
| occupation  = {{ubl|Grand Admiral|Admiral|Commodore|Commander of the Seventh Fleet}}
| affiliation = {{ubl|Chiss Ascendancy|[[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Galactic Empire]]|Shadow Council|Empire of the Hand (''Legends'')}}
| relatives   = Mitth'ras'safis "Thrass" (brother)<br>Cohbo'rik'ardok (sister)<ref name="LesserEvil" />
| lbl21       = Homeworld
| data21      = {{ubl|Rentor (Canon)<ref name="ChaosRising" />|[[Csilla (Star Wars)|Csilla]] (''Legends'')}}
}}
'''Grand Admiral Thrawn''' (full name: '''Mitth'raw'nuruodo'''; born: '''Kivu'raw'nuru'''<ref name="ChaosRising"/>) is a fictional character in the ''[[Star Wars]]'' franchise. He first appeared in what came to be known as the [[Thrawn trilogy|''Thrawn'' trilogy]] of novels (1991–1993) by [[Timothy Zahn]]. An Imperial military leader and a member of the [[Chiss]] race, Thrawn leads remnants of the scattered [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Galactic Empire]] in the aftermath of its fall.

In the ''Thrawn'' trilogy, Thrawn returns from the unknown and leads Imperial remnants in a campaign against the [[New Republic (Star Wars)|New Republic]], facing off against classic ''Star Wars'' characters [[Luke Skywalker]], [[Princess Leia]], [[Han Solo]], [[Chewbacca]], and [[Lando Calrissian]], before seemingly being resurrected in the [[#The Hand of Thrawn duology (1997–1998)|''Hand of Thrawn'' duology]] (1997–1998), with his backstory explored in various other novels, short stories, comics, and video games in the [[Star Wars expanded to other media|''Star Wars'' expanded universe]]. In 2014, these stories were rebranded as ''[[Star Wars Legends]]'' by [[Lucasfilm]] and rendered non-[[Star Wars canon|canon]].

Thrawn reentered official canon in the [[3D animated]] TV series ''[[Star Wars Rebels]]'' from 2016 to 2018, voiced by [[Lars Mikkelsen]]. Zahn published a new [[Star Wars: Thrawn|''Thrawn'' trilogy]] (2017–2019) and then the ''[[Thrawn Ascendancy]]'' trilogy (2020–2021), reinventing Thrawn as an [[anti-villain]] and [[double agent]] who infiltrates the Empire's ranks on behalf of his own people and the galactic government of the Unknown Regions, the [[Chiss Ascendancy]]. He intends to use Imperial resources to engage in open warfare with the extragalactic fanatics, the [[Grysk]], before they can invade the galaxy, in the meantime opposing the [[Rebel Alliance]] on [[Palpatine]]'s behalf before being forcibly sent to another galaxy by and alongside [[Ezra Bridger]]. Thrawn made his live-action debut in the [[Disney+]] series ''[[Ahsoka (TV series)|Ahsoka]]'' (2023), with Mikkelsen reprising his role. Mikkelsen later reprised the voice role in the animated anthology series ''[[Tales of the Empire]]'' (2024).

Thrawn has been called one of the most significant and popular characters in the ''Legends'' continuity.<!-- Sourced in the Reception section, we [[WP:LEADCITE]] --> Several [[Star Wars action figures|''Star Wars'' action figures]] and other merchandise have been produced of the character.
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==Character==
Thrawn first appeared in the 1991 [[Timothy Zahn]] novel ''Heir to the Empire'', the first installment of what became known as the first ''Thrawn'' trilogy.<ref name="SW Heir">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/heir-to-the-empire-critical-reaction |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714065516/http://www.starwars.com/news/heir-to-the-empire-critical-reaction |title=Critical Opinion: ''Heir to the Empire'' Reviews |website=[[StarWars.com]] |date=April 4, 2014 |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |access-date=December 14, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SR 2017">{{cite web|url=http://screenrant.com/star-wars-thrawn-novel-synopsis-cover-zahn/|title=''Star Wars: Thrawn'' Novel Synopsis – Grand Admiral's Rise to Power|date=January 21, 2017|first=Corey|last=Hoffmeyer|work=[[Screen Rant]]|access-date=March 4, 2017|archive-date=February 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225160434/http://screenrant.com/star-wars-thrawn-novel-synopsis-cover-zahn/|url-status=live}}</ref> He is a [[Grand Admiral]] in the [[Imperial Navy (Star Wars)|Imperial Navy]],<ref name="EW Rebels">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.ew.com/article/2016/07/16/star-wars-rebels-resurrects-grand-admiral-thrawn |title=''Star Wars Rebels'' resurrects Grand Admiral Thrawn |first=Anthony |last=Breznican |author-link=Anthony Breznican |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=July 16, 2016 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |archive-date=July 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717161011/http://www.ew.com/article/2016/07/16/star-wars-rebels-resurrects-grand-admiral-thrawn |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="UT Rebels">{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2016/07/16/thrawn-star-wars-rebels-celebration/87180842/ |title=Thrawn to make grand appearance in ''Star Wars Rebels'' |work=[[USA Today]] |first=Brian |last=Truitt |date=July 16, 2016 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |archive-date=July 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716183003/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2016/07/16/thrawn-star-wars-rebels-celebration/87180842/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and categorically "the most brilliant of the Emperor's minions".<ref name="PW Dark Force Rising">{{cite web |url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-553-08574-7 |title=Fiction Book Review: ''Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy: Dark Force Rising'' |work=[[Publishers Weekly]] |access-date=July 21, 2016 |archive-date=September 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917023416/http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-553-08574-7 |url-status=live }}</ref> A member of the alien [[Chiss]] species, native language Cheunh,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Fandom Spotlite |date=February 25, 2022 |title=Timothy Zahn On THRAWN & ELI CANTO - Farpoint 2022 Interview |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un3lpw8x9tk |access-date=March 16, 2022 |website=YouTube |archive-date=March 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316222448/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un3lpw8x9tk |url-status=live }}</ref> Thrawn is described as a tall, solidly built humanoid with blue skin and glowing red eyes who wears the white uniform befitting his rank.<ref name="EW Rebels"/><ref name="UT Rebels"/> He has risen in power thanks to his "tactical brilliance and cunning", and has been described as "one of the most threatening antagonists" in the ''Star Wars'' universe.<ref name="Tor 2016-07">{{cite web |url=http://www.tor.com/2016/07/18/grand-admiral-thrawn-will-be-reintroduced-to-star-wars-canon-through-rebels-new-zhan-book/ |title=Grand Admiral Thrawn Will Be Reintroduced to ''Star Wars'' Canon Through ''Rebels'', New Zahn Book |work=[[Tor.com]] |first=Emmet |last=Asher-Perrin |date=July 18, 2016 |access-date=August 28, 2016 |archive-date=September 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917183117/http://www.tor.com/2016/07/18/grand-admiral-thrawn-will-be-reintroduced-to-star-wars-canon-through-rebels-new-zhan-book/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He is an unparalleled military strategist and tactical genius who has made extensive study of military intelligence and the artwork of other cultures, and the ''Thrawn'' trilogy finds him commanding the remnants of the Imperial Fleet in a series of stunning victories against the [[New Republic (Star Wars)|New Republic]].<ref name="Hansen-Raj">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/who-is-thrawn |title=Who Is Thrawn? |website=StarWars.com |first=Linda |last=Hansen-Raj |date=August 2, 2016 |access-date=March 17, 2017 |archive-date=January 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125223329/https://www.starwars.com/news/who-is-thrawn |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Databank">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/databank/character/grandadmiralthrawn/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604033408/http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/grandadmiralthrawn/index.html |title=Grand Admiral Thrawn |website=StarWars.com |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> His full name was given as Mitth'raw'nuruodo.

''[[IGN]]'' described the character as "diabolical, brilliant and ruthless".<ref name="IGN 2008">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/01/18/star-wars-top-10-characters-for-tv?page=3 |title=''Star Wars'': Top 10 Characters For TV |date=January 18, 2008 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=July 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322225902/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/01/18/star-wars-top-10-characters-for-tv?page=3 |archive-date=March 22, 2016}}</ref> Zahn describes Thrawn's command style as considerably different from that of [[Darth Vader]] and other typical Imperial commanders; instead of punishing failure and dissent, Thrawn promotes creativity among his crew and accepts ideas from subordinates.<ref name="Hansen-Raj"/> Zahn said in 2017:

{{blockquote|Most of the Imperial leaders we see in the movies rule through a combination of fear and manipulation. I wanted to create something different: a commander who could lead through loyalty. The result was Thrawn, a tactical genius whose troops follow him willingly, and who will fight for him whether or not he's watching over their shoulders.<ref name="USA excerpt">{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2017/03/02/star-wars-thrawn-book-exclusive-excerpt/98518860/|title=Read an excerpt as Thrawn returns to ''Star Wars'' book universe|work=USA Today|first=Brian|last=Truitt|date=March 2, 2017|access-date=March 4, 2017|archive-date=March 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303184346/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2017/03/02/star-wars-thrawn-book-exclusive-excerpt/98518860/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

Referencing Zahn's annotations in the 20th Anniversary Edition of ''Heir to the Empire'', John Booth wrote in ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]'' that Zahn "created and developed Thrawn as a character [by] deliberately establishing the Grand Admiral as a villain who leads not by coercion and fear but through valuing strategy and loyalty".<ref name="Wired 20th">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.com/2011/09/timothy-zahns-heir-comes-of-age/ |title=Timothy Zahn's ''Heir'' Comes of Age |first=John |last=Booth |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |date=September 5, 2011 |access-date=August 24, 2016 |archive-date=August 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827135802/http://www.wired.com/2011/09/timothy-zahns-heir-comes-of-age/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Zahn explained in 2008 that Thrawn's version of the Empire is different from that of [[Palpatine]] because Thrawn does not have Palpatine's [[wiktionary:megalomania|megalomania]] and [[xenophobia]].<ref name="SW Survivor 1">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/eu/lit/novel/f20040203/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609054950/http://starwars.com/eu/lit/novel/f20040203/index.html |website=StarWars.com |date=February 3, 2004 |archive-date=June 9, 2008 |title=Timothy Zahn: ''Survivor{{'s}}'' Questions and Answers |access-date=July 20, 2016 |page=1 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Calling Thrawn and [[Mara Jade]] his favorite of the characters he created, Zahn noted in 2006 that writing the Grand Admiral "provides the intellectual challenge of trying to come up with new, clever, and (hopefully) workable tactics and strategies."<ref name="SW Outbound">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/eu/lit/novel/f20060131/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060204162725/http://www.starwars.com/eu/lit/novel/f20060131/index.html |date=January 31, 2006 |archive-date=February 4, 2006 |title=Timothy Zahn: ''Outbound Flight'' Arrival |website=StarWars.com |access-date=July 21, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Zahn has also stated that Thrawn's entire motivation, both serving in the [[Star Wars: Empire|Empire]] and the Ascendancy, is to protect the Chiss people and "everything else flows from that."<ref name=":1" />

===Portrayal===
Thrawn is voiced by Tris King in the 1994 computer game ''[[Star Wars: TIE Fighter]]'',<ref>{{cite web |website=BehindtheVoiceActors.com |url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Tris-King/ |title=The Voices of Tris King |access-date=August 24, 2016 |archive-date=September 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920053335/http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Tris-King/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and by Tim Russell in the 1997 audio drama ''Dark Forces: Soldier for the Empire''.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=[[Highbridge Audio]] |url=https://highbridgeaudio.com/starwarsdarkforcescollectorstrilogy.html |title=''Star Wars Dark Forces'' Collector's Trilogy |access-date=August 24, 2016 |archive-date=October 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023183719/https://highbridgeaudio.com/starwarsdarkforcescollectorstrilogy.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> In seasons three and four of ''Star Wars Rebels'', Thrawn is voiced by [[Lars Mikkelsen]].<ref name="EW Rebels"/><ref name="UT Rebels"/><ref name="io9 Rebels"/> Mikkelsen reprised his role as Thrawn from ''Rebels'' in live-action in the 2023 [[Disney+]] series ''[[Ahsoka (TV series)|Ahsoka]]''.<ref name="ew ahsoka">{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/tv/ahsoka-episode-6-grand-admiral-thrawn/|title=Live-action Grand Admiral Thrawn has finally arrived on ''Ahsoka''|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|first=Dalton|last=Ross|date=September 19, 2023|access-date=September 20, 2023|archive-date=September 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929083316/https://ew.com/tv/ahsoka-episode-6-grand-admiral-thrawn/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Appearances==
===''Legends'' works===
[[File:10.12.12TimothyZahnByLuigiNovi3.jpg|thumb|[[Timothy Zahn]] in 2012]]
According to Zahn, [[Lou Aronica]] of [[Bantam Spectra]] had negotiated a book deal with Lucasfilm in 1989, and the publisher put Zahn's name at the top of their list of possible authors. He said, "My original instructions from [[LucasArts]] {{sic}} consisted of exactly two rules: the books were to start 3–5 years after ''[[Return of the Jedi]],'' and I couldn't use anyone who'd been explicitly killed off in the movies."<ref name="TOTSE"/> Zahn used information from the original film trilogy as his primary source, but supplemented that with details from the many sourcebooks created for [[West End Games]]' ''[[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game]]'',<ref name="TOTSE" /><ref>{{cite book |chapter=Foreword |first=Timothy |last=Zahn |title=The Thrawn Trilogy Sourcebook |date=1998 |publisher=[[West End Games]] |isbn=978-0874312805}}</ref> saying that they "saved me from having to reinvent the wheel many times".<ref name="TOTSE"/>{{efn|Zahn noted that he invented the concept that a [[lightsaber]] could be locked on.<ref name="TOTSE"/>}} In turn, each novel in the trilogy had its role-playing game sourcebook created for it by West End Games.<ref name="kaminskisecret3">{{cite book |last=Kaminski |first=Michael |title=The Secret History of Star Wars |year=2008 |publisher=Legacy Books Press |location=New York City|isbn=978-0978465230|pages=289–291}}</ref>{{efn|When the rules for the ''Star Wars'' RPG changed the three volumes were collected into one book for the entire ''Thrawn'' trilogy, which also served as a second edition to the original three sourcebooks.<ref name="kaminskisecret3"/>}}

Introduced in the ''Thrawn'' trilogy (1991–93),<ref name="SW Heir"/><ref name="SR 2017"/> Thrawn became a fan favorite and subsequently appeared in multiple works in what became known as the [[Star Wars expanded universe|''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe]], including novels, comics and video games, through 2006.<ref name="SR 2017"/><ref name="EW Rebels"/><ref name="UT Rebels"/> He is often cited as one of the most popular characters in the franchise.<ref name="EW Rebels"/><ref name="UT Rebels"/> ''Star Wars Rebels'' executive producer [[Dave Filoni]] said of the character in 2016, "You couldn't have grown up a ''Star Wars'' fan without encountering Thrawn in ''Heir to the Empire''. It was a dark time when there weren't any more movies, and it blew our minds that there could be more."<ref name="EW Rebels"/><ref name="Hansen-Raj"/> The ''Thrawn'' trilogy itself is widely credited with reviving interest in the ''Star Wars'' franchise.<ref name="SW Outbound"/><ref name="EW 2012">{{cite magazine |url=http://insidemovies.ew.com/2012/11/02/star-wars-sequels-timothy-zahn/ |title=''Star Wars'' sequel author Timothy Zahn weighs in on new movie plans |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |first=Anthony |last=Breznican |date=November 2, 2012 |access-date=July 21, 2016 |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516110755/http://insidemovies.ew.com/2012/11/02/star-wars-sequels-timothy-zahn/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2010, ''[[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 TV series)|Star Wars: The Clone Wars]]'' creator Filoni expressed interest in using Thrawn in that series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forcecast.net/story/forcecast/Weekly_ForceCast_May_14_2010_131285.asp |title=Weekly ForceCast: May 14, 2010 |last=Swank |first=Jason |website=[[The ForceCast]] |date=May 14, 2010 |access-date=July 19, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822013443/http://www.forcecast.net/story/forcecast/Weekly_ForceCast_May_14_2010_131285.asp |archive-date=August 22, 2016 }}</ref> Some fans of Zahn's ''Thrawn'' series had long hoped the books would be adapted, and after the 2012 announcement that [[The Walt Disney Company]] had acquired Lucasfilm and planned to produce film sequels to ''Return of the Jedi'', Zahn commented that if material from the expanded universe were used in the films, "we'd all be thrilled to death".<ref name="EW 2012"/>

With the 2012 acquisition of Lucasfilm by Disney, most of the licensed ''Star Wars'' novels and comics produced since the originating 1977 film ''Star Wars'' were rebranded as ''Star Wars Legends'' and declared non-canon to the franchise in April 2014.<ref name="THR Legends">{{cite news |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lucasfilm-unveils-new-plans-star-698973 |last=McMilian |first=Graeme |title=Lucasfilm Unveils New Plans for ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=April 25, 2014 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-date=August 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830203115/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lucasfilm-unveils-new-plans-star-698973 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="SW Legends">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page |title=The Legendary ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe Turns a New Page |website=StarWars.com |date=April 25, 2014 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-date=September 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910044317/http://www.starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="SW Adult">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/disney-publishing-worldwide-and-random-house-announce-relaunch-of-star-wars-adult-fiction-line |title=Disney and Random House announce relaunch of ''Star Wars'' Adult Fiction line |website=StarWars.com |date=April 25, 2014 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |archive-date=May 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514073722/http://www.starwars.com/news/disney-publishing-worldwide-and-random-house-announce-relaunch-of-star-wars-adult-fiction-line |url-status=live }}</ref> Though Lucasfilm made it clear that new media would "not tell the same story told in the post-''Return of the Jedi'' Expanded Universe", it was also established that "creators of new ''Star Wars'' entertainment have full access to the rich content of the Expanded Universe."<ref name="SW Legends"/> Acknowledging that Thrawn had long been considered by Lucasfilm when developing projects, Filoni later said in 2016 that in particular the character had been on his list of potential villains when developing ''Star Wars Rebels''.<ref name="IGN Thrawn Vader">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/17/star-wars-celebration-2016-rebels-will-treat-thrawn-as-a-vader-level-threat |title=''Star Wars'' Celebration 2016: ''Rebels'' Will Treat Thrawn As A Vader-Level Threat |first1=Daniel |last1=Krupa |first2=Eric |last2=Goldman |website=IGN |date=July 17, 2016 |access-date=July 21, 2016 |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410101456/https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/17/star-wars-celebration-2016-rebels-will-treat-thrawn-as-a-vader-level-threat |url-status=live }}</ref>

====''Thrawn'' trilogy (1991–1993)====
{{main|Thrawn trilogy}}
The '''''Thrawn'' trilogy,''' also known as the '''''Heir to the Empire'' trilogy,''' was written by Timothy Zahn between 1991 and 1993. Approximately five years after the events depicted in ''Return of the Jedi'',<ref>{{Cite book|last=Sansweet|first=Stephen J.|author-link=Steve Sansweet|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/36960986|title=Star Wars Encyclopedia|publisher=Ballantine|year=1998|isbn=0-345-40227-8|edition=1st|location=New York|page=xvii|oclc=36960986}}</ref> the [[Rebel Alliance]], now known as the New Republic, has driven out the remnants of the old Imperial Starfleet to a distant corner of the galaxy and is attempting to set up a functional government. [[Princess Leia]] and [[Han Solo]] are married and expecting twins. [[Luke Skywalker]] has become the first in a long-awaited new line of [[Jedi]] Knights. Thousands of [[light year]]s away, Grand Admiral Thrawn, the last and most brilliant of the 12 grand admirals, has taken command of the shattered Imperial Fleet and prepared it to attack the New Republic. Thrawn is searching for a [[Dark Jedi]] to join his side and is confident he can restore the Empire.

In '''''Heir to the Empire''''' (1991),{{efn|Zahn's working title for the book was ''Wild Card'', which Bantam vetoed because of its similarity to their other series, ''[[Wild Cards]]''. Bantam also rejected his second favorite title, ''The Emperor's Hand''.<ref name="TOTSE">{{cite web|url=http://www.zoklet.net/totse/en/ego/science_fiction/tzi.html |title=An interview with Timothy Zahn, author of ''Heir to the Empire'' |date=1991 |publisher=Zoklet.net |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100521142100/http://www.zoklet.net/totse/en/ego/science_fiction/tzi.html |archive-date=May 21, 2010 |access-date=March 1, 2017 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> ''Warlord's Gambit'' was also a potential title, but ultimately ''Heir to the Empire'' was chosen, which according to Zahn was suggested by Aronica.<ref name="TOTSE"/><ref name="20th Anniversary">{{cite book |first=Timothy |last=Zahn |chapter=Endnote 13 |title=Heir to the Empire: The 20th Anniversary Edition |date=2011 |publisher=[[Del Rey Books]] |isbn=978-0345528292}}</ref>}} Thrawn plots to destroy the New Republic despite their numerical advantage over the remaining Imperial forces. He sets his sights on the [[Wayland (Star Wars)|Wayland]] storehouse of the late [[Emperor Palpatine]], which contains a massive array of Spaarti cloning cylinders and a practical cloaking shield. To this end, Thrawn and his subordinate [[Gilad Pellaeon]], captain of the [[Star Destroyer]] ''Chimaera'', enlist the help of smuggler Talon Karrde and his second-in-command [[Mara Jade]] to obtain several salamander-like creatures called [[ysalamiri]]. Thrawn uses the ysalamiri, which possess the natural ability to disrupt the Force, to subdue the storehouse's guardian [[Joruus C'baoth]], a twisted clone of a [[Jedi Master]] whom the Grand Admiral had killed years before. C'baoth offers his allegiance in exchange for two acolytes to bend to his will: Darth Vader's twin children, Luke and Leia. Thrawn sends some of his [[Noghri]] killers to capture Luke and a pregnant Leia, but their attempts repeatedly fail. Leia defends herself from one attack and is surprised when the Noghri suddenly surrenders. Thrawn launches his first offensive, a series of hit-and-run attacks into New Republic territory, and then steals a complement of mole miners from [[Lando Calrissian]]'s mining operations on [[Nkllon]]. In need of warships, and with his previous tactics having forced over 100 lightly crewed ships to be stationed at the [[Sluis Van]] shipyards as he planned, Thrawn invades. His [[stormtrooper (Star Wars)|stormtroopers]] use the stolen miners to board and hijack the ships, but they are thwarted when Lando seizes control of the miners remotely. The Grand Admiral withdraws his forces, but thanks to Thrawn's plotting, his New Republic nemesis [[Admiral Ackbar]] is soon arrested for treason.<ref name="Hansen-Raj"/><ref name="Databank"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tor.com/2013/02/28/how-zahns-heir-to-the-empire-turned-star-wars-into-science-fiction/ |title=How Timothy Zahn's ''Heir to the Empire'' Turned ''Star Wars'' into Science Fiction |first=Ryan |last=Britt |work=Tor.com |date=February 28, 2013 |access-date=August 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616111805/http://www.tor.com/2013/02/28/how-zahns-heir-to-the-empire-turned-star-wars-into-science-fiction/ |archive-date=June 16, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

'''''Dark Force Rising''''' (1992) reveals that before the [[Clone Wars (Star Wars)|Clone Wars]], the [[Old Republic (Star Wars)|Old Republic]] had constructed a fleet of highly automated [[heavy cruiser]]s, known as the ''Katana'' fleet. A virus infected the crews of the entire fleet and drove them insane. The fleet was not seen again until smuggler Talon Karrde discovered it (several years before the events of the first book). With access to Palpatine's private storehouse on the planet Wayland, Thrawn presses his advantage to marshal more forces for the battle against the New Republic. Mara Jade, in an attempt to exonerate the Empire's warrant for Karrde's arrest, goes to Thrawn and offers to reveal the location of the ''Katana'' fleet. Instead, he has her followed and Karrde is captured. Luke and Mara rescue Karrde from Thrawn's Star Destroyer as Thrawn attempts to capture another man who knows about the ''Katana'' fleet. Meanwhile, Leia learns that the Noghri serve the Empire because they revere her late father, [[Darth Vader]], who they believe saved their planet [[Honoghr]] from ecological disaster. Leia convinces them that they have been deceived and effectively enslaved by the Empire, and they switch sides. With Ackbar temporarily neutralized as a tactical opponent, Thrawn leads an army of clones to claim the so-called "''Katana'' fleet", outmaneuvering Luke, Lando, and [[Han Solo]].<ref name="Hansen-Raj"/><ref name="PW Dark Force Rising"/><ref name="Tor Dark Rising">{{cite web |url=http://www.tor.com/2013/03/07/not-rising-fast-enough-on-zahns-dark-force-rising/ |title=Not Rising Fast Enough: On Zahn's ''Dark Force Rising'' |first=Ryan |last=Britt |work=[[Tor.com]] |date=March 7, 2013 |access-date=August 26, 2015 |archive-date=July 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723204341/http://www.tor.com/2013/03/07/not-rising-fast-enough-on-zahns-dark-force-rising/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In '''''The Last Command''''' (1993), set about a month after the previous book, Thrawn uses the ''Katana'' fleet, crewed with clones, to mount a successful offensive against the New Republic. Seizing one planet after the other, the Grand Admiral soon immobilizes the galactic capital world, [[Coruscant]]. He has placed multiple cloaked asteroids around the planet, and through a ruse, he has led the New Republic leadership to believe that Coruscant is surrounded with them. Learning of the deception, the Republic fleet attacks the Imperial shipyards at Bilbringi to capture a device that can find the cloaked [[asteroid]]s, but Thrawn's forces intercept and surround them. Meanwhile, Luke and Leia lead a group to destroy the cloning facility on Wayland, killing C'baoth and destroying the [[cloning]] cylinders. Just as Thrawn and Pellaeon learn that the Noghri aided in the attack on Wayland, Thrawn's Noghri bodyguard, [[Rukh (Star Wars)|Rukh]], kills the Grand Admiral—whose last words are, "But&nbsp;... it was so artistically done." The tide of battle at Bilbringi turns, and with the hope of victory dashed by Thrawn's death, Pellaeon orders the Imperial forces to retreat.<ref name="Hansen-Raj"/><ref name="Databank"/>

====''The Hand of Thrawn'' duology (1997–1998)====
Zahn's '''''Specter of the Past''''' (1997) finds Thrawn seemingly resurrected ten years after his death when he reappears to lead the decimated Imperial forces against the unstable New Republic.<ref name="Databank"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-553-09542-5 |title=Fiction Book Review: ''Star Wars: The Hand of Thrawn: Specter of the Past'' |work=Publishers Weekly |access-date=July 21, 2016 |archive-date=November 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127085704/http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-553-09542-5 |url-status=live }}</ref> A record surfaces called the Caamasi Document, which indicates that a small group of [[Bothan]]s were perpetrators in the tragic destruction of the planet Caamas and causes more than a hundred alien warships to gather in orbit over the Bothans' homeworld, which the Empire hopes to use to its benefit.

In '''''Vision of the Future''''' (1998), Admiral Gilad Pellaeon admits that the Empire, down to only a few sectors, is now fighting a losing battle, and initiates peace talks with Princess Leia. However, [[Moff Disra]] hires a con artist, [[Flim (Star Wars)|Flim]], to impersonate the deceased Grand Admiral Thrawn to motivate the Imperial forces. Major [[Grodin Tierce]], the clone of a former stormtrooper imbued with Thrawn's tactical intellect by the grand admiral himself, strategizes that the false Thrawn could also rally support for the Empire and intimidate the New Republic. The tactic is successful until Pellaeon and Talon Karrde—on opposing sides but both desiring peace—expose Flim. Meanwhile, at a fortress called the Hand of Thrawn, Luke and Mara discover a gestating and near-complete clone of Thrawn, which is killed during their escape.<ref name="Hansen-Raj"/><ref name="Databank"/> An expedition by Thrawn to the galaxy's Unknown Regions is also mentioned. Finally, a peace treaty is signed by Pellaeon and the New Republic's president.

====Other works====
=====Novels=====
{{see also|Allegiance (novel)}}

Thrawn appears as a captain in the 1997 [[William C. Dietz]] novella ''[[Dark Forces: Soldier for the Empire]]''.<ref name="Databank"/> A younger Thrawn, ranked Captain, makes a cameo appearance in the 1998 young reader's book ''[[Galaxy of Fear: The Swarm]]'' by [[John Whitman (author)|John Whitman]], set between ''A New Hope'' and ''The Empire Strikes Back''. In the novel, Tash and Zack Arranda and their uncle Hoole, natives of [[Alderaan]] who are fugitives from the Empire, have a chance encounter with Thrawn on the planet of the S'krrr species. Though suspicious, Thrawn is cordial and later reluctantly aids them in stopping the drog beetles from overrunning the planet.<ref>{{cite book |title=[[Galaxy of Fear: The Swarm|Star Wars: Galaxy of Fear: The Swarm]] |first=John|last=Whitman|authorlink=John Whitman (author)|date=January 1998 |publisher=Bantam Books |isbn=0553486381 }}</ref>

Before the theatrical release of ''[[Attack of the Clones]]'', Lucasfilm suggested that Zahn write a prequel-era book.<ref name="SW Outbound"/>{{efn|''Outbound Flight'' was initially scheduled to be published in 2002, and subsequently rescheduled for November 2005, and then January 2006.<ref name="SW Outbound"/>}} Zahn decided to have his 2004 novel ''[[Survivor's Quest]]'' (the sequel to ''The Hand of Thrawn'' duology) cover the end of the Outbound Flight story arc before exploring its beginning in his prequel novel.<ref name="SW Outbound"/>{{efn|Zahn said in 2006 that the idea for the expedition known as Outbound Flight "began life basically as a throwaway line".<ref name="SW Outbound"/> He explained:
{{blockquote|It was a way to confirm for the readers in ''Heir to the Empire'' that Joruus C'baoth was indeed a clone and not the original Jorus, as well as to provide another reference to Grand Admiral Thrawn's military skills. It also seemed like something Palpatine might reasonably have done: create something else to distract the Jedi and perhaps prune away some of the troublemakers in advance of his full extermination scheme.<ref name="SW Outbound"/>}}}} In ''Survivor's Quest'', Luke and Mara journey to investigate the wreckage of Outbound Flight, a Jedi expedition destroyed by Thrawn years before.<ref name="SW Survivor 1"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/eu/lit/novel/news20030617.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623232738/http://www.starwars.com/eu/lit/novel/news20030617.html |title=''Survivor{{'}}s Quest'' Preview |website=StarWars.com |date=June 17, 2003 |archive-date=June 23, 2008 |access-date=July 21, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Newly discovered by the Chiss, the remains turn out to be the lure in a trap laid by the bloodthirsty [[Vagaari]] to avenge themselves on the Chiss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theforce.net/books/reviews/r_survivorsquest.asp |title=Review: ''Survivor's Quest'' by Timothy Zahn |website=[[TheForce.Net]] |access-date=July 21, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822201947/http://theforce.net/books/reviews/r_survivorsquest.asp |archive-date=August 22, 2016 }}</ref>

Zahn's 2006 novel '''''Outbound Flight''''' is set fifty years before ''Survivor's Quest''.<ref name="SW Survivor 2">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/eu/lit/novel/f20040203/indexp2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070630030119/http://www.starwars.com/eu/lit/novel/f20040203/indexp2.html |website=StarWars.com |date=February 3, 2004 |archive-date=June 30, 2007 |title=Timothy Zahn: ''Survivor{{'s}}'' Questions and Answers |access-date=July 20, 2016 |page=2 |url-status=dead}}</ref>{{efn|Or five years after the events of ''[[Star Wars: Episode&nbsp;I – The Phantom Menace]]'' (1999)}} It follows the story of the doomed titular expedition, led by Jedi Master [[Jorus C'baoth]], that is attacked by a young Chiss commander named Mitth'raw'nuruodo—informally known as Thrawn.<ref name="Hansen-Raj"/><ref name="SW Survivor 1"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://starwars.com/eu/lit/novel/news20050322.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011123545/http://starwars.com/eu/lit/novel/news20050322.html |title=First Look: ''Outbound Flight'' |website=StarWars.com |date=March 22, 2005 |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |access-date=July 21, 2016}}</ref> In the story, a Republic fleet comes across the Chiss for the first time. The alien commander, Thrawn, can handily defeat the Republic ships despite inferior weapons and numbers. Darth Sidious, Palpatine's alter-ego, seeks to destroy the ''Outbound Flight'', and he and his agent [[Kinman Doriana]] convince Thrawn that the ship and its Jedi pose a threat to the peaceful future of the galaxy. Thrawn agrees, hoping to get C'baoth to turn back before taking more drastic action. The Jedi refuses and Thrawn fires on the ship, but Doriana launches an assault that kills every Jedi and sends the ''Outbound Flight'' careening to its destruction on a nearby planet. Thrawn's brother Thrass and Lorana, the sole surviving Jedi, sacrifice their lives to save what survivors they can. Thrawn is reprimanded by his Chiss superiors for his hostile behavior, and summoned back to his home planet [[Csilla (Star Wars)|Csilla]].<ref name="Hansen-Raj"/><ref name="Databank"/> ''[[Publishers Weekly]]'' called Thrawn the "true star" of the novel, noting that his attack on the ship, secretly influenced by Palpatine's agents, "insures his own eventual exile from his race and sets other sinister wheels in motion".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-345-45683-0 |title=Fiction Book Review: ''Outbound Flight'' |work=Publishers Weekly |access-date=July 21, 2016 |archive-date=November 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127052241/http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-345-45683-0 |url-status=live }}</ref> Zahn said of writing the novel, "as always, it was immensely fun to play tactics with Thrawn".<ref name="SW Outbound"/> Though StarWars.com suggests that in ''Outbound Flight'', Thrawn is "too smart and basically decent to become the servant of Palpatine that he later becomes",<ref name="SW Outbound"/> Zahn explains:
{{blockquote|My sense has always been that [Thrawn] was manipulating Palpatine just as much as Palpatine is manipulating him. After all, he only came to the Empire so that he could gain command rank, collect all the military hardware Palpatine was willing to give him, and then get himself kicked back out to the Unknown Regions.<ref name="SW Outbound"/>}}

Set between ''[[Star Wars (film)|Star Wars: A New Hope]]'' and ''[[The Empire Strikes Back]]'', Zahn's ''[[Choices of One]]'' (2011) pits Thrawn against the alien warlord Nuso Esva, his nemesis from the Unknown Regions.<ref name="Hansen-Raj"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/vault/books/news20090402.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824145346/http://www.starwars.com/vault/books/news20090402.html |date=April 2, 2009 |title=Timothy Zahn Returns with a New Novel |website=StarWars.com |archive-date=August 24, 2011 |access-date=March 21, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=====Short stories=====
Thrawn, exiled by the Chiss to an inhospitable planet, is found by the Imperial Captain Voss Parck in "Mist Encounter" a short story by Zahn that was originally published in ''[[Star Wars Adventure Journal]]'' #7 (August 1995).<ref name="Hansen-Raj"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13626305-star-wars|title=Mist Encounter|publisher=[[Goodreads]]|access-date=August 24, 2016|archive-date=October 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020194244/http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13626305-star-wars|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.swbooks.co.uk/legends/empire/dark-times/mist-encounter.htm |title=Mist Encounter |website=Star Wars Books |access-date=August 24, 2016 |archive-date=September 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911140719/http://www.swbooks.co.uk/legends/empire/dark-times/mist-encounter.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Parck realizes Thrawn's value as a strategist and decides to bring him to the Emperor. A edited Version of the story was published in the Paperback edition of ''Outbound Flight''.<ref name="Databank"/> In "Command Decision", a November 1996 short story by Zahn published in ''Star Wars Adventure Journal'' #11, Thrawn is an admiral in the Imperial Navy with Parck as his subordinate.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.swbooks.co.uk/legends/rebellion/command-decision.htm |title=Command Decision |website=Star Wars Books |access-date=August 24, 2016 |archive-date=September 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911144052/http://www.swbooks.co.uk/legends/rebellion/command-decision.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Thrawn orchestrates a plan to locate a Rebel base in "Side Trip" by Zahn and [[Michael A. Stackpole]], published in ''Star Wars Adventure Journal'' #12 (February 1997) and #13 (May 1997), and reprinted in the November 1997 anthology ''[[Tales from the Empire]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221993.Tales_from_the_Empire |title=''Tales from the Empire'' |date=December 1997 |publisher=Goodreads |access-date=August 24, 2016 |archive-date=October 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028125845/http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221993.Tales_from_the_Empire |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.swbooks.co.uk/legends/rebellion/side-trip.htm |title=Side Trip |website=Star Wars Books |access-date=August 24, 2016 |archive-date=September 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911154148/http://www.swbooks.co.uk/legends/rebellion/side-trip.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> The success of this mission earns him the command of Darth Vader's Noghri commandos.<ref name="Databank"/> Zahn's novella ''Crisis of Faith'', published with the 20th Anniversary Edition of ''Heir to the Empire'' on September 6, 2011, is set immediately before ''Heir to the Empire'' and finds Thrawn finally able to defeat Nuso Esva.<ref name="Hansen-Raj"/><ref name="Wired 20th"/>

=====Comics=====
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" |''Thrawn'' trilogy comic adaptations
|-
|''Star Wars: Heir to the Empire'' #1–6
|October 1995–April 1996
|-
|''Star Wars: Dark Force Rising'' #1–6
|May–October 1997
|-
|''Star Wars: The Last Command'' #1–6
|November 1997–July 1998
|-
|}
[[Trade paperback (comics)|Trade paperbacks]]:

* ''Heir to the Empire'' (collects ''Star Wars: Heir to the Empire'' #1–6, 160 pages, September 1996, {{ISBN|1-56971-202-6}})
* ''Dark Force Rising'' (collects ''Star Wars: Dark Force Rising'' #1–6, 160 pages, February 1998, {{ISBN|1-56971-269-7}})
* ''The Last Command'' (collects ''Star Wars: The Last Command'' #1–6, 144 pages, June 1999, {{ISBN|1-56971-378-2}})
* ''The Thrawn Trilogy'' (collects ''Star Wars: Heir to the Empire'' #1–6, ''Star Wars: Dark Force Rising'' #1–6, and ''Star Wars: The Last Command'' #1–6, 420 pages, December 2009, {{ISBN|1-59582-417-0}})

In the 1997 [[Dark Horse Comics|Dark Horse]] comic ''[[Star Wars: X-wing – Rogue Squadron]] 25: The Making of Baron Fel'', set four years after ''A New Hope'', Imperial pilot [[Soontir Fel]] participates in an ambush on a Rebel convoy. He realizes that the operation was planned by the "alien Admiral" Thrawn, who is given no acknowledgement by Vader or the Emperor. Fel understands that such reliance on an alien undercuts the xenophobic foundation of the Empire, and Thrawn goes unrewarded after the successful mission.<ref>{{Cite comic |title=[[X-wing Rogue Squadron 25: The Making of Baron Fel|Star Wars: X-wing Rogue Squadron]] |writer=[[Michael A. Stackpole|Stackpole, Michael A.]] |penciller=Crespo, Steve |inker=Wallace, Chip |colorist=[[Dave Nestelle|Nestelle, Dave]]  |letterer=Williams, Vickie |editor=Janes, Peet |story=The Making of Baron Fel |volume=1 |issue=25 |date=December 1977 |publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]]}}</ref>

=====Video games=====
In the "Tour of Duty III" segment of the 1994 [[space flight simulator game|space flight simulator]]/combat computer game ''[[Star Wars: TIE Fighter]]'', then-Vice Admiral Thrawn establishes order in a "wild" system at the frontiers of the Empire. The game expansion packs ''Defender of the Empire'' and ''Enemies of the Empire'' follow the story of how Thrawn thwarts the efforts of the traitorous [[Grand Admiral Zaarin]] to depose the Emperor, and Thrawn is promoted to Grand Admiral in his place.<ref name="Databank"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/tie-fighter-retrospective |title=''TIE Fighter'': A Gamer's Education |work=[[USgamer]] |first=Kat |last=Bailey |date=May 4, 2015 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |archive-date=October 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007234917/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/tie-fighter-retrospective |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-greatest-star-wars-game-ever-tie-fighter |title=The Greatest ''Star Wars'' Game Ever: ''TIE Fighter'' |work=USgamer |first=Kat |last=Bailey |date=December 17, 2015 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |archive-date=June 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610015033/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-greatest-star-wars-game-ever-tie-fighter |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/the-best-star-wars-games-of-the-16-bit-generation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514012029/http://www.starwars.com/news/the-best-star-wars-games-of-the-16-bit-generation |title=The Best ''Star Wars'' Games of the 16-bit Generation |website=StarWars.com |archive-date=May 14, 2016 |date=October 22, 2015 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Thrawn is also a recruitable character for The Empire in the 1998 [[Strategy video game|strategy]] computer game ''[[Star Wars: Rebellion (video game)|Star Wars: Rebellion]]'',{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} and later appears in ''[[Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of Corruption|Forces of Corruption]]'' expansion pack for the 2006 [[real-time strategy]] game ''[[Star Wars: Empire at War]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=The Watcher |url=http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/85120.shtml |title=Review: ''Star Wars: Empire at War – Forces of Corruption'' |magazine=[[GamePro]] |date=November 1, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515072539/http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/85120.shtml |archive-date=May 15, 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=August 24, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ocampo |first=Jason |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/star-wars-empire-at-war-forces-of-corruption-revie/1900-6160432/ |title=''Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of Corruption'' Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=October 25, 2006 |access-date=August 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218022358/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/star-wars-empire-at-war-forces-of-corruption-revie/1900-6160432 |archive-date=December 18, 2013}}</ref> Thrawn cameos in ''[[Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron]]'' as a "Leader" character for the Galactic Empire in Galactic Conquest, earned by conquering all planets in the Northern Quadrant of the map and allows an army to move twice in one turn if the first move is begun within said quadrant. This power is shared with Admiral Ackbar for the Rebel Alliance.  He is also a collectible character in the 2015 [[mobile game|mobile]] [[collectible card game|collectible]] [[Role-playing video game]], ''[[Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes|Galaxy of Heroes]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Artist of War, Grand Admiral Thrawn Event in SWGOH |url=https://swgohevents.com/event/artist-of-war |website=SWGOHEvents.com |access-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112233336/https://swgohevents.com/event/artist-of-war |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Canon works===
====''Star Wars Rebels'' (2016–2018)====
{{main|Star Wars Rebels}}
[[File:Thrawn SW Rebels.png|thumb|upright=0.5|Thrawn as he appears in ''Star Wars Rebels''|left]]
In April 2014, with the sequel film ''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens]]'' in production, most of the licensed ''Star Wars'' novels and comics produced since the 1977 film ''Star Wars'' were declared non-canon to the franchise.<ref name="THR Legends"/><ref name="SW Legends"/><ref name="SW Adult"/> However, ''Star Wars Rebels'' executive producer [[Dave Filoni]] announced at the London [[Star Wars Celebration|''Star Wars'' Celebration]] in July 2016 that Thrawn would be reintroduced into the franchise in the third season of the ''Rebels'' series.<ref name="EW Rebels"/><ref name="UT Rebels"/><ref name="io9 Rebels">{{cite web |url=http://io9.gizmodo.com/grand-admiral-thrawn-joins-rebels-and-the-new-star-wars-1783779089 |title=Grand Admiral Thrawn Joins ''Rebels'' and the New ''Star Wars'' Canon |website=[[io9]] |first=Rob |last=Bricken |date=July 16, 2016 |access-date=July 16, 2016 |archive-date=July 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716163201/http://io9.gizmodo.com/grand-admiral-thrawn-joins-rebels-and-the-new-star-wars-1783779089 |url-status=live }}</ref> The character debuted in the season 3 premiere, "[[Steps Into Shadow]]",<ref name="Steps">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/16/star-wars-celebration-2016-star-wars-rebels-steps-into-shadow-review |title=''Star Wars'' Celebration 2016: ''Star Wars Rebels'' – "Steps into Shadow" Review |first=Eric |last=Goldman |website=IGN |date=July 16, 2016 |access-date=July 21, 2016 |archive-date=July 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720173821/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/16/star-wars-celebration-2016-star-wars-rebels-steps-into-shadow-review |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/the-fight-against-the-empire-will-continue-in-star-wars-rebels-season-three |title=The Fight Against the Empire Will Continue in ''Star Wars Rebels'' Season Three |website=StarWars.com |date=November 30, 2015 |access-date=July 18, 2016 |archive-date=October 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007054635/https://www.starwars.com/news/the-fight-against-the-empire-will-continue-in-star-wars-rebels-season-three |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sciretta |first=Peter |url=http://www.slashfilm.com/star-wars-rebels-season-3-announced/ |title=''Star Wars Rebels'' Season 3 Announced |website=[[/Film]] |date=November 30, 2015 |access-date=July 18, 2016 |archive-date=June 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623061449/http://www.slashfilm.com/star-wars-rebels-season-3-announced/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which aired on September 24, 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/the-rebels-face-grand-admiral-thrawn-when-star-wars-rebels-season-three-premieres-saturday-september-24 |title=The Rebels Face Grand Admiral Thrawn When ''Star Wars Rebels'' Season Three Premieres Saturday, September 24 |website=StarWars.com |date=August 8, 2016 |access-date=September 25, 2016 |archive-date=October 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005104338/http://www.starwars.com/news/the-rebels-face-grand-admiral-thrawn-when-star-wars-rebels-season-three-premieres-saturday-september-24 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Though in ''Legends'' works Thrawn was mostly used in post-''Return of the Jedi'' storylines, ''Rebels'' takes place within the five years before the events of the original 1977 film.<ref name="EW Rebels"/> After seeing an advanced clip from the series, Zahn told StarWars.com, "even that short bit was awesome, and just a bit surrealistic. Authors don't get to see our creations come to life very often, and it was a real treat to see a walking, talking Grand Admiral Thrawn".<ref name="SW Zahn 2016-07">{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/qa-with-timothy-zahn |title=Enter Thrawn: A Q&A with Timothy Zahn |website=StarWars.com |date=July 18, 2016 |access-date=July 18, 2016 |archive-date=July 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720201021/http://www.starwars.com/news/qa-with-timothy-zahn |url-status=live }}</ref>

Acknowledging that Thrawn had long been considered by Lucasfilm when developing projects, Filoni said that in particular, the character had been on his list of potential villains when developing ''Rebels''.<ref name="IGN Thrawn Vader"/> He explained that unlike how the character [[Ahsoka Tano]] has been a foil for [[Darth Vader]] in previous seasons of ''Rebels'', "There's no one to defend [the Rebels] against Thrawn. We want to treat him like a big-time villain, as much as Darth Vader, but on the strategic, military side of things."<ref name="IGN Thrawn Vader"/>

====Storylines====
In "Steps into Shadow", Thrawn is the commander of the Seventh Fleet, recently promoted to Grand Admiral for crushing a rebel insurgency on Batonn without regard for civilian casualties. He is brought in by Imperial Governor [[Arihnda Pryce]] to help destroy the series' eponymous rebel cell. A patient tactician, Thrawn allows the rebels to escape, intending to manipulate them into orchestrating the complete downfall of their rebellion.<ref name="Steps"/> In "[[Hera's Heroes]]", he takes command of the Imperial occupation of [[Ryloth]], home planet of [[Hera Syndulla]], and has his first face-to-face contact with the rebels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/10/16/star-war-rebels-heras-heroes-review|title=''Star Wars Rebels'': "Hera's Heroes" Review|first=Eric|last=Goldman|date=October 15, 2016|website=IGN|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306135857/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/10/16/star-war-rebels-heras-heroes-review|url-status=live}}</ref> He reappears in "[[Iron Squadron]]", where he orders the incompetent Admiral Konstantine to deal with rebels and rebel sympathizers in the Mykapo system; after Konstantine's ship is disabled, Thrawn arrives in his personal Star Destroyer, the ''Chimaera'', and is revealed to have previously encountered rebel Commander Jun Sato.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/11/20/star-wars-rebels-iron-squadron-review|title=''Star Wars Rebels'': "Iron Squadron" Review|first=Eric|last=Goldman|date=November 19, 2016|website=IGN|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306140126/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/11/20/star-wars-rebels-iron-squadron-review|url-status=live}}</ref> "[[An Inside Man]]" reveals Thrawn now in charge of the Imperial occupation of the planet [[Lothal (Star Wars)|Lothal]], overseeing the factory where the new TIE Defender and various other pieces of equipment are manufactured. He puts an end to rebel acts of sabotage by enforcing a policy of the workers testing their creations and is also shown to be studying pieces of artwork that grant insight into each member of the ''Ghost'' crew. He also determines that there is a rebel spy within the Imperial ranks, but intends to use this to his advantage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/12/04/star-wars-rebels-an-inside-man-review|title=''Star Wars Rebels'': "An Inside Man" Review|first=Eric|last=Goldman|date=December 3, 2016|website=IGN|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306135203/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/12/04/star-wars-rebels-an-inside-man-review|url-status=live}}</ref> In "[[Warhead (Star Wars Rebels)|Warhead]]", Thrawn uses probe droids to determine that Sato's hidden rebel base is located on one of less than a hundred planets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/15/star-wars-rebels-warhead-review|title=''Star Wars Rebels'': "Warhead" Review|first=Eric|last=Goldman|date=January 14, 2017|website=IGN|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306134524/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/15/star-wars-rebels-warhead-review|url-status=live}}</ref> Thrawn is shown to be skilled in hand-to-hand combat in "[[Through Imperial Eyes]]", and learns that [[Agent Kallus]] is the rebel spy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/02/26/star-wars-rebels-through-imperial-eyes-review|title=''Star Wars Rebels'': "Through Imperial Eyes" Review|first=Eric|last=Goldman|date=February 25, 2017|website=IGN|access-date=March 5, 2017|archive-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306134234/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/02/26/star-wars-rebels-through-imperial-eyes-review|url-status=live}}</ref> In "[[Secret Cargo (Star Wars Rebels)|Secret Cargo]]", Thrawn and Pryce pursue Senator [[Mon Mothma]], who is being transported to safety by the rebels after speaking out publicly against Palpatine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/03/05/star-wars-rebels-secret-cargo-review|title=''Star Wars Rebels'': 'Secret Cargo' Review|first=Eric|last=Goldman|website=IGN|date=March 4, 2017|access-date=March 6, 2017|archive-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306122245/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/03/05/star-wars-rebels-secret-cargo-review|url-status=live}}</ref> In "[[Zero Hour (Star Wars Rebels)|Zero Hour]]", Thrawn confronts Kallus about being Fulcrum, and executes his carefully planned attack on the rebel base on [[Atollon]]. He is thwarted by the ingenuity of the rebels and the assistance of [[Bendu (Star Wars)|Bendu]], who cryptically warns Thrawn of his impending defeat, "like many arms surrounding you in a cold embrace".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/03/25/star-wars-rebels-zero-hour-review|title=''Star Wars Rebels'': 'Zero Hour' Review|first=Eric|last=Goldman|website=IGN|date=March 25, 2017|access-date=March 28, 2017|archive-date=March 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327172506/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/03/25/star-wars-rebels-zero-hour-review?|url-status=live}}</ref> In the series finale "[[Family Reunion – and Farewell]]", Thrawn's Star Destroyer is attacked by [[purrgil]] while hovering over Lothal. Ensnared in the creatures' tentacles while simultaneously being confronted by the Force-wielding [[Ezra Bridger]], who brought the purrgil to defend Lothal, the Star Destroyer is dragged by them into [[hyperspace]], leaving both Thrawn's and Bridger's fates unknown.

====''Thrawn'' trilogy (2017–2019)====
In a prerecorded video also presented at the July 2016 London ''Star Wars'' Celebration, Zahn announced that he was writing a new novel titled ''[[Star Wars: Thrawn]]'', which was released by [[Del Rey Books]] in April 2017.<ref name="EW Rebels"/><ref name="UT Rebels"/><ref name="io9 Rebels"/> According to Zahn, it was "very exciting" to write the character again, and he noted that "with this book I'll be visiting a part of his life that I never before had a chance to explore".<ref name="SW Zahn 2016-07"/> Zahn later said, "I get to show how he's treated by his fellow officers and shipmates on his way up the military ladder, particularly when he's not in a command position over them."<ref name="USA excerpt"/>

Although in ''Legends'' works Thrawn was mostly placed in post-''Return of the Jedi'' storylines, ''Thrawn'' is set before the events of the original 1977 film.<ref name="EW Rebels"/><ref name="USA excerpt"/> It covers several years between Thrawn's "first encounter" with the Empire and the events of the third season of ''Rebels'', chronicling his rise to power.<ref name="USA excerpt"/><ref name="SW Zahn 2016-07"/> In the novel, seemingly exiled Chiss warrior Thrawn is rescued by Imperial soldiers, and soon proves a valuable asset to the Empire. His cunning and expertise as a tactician soon attract the attention of Emperor Palpatine, though Thrawn's renegade tactics ignite the ire of his superiors. As he rises in rank, Thrawn trains his ''[[aide-de-camp]]'' Ensign [[Eli Vanto]] in the ways of war, and finds himself in an uneasy alliance with ruthless administrator [[Arihnda Pryce]] while in search of rebel leader Nightswan. Ultimately, Thrawn reveals himself to Nightswan as a [[double agent]] for the [[Chiss Ascendancy]], his exile having been faked in order to assist with his infiltration.<ref name="CB 2017">{{cite web|url=http://comicbook.com/starwars/2017/01/21/star-wars-thrawn-origin-novel-synopsis-released/|title=''Star Wars: Thrawn'' Origin Novel Synopsis Released|first=Lucas|last=Siegel|website=Comicbook.com|date=January 21, 2017|access-date=March 4, 2017|archive-date=March 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318084224/http://comicbook.com/starwars/2017/01/21/star-wars-thrawn-origin-novel-synopsis-released/|url-status=live}}</ref>

A six issue<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/26/16012486/star-wars-marvel-comics-thrawn-heather-antos-timothy-zahn-ssdc-2017|title=Marvel editor hopes upcoming Thrawn comic book series is just the beginning|author=Andrew Liptak|date=July 26, 2017|work=The Verge|access-date=March 4, 2023|archive-date=March 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304180348/https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/26/16012486/star-wars-marvel-comics-thrawn-heather-antos-timothy-zahn-ssdc-2017|url-status=live}}</ref> comic book miniseries adaptation of the first novel by [[Marvel Comics]] began in early 2018,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Whitbrook|first1=James|title=Timothy Zahn's Excellent ''Thrawn'' Novel Is Being Turned Into a Marvel Comic|url=http://io9.gizmodo.com/timothy-zahns-excellent-thrawn-novel-is-being-turned-in-1797141134|website=io9 Gizmodo|date=July 21, 2017|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=July 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723060610/http://io9.gizmodo.com/timothy-zahns-excellent-thrawn-novel-is-being-turned-in-1797141134|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/new-star-wars-the-last-jedi-books-and-more-revealed-at-sdcc-2017|title=New ''Star Wars: The Last Jedi'' Books and More Revealed at SDCC 2017|date=July 21, 2017|website=StarWars.com|access-date=July 24, 2017|archive-date=July 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724101804/http://www.starwars.com/news/new-star-wars-the-last-jedi-books-and-more-revealed-at-sdcc-2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and ended in June of that year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsarama.com/39545-marvel-comics-july-2018-solicitations.html|title=Marvel Comics July 2018 Solicitations|date=May 16, 2023|publisher=Newsarama|access-date=March 4, 2023|archive-date=August 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814232850/https://www.newsarama.com/39545-marvel-comics-july-2018-solicitations.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

A sequel to the novel, titled ''[[Thrawn: Alliances]]'', was released on July 24, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/star-wars-thrawn-sequel-announced-nycc-2017-article-1.3546248|title=''Star Wars: Thrawn'' sequel announced at NYCC 2017|work=[[New York Daily News]]|first=Sean|last=Keane|date=October 6, 2017|access-date=October 7, 2017|archive-date=October 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007013115/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/star-wars-thrawn-sequel-announced-nycc-2017-article-1.3546248|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/6/16439462/timothy-zahn-thrawn-alliances-star-wars-new-york-comic-con-2017|title=Timothy Zahn is writing a sequel to ''Thrawn''|website=[[The Verge]]|first=Andrew|last=Liptak|date=October 6, 2017|access-date=October 7, 2017|archive-date=October 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007021822/https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/6/16439462/timothy-zahn-thrawn-alliances-star-wars-new-york-comic-con-2017|url-status=live}}</ref> This novel is set during the reign of the Empire. The main story line follows Grand Admiral Thrawn a "brilliant strategist" and the "ruthless enforcer" [[Darth Vader]] on a mission to investigate a threat to the Empire on a planet called Batuu, which resides at the edges of the Unknown Regions. This is the same planet that many years previously Thrawn, then an officer of the Chiss Ascendancy, crossed paths with General [[Anakin Skywalker]], flashbacks to this encounter tells of their "uneasy alliance" while facing several dangers.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Zahn |first=Timothy |title=Thrawn: Alliances |publisher=Del Ray |year=2018 |pages=Back Cover |language=English}}</ref>

A third novel, ''[[Thrawn: Treason]]'', was released on July 23, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jedinews.co.uk/literature/articles/thrawn-treason-novel-to-be-released-july-23-2019/|title=''Thrawn: Treason'' Novel To Be Released July 23, 2019|first=Justin|last=LaSalata|date=December 6, 2018|website=Jedi News|via=jedinews.co.uk|access-date=March 12, 2019|archive-date=February 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215165557/http://www.jedinews.co.uk/literature/articles/thrawn-treason-novel-to-be-released-july-23-2019/|url-status=live}}</ref> Set before the finale of ''Rebels'', ''Thrawn: Treason'' features Grand Admiral Thrawn crossing paths with [[Director Krennic]] as well as the return of Eli Vanto. Chronologically, ''Thrawn: Treason'' is set between the ''Rebels'' episodes "Rebel Assault" and "Family Reunion – and Farewell."

====''Thrawn: Ascendancy'' trilogy (2020–2021)====
{{Main|Thrawn: Ascendancy}}
At the 2019 New York Comic Con, a new trilogy from Timothy Zahn was announced, to be entitled ''Thrawn: The Ascendency Trilogy'', or simply the ''Thrawn Ascendancy'' trilogy, to launch with ''[[Book I: Chaos Rising]]'' in May 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fanthatracks.com/news/literature/new-timothy-zahn-thrawn-trilogy-arriving-may-2020/|title=New Timothy Zahn ''Thrawn'' Trilogy Arriving May 2020|first=Brian|last=Cameron|website=Fantha Tracks|date=October 4, 2019|access-date=January 6, 2020|archive-date=March 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308003826/https://www.fanthatracks.com/news/literature-art/new-timothy-zahn-thrawn-trilogy-arriving-may-2020/|url-status=live}}</ref> After being delayed twice, the first novel was ultimately released on September 1, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thefutureoftheforce.com/2020/05/29/star-wars-thrawn-ascendancy-to-release-a-month-early/|title=STAR WARS: THRAWN ASCENDANCY TO RELEASE A MONTH EARLY|first=Phil|last=Roberts|website=Future of the Force|date=May 29, 2020|access-date=June 29, 2020|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701090358/https://thefutureoftheforce.com/2020/05/29/star-wars-thrawn-ascendancy-to-release-a-month-early/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the novel, it was revealed that Thrawn was born as '''Kivu'raw'nuru''' (core name '''Vurawn''') before being adopted by the Mitth family, changing his name to '''Mitth'raw'nuru''' (core name Thrawn). The novel also covered more of Thrawn's backstory alongside other Chiss characters, such as Ar'alani, that also appeared in ''[[Thrawn: Treason]]'', the previous novel by publication order.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://fangirlblog.com/2020/09/get-your-chiss-on-a-review-of-thrawn-ascendancy-chaos-rising/|title=Get your Chiss On: A Review of Thrawn Ascendancy Chaos Rising|date=September 17, 2020|access-date=November 4, 2020|website=fangirlblog.com|author=Linda|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028180126/http://fangirlblog.com/2020/09/get-your-chiss-on-a-review-of-thrawn-ascendancy-chaos-rising/|url-status=live}}</ref>

A sequel to ''Chaos Rising'', titled ''[[Thrawn Ascendancy: Greater Good]]'', was released on April 27, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2022 |title=Greater Good (B&N Exclusive Edition) (Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy Trilogy #2) |url=https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/greater-good-timothy-zahn/1138716452 |website=Barnes and Noble |access-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302032506/https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/greater-good-timothy-zahn/1138716452 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The third book of the trilogy called ''[[Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil]]'', was released on November 16, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 1, 2022 |title=Lesser Evil (B&N Exclusive Edition) (Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy Trilogy #3) |url=https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lesser-evil-timothy-zahn/1139167270?ean=9780593359372 |website=Barnes and Noble |access-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-date=March 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302032504/https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lesser-evil-timothy-zahn/1139167270?ean=9780593359372 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====''Ahsoka'' (2023)====
[[File:Thrawn Ahsoka.jpg|thumb|[[Lars Mikkelsen]] as Grand Admiral Thrawn in ''[[Ahsoka (TV series)|Ahsoka]]'', the character's first live-action appearance]]
Grand Admiral Thrawn is mentioned by [[Ahsoka Tano]] in the [[Disney+]] series ''[[The Mandalorian]]'' in "[[Chapter 13: The Jedi]]" (2020) as the master to [[Morgan Elsbeth]], the Magistrate of Corvus. He is mentioned again in "[[Chapter 23: The Spies]]" (2023) during a meeting between [[Moff Gideon]] and the Shadow Council, a group of remnant Imperial warlords, who debate his rumored return and the delivery of Project Necromancer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=''The Mandalorian'' and ''Star Wars'' Project Necromancer – What Is it and How Will it Impact the Wider Universe |url=https://www.tuppencemagazine.co.uk/the-mandalorian-season-3-project-necromancer-star-wars/ |website=Tuppence Magazine |first=Gerard |last=Harris |date=April 15, 2023 |access-date=April 20, 2023 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418191958/https://www.tuppencemagazine.co.uk/the-mandalorian-season-3-project-necromancer-star-wars/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Thrawn made his live-action debut in the 2023 Disney+ series ''[[Ahsoka (TV series)|Ahsoka]]'' in "[[Part Six: Far, Far Away]]".<ref name="ew ahsoka"/> It is revealed that the purrgil took Thrawn and Ezra to the planet Peridea, homeworld of the Dathomir witches, and located outside the original ''Star Wars'' galaxy. While Ezra managed to get away from him, Thrawn woke the local Nightsisters and allied with their Great Mothers, and is served by Stormtrooper [[Captain Enoch]]. Dark Jedi [[Baylan Skoll]], his apprentice [[Shin Hati]] and a liberated [[Morgan Elsbeth]] locate Thrawn to bring him out of his exile to lead the remnants of the Galactic Empire. "[[Part Eight: The Jedi, the Witch, and the Warlord]]" culminates with Thrawn's return to the galaxy. Thrawn's Star Destroyer, the ''Chimaera'', is depicted approaching the planet Dathomir, docked to the hyperspace ring ship ''Eye of Sion'', following his escape from Peridea. Unbeknownst to him, Ezra stowed away onboard his ship and returned to the Republic.<ref name="''Ahsoka ''season 1 episode 8 review">{{cite web|url=https://www.space.com/ahsoka-season-1-episode-8-review|title=''Ahsoka'' season 1 episode 8 review: A finale that sticks the landing without flourish|first=Fran|last=Ruiz|website=Space.com|date=October 4, 2023|access-date=October 10, 2023|archive-date=October 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006175755/https://www.space.com/ahsoka-season-1-episode-8-review|url-status=live}}</ref>

====''Tales of the Empire'' (2024)====
{{Main|Star Wars: Tales}}
Thrawn appears in the second season of ''[[Star Wars: Tales]]'', titled ''Tales of the Empire'', with Lars Mikkelsen returning to voice the character. The series focuses on the start of his partnership with [[Morgan Elsbeth]], when Thrawn was an Admiral in the Empire.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Complex |first=Valerie |date=April 4, 2024 |title=''Star Wars: Tales Of The Empire'' Trailer: Disney+ Unveils Dave Filoni's Animated Follow-Up to ''Star Wars: Tales Of The Jedi'' |url=https://deadline.com/video/star-wars-tales-of-the-empire-trailer-disney-unveils-trailer-david-filonis-animated-follow-up-tales-of-the-jedi/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404192515/https://deadline.com/video/star-wars-tales-of-the-empire-trailer-disney-unveils-trailer-david-felonis-animated-follow-up-tales-of-the-jedi/ |archive-date=April 4, 2024 |access-date=April 4, 2024 |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

====Other works====
Thrawn is mentioned in the 2017 [[Chuck Wendig]] novel ''[[Star Wars: Aftermath: Empire's End]]'' as the source of the information about the Unknown Regions which Palpatine uses in his Contingency plan. This plan results in the creation of the [[First Order (Star Wars)|First Order]].<ref name="5 Revelations">{{cite web|url=http://comicbook.com/starwars/2017/02/21/5-biggest-star-wars-revelations-in-aftermath-empires-end/|title=5 Biggest ''Star Wars'' Revelations in ''Aftermath: Empire's End''|first=Lucas|last=Siegel|website=Comicbook.com|date=February 1, 2017|access-date=March 9, 2017|archive-date=March 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313020005/http://comicbook.com/starwars/2017/02/21/5-biggest-star-wars-revelations-in-aftermath-empires-end/|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Video games====
Thrawn appears as a playable character in the 2017 [[real-time game|real-time]] [[Strategy video game|strategy]] [[mobile game]] ''[[Star Wars: Force Arena]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/dream-teams-star-wars-force-arena |title=Dream Teams: How ''Star Wars: Force Arena'' Puts You in Control of the Galaxy's Greatest |website=StarWars.com |first=Dan |last=Brooks |date=January 12, 2017 |access-date=July 26, 2017 |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606081248/https://www.starwars.com/news/dream-teams-star-wars-force-arena |url-status=live }}</ref> and was later introduced to ''[[Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes]]'', a [[turn-based]] [[role-playing game]], that summer, as both a special event [[Boss (gaming)|boss]] and playable character.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lazarides|first1=Tasos|title=Admiral Thrawn Coming to 'Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes' June 15th, Just Announced at E3|url=http://toucharcade.com/2017/06/10/admiral-thrawn-coming-to-star-wars-galaxy-of-heroes-june-15th-just-announced-at-e3/|website=TouchArcade|date=June 10, 2017|access-date=December 26, 2017|archive-date=December 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226130609/http://toucharcade.com/2017/06/10/admiral-thrawn-coming-to-star-wars-galaxy-of-heroes-june-15th-just-announced-at-e3/|url-status=live}}</ref> He is a bonus playable character in ''[[Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga]]'', available in the ''Star Wars Rebels'' character pack sold as [[downloadable content]].

==Reception==
In 2016, [[Anthony Breznican]] of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' called Thrawn a "fan favorite" and "one of the most significant characters to ever emerge from the Expanded Universe",<ref name="EW Rebels"/> and Brian Truitt of ''[[USA Today]]'' named the character "one of ''Star Wars'' fandom's favorite villains".<ref name="UT Rebels"/> Comicbook.com called Thrawn "arguably the most popular character in the ''Star Wars Legends'' universe" in 2017,<ref name="CB 2017"/> and Linda Hansen-Raj wrote that the character "carries a lasting legacy as one of ''Star Wars''{{'}} greatest and most complex antagonists."<ref name="Hansen-Raj"/> In 2014, ''[[GamesRadar]]'''s Sam Ashurst called Thrawn "hugely popular amongst fans, partly because of his tactical genius, partly because of his progressive attitude to his employees but mainly due to the fact he's got a blue face" and "easily the coolest villain in the ''Expanded Universe''", noting Thrawn's loss as one of the major consequences of Lucasfilm's abandonment of the old expanded universe for ''[[Star Wars: The Force Awakens]]''.<ref name="Ditching">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/5-consequences-of-ditching-the-star-wars-expanded-universe/ |title=5 Consequences Of Ditching The ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe |first=Sam |last=Ashurst |date=May 1, 2014 |website=[[GamesRadar]] |access-date=August 1, 2015 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305001105/http://www.gamesradar.com/5-consequences-of-ditching-the-star-wars-expanded-universe/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Emmet Asher-Perrin of ''[[Tor.com]]'' noted in 2016 that as "one of the most popular Expanded Universe villains" and "one of the most threatening antagonists that the ''Star Wars'' universe had on hand", the character's removal from canon continuity "had many fans crying foul".<ref name="Tor 2016-07"/>

In 2008, Jesse Schedeen of ''IGN'' credited Thrawn and the ''Thrawn'' trilogy with "kickstarting" the ''Star Wars'' expanded universe",<ref name="15 Villains">{{cite web |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2008/04/17/top-15-star-wars-villains-episode-iii?page=4 |title=Top 15 ''Star Wars'' Villains: Episode III |first=Jesse |last=Schedeen |date=April 17, 2008 |website=IGN |access-date=August 1, 2015 |archive-date=March 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308003708/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/17/top-15-star-wars-villains-episode-iii?page=4 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Unwanted">{{cite web |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2009/07/08/players-unwanted-star-wars-live-action-tv-show?page=9 |title=Players Unwanted: ''Star Wars'' Live Action TV Show |first=Jesse |last=Schedeen |date=July 8, 2009 |website=IGN |access-date=August 1, 2015 |archive-date=December 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212154848/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/07/08/players-unwanted-star-wars-live-action-tv-show?page=9 |url-status=live }}</ref> and in 2015 ''[[Empire (film magazine)|Empire]]'' suggested that Thrawn's character helped "revitalize and legitimise" the expanded universe when it was failing.<ref name="Heard Of">{{cite web |url=http://www.empireonline.com/promotions/the-force-unleashed/default.asp |title=25 Great ''Star Wars'' Characters You've Probably Never Heard Of |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907183503/http://www.empireonline.com/promotions/the-force-unleashed/ |url-status=dead |work=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]] |access-date=August 1, 2015 |archive-date=September 7, 2015}}</ref> Eric Goldman wrote for ''IGN'' in 2008, "Diabolical, brilliant and ruthless, Thrawn was an excellent ''Star Wars'' villain, following in the footsteps of the likes of [[Grand Moff Tarkin]]," adding that "his status as the highest ranking non-human in the Empire was a very interesting aspect".<ref name="IGN 2008"/> In 2006, Zahn called Thrawn and [[Mara Jade]] his favorite of the characters he created.<ref name="SW Outbound"/> Zahn said in July 2016, "A writer never knows which characters are going to click with the readers, and it was highly gratifying to me that Thrawn captured the imaginations of so many people over the past quarter century."<ref name="SW Zahn 2016-07"/>

The character has been on many "top" lists of ''Star Wars'' characters, praising his villainy and character. In a list of fifteen ''Star Wars'' villains, Schedeen placed Thrawn as second best, beaten by [[Darth Vader]], focusing on his greatness as a commander and tactician.<ref name="15 Villains"/> In 2008, ''IGN'' ranked him as the tenth best overall ''Star Wars'' character, noting his influence in the expanded universe,<ref name="Top 100">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/star-wars-characters/10.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111064740/http://www.ign.com/star-wars-characters/10.html |title=Top 100 ''Star Wars'' Characters |website=IGN |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 11, 2012}}</ref> and [[UGO]] listed him as the third greatest expanded universe character the same year.<ref name="Top 50">{{cite web |url=http://www.ugo.com/games/star-wars-expanded-universe-characters-top-50-grand-admiral-thrawn |title=Top 50 ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe Characters |date=July 1, 2008 |website=[[UGO]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100827180337/http://www.ugo.com/games/star-wars-expanded-universe-characters-top-50-grand-admiral-thrawn |archive-date=August 27, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Empire'' listed Thrawn fifth in their list of the 25 best of the more obscure ''Star Wars'' characters in 2015.<ref name="Heard Of"/>

In November 2016, [[Lars Mikkelsen]] was nominated for a [[44th Annie Awards|2017 Annie Award]] for Outstanding Achievement, Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production for his portrayal of Thrawn on ''[[Star Wars Rebels]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Annie Awards Nominees |url=http://annieawards.org/nominees/#25 |publisher=[[Annie Award]]s |date=November 28, 2016 |access-date=December 23, 2016 |archive-date=December 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203205228/http://annieawards.org/nominees/#25 |url-status=live }}</ref> For his live-action debut in ''[[Ahsoka (TV series)|Ahsoka]]'', Mikkelsen was nominated for a [[Critics' Choice Super Award for Best Villain in a Series]] in 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.criticschoice.com/2024/03/07/nominations-announced-for-the-critics-choice-associations-4th-annual-critics-choice-super-awards-honoring-superhero-science-fiction-fantasy-horror-and-action-movies-and-s/|title=Nominations Announced for the 4th Annual ''Critics' Choice Super Awards'' Honoring Superhero, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Horror and Action Movies and Series|publisher=Critics' Choice|date=March 7, 2024}}</ref>

==Merchandising==
An Admiral Thrawn 3 {{frac|3|4}} inch action figure was produced by [[Kenner Products|Kenner]]/[[Hasbro]] as part of their 1998 ''Power of the Force 2'' Expanded Universe line.<ref name="Databank"/><ref name="Kenner 1998">{{cite web |url=http://www.rebelscum.com/potf2euthrawn.asp |title=Grand Admiral Thrawn (1998) |website=RebelScum.com |access-date=July 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427225345/http://www.rebelscum.com/POTF2EUthrawn.asp |archive-date=April 27, 2015}}</ref> Another figure was released for the 2008 ''Legacy Collection'', bundled in a "Comic 2-Pack" with a Talon Karrde figure and a Dark Horse ''Heir of the Empire'' issue #1 comic.<ref name="2-Pack">{{cite web |url=http://www.rebelscum.com/TLCcomicpacks09.asp |title=Grand Admiral Thrawn & Talon Karrde (Dark Horse Comics{{'}} ''Star Wars: Heir of the Empire'') |website=RebelScum.com |access-date=July 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417012928/http://www.rebelscum.com/TLCComicPacks09.asp |archive-date=April 17, 2015}}</ref> Two versions of Thrawn were produced for the ''[[Star Wars Miniatures]]'' [[collectible miniatures game]]: one for the 2005 ''Universe'' expansion,<ref name="Mini 2005">{{cite web |url=http://www.rebelscum.com/SWminiIE24thrawn.asp |title=''Star Wars Miniatures'': Grand Admiral Thrawn #38 (2005) |website=RebelScum.com |access-date=July 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006102521/http://www.rebelscum.com/SWminiUH38thrawn.asp |archive-date=October 6, 2015}}</ref> and a second for the 2009 ''Imperial Entanglements'' expansion.<ref name="Mini 2009">{{cite web |url=http://www.rebelscum.com/SWminiUH38thrawn.asp |title=''Star Wars Miniatures'': Thrawn/Mitth'raw'nuruodo #24 (2009) |website=RebelScum.com |access-date=July 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114073713/http://www.rebelscum.com/SWminiIE24thrawn.asp |archive-date=November 14, 2015}}</ref> In 2010, [[Sideshow Collectibles]] released a sixth scale Thrawn figure, with a command chair as part of the deluxe version.<ref name="Chair 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.mwctoys.com/REVIEW_011810a.htm |title=Review of Grand Admiral Thrawn, Command Chair ''Star Wars'' Sixth Scale Action Figure |website=MWC Toys |first=Michael |last=Crawford |date=January 18, 2010 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430105811/http://mwctoys.com/REVIEW_011810a.htm |archive-date=April 30, 2011}}</ref><ref name="Chair 2">{{cite web |url=http://www.jeditemplearchives.com/content/modules.php?name=JReviews&rop=showcontent&id=229 |title=Grand Admiral Thrawn (Commander Of The Imperial Fleet) – Militaries of ''Star Wars'' – 1:6 Scale Figures |website=JediTempleArchives.com |access-date=July 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906031716/http://www.jeditemplearchives.com/content/modules.php?name=JReviews&rop=showcontent&id=229 |archive-date=September 6, 2015}}</ref> A 6.75" Thrawn mini bust was produced by Gentle Giant in 2014.<ref name="Bust">{{cite web |url=http://www.jeditemplearchives.com/content/modules.php?name=JReviews&rop=showcontent&id=2025 |title=Grand Admiral Thrawn – Mini Busts |website=JediTempleArchives.com |access-date=July 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330044130/http://www.jeditemplearchives.com/content/modules.php?name=JReviews&rop=showcontent&id=2025 |archive-date=March 30, 2015 }}</ref> All representations of the character have included a pet [[ysalamir]], except the 2009 miniature.<ref name="Kenner 1998"/><ref name="2-Pack"/><ref name="Mini 2005"/><ref name="Mini 2009"/><ref name="Chair 1"/><ref name="Chair 2"/><ref name="Bust"/> Hasbro released a Thrawn action figure as part of its ''Rebels'' series of figures in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://comicbook.com/starwars/2016/10/06/nycc-2016-grand-admiral-thrawn-leads-star-wars-hasbro-figures/ |title=NYCC 2016: Grand Admiral Thrawn Leads ''Star Wars'' Hasbro Figures |website=ComicBook.com |first=Lucas |last=Siegel |date=October 5, 2016 |access-date=October 8, 2016 |archive-date=December 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207155210/https://comicbook.com/starwars/2016/10/06/nycc-2016-grand-admiral-thrawn-leads-star-wars-hasbro-figures/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2017, Hasbro released a 6" Thrawn figure as a part of its [[Star Wars: The Black Series|Black Series]] line, as well as a [[San Diego Comic Con]] version featuring enhanced packaging and accessories.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/swco-2017-hasbro-reveals-6-inch-black-series-thrawn-jaina-solo-and-more|title=SWCO 2017: Hasbro Reveals 6-Inch Black Series Thrawn, Jaina Solo, and More|website=StarWars.com|first=Dan|last=Brooks|date=April 15, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2018|archive-date=March 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309121725/http://www.starwars.com/news/swco-2017-hasbro-reveals-6-inch-black-series-thrawn-jaina-solo-and-more|url-status=live}}</ref> In the same year, [[Funko]] released the ''Star Wars Rebels'' Grand Admiral Thrawn #170 POP! figurine as a "2017 Galactic Convention Exclusive" related to the 2017 [[Star Wars Celebration|''Star Wars'' Celebration]].<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/vmS3kLKJCUM Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20200502231107/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmS3kLKJCUM&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmS3kLKJCUM|title=Grand Admiral Thrawn Unboxing – Funko POP! #170 Exclusive|date=April 16, 2017|via=YouTube|author=FaceSmacker! Studios|access-date=March 12, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Additionally, [[Lego]] released a Grand Admiral Thrawn [[Lego minifigure|minifigure]], included in the 2017 set ''The Phantom''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.brothers-brick.com/2016/11/19/grand-admiral-thrawn-joins-the-lego-star-wars-canon-in-2017-news/|title=Grand Admiral Thrawn joins the LEGO ''Star Wars'' canon in 2017|website=The Brothers Brick|date=November 19, 2016|access-date=January 21, 2021|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128181555/https://www.brothers-brick.com/2016/11/19/grand-admiral-thrawn-joins-the-lego-star-wars-canon-in-2017-news/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==References==
'''Footnotes'''
{{notelist}}

'''Citations'''
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite journal |title=Who's Who: Imperial Grand Admirals |journal=[[Star Wars Insider]] |issue=66 |year=2003 |last1=Pena |first1=Abel G. |last2=Wallace |first2=Daniel}}
* {{cite book |title=Star Wars: The Essential Chronology |edition=1st |first1=Kevin J. |last1=Anderson |author1-link=Kevin J. Anderson |first2=Daniel |last2=Wallace |first3=Bill |last3=Hughes |year=2000 |location=New York |publisher=Del Rey |isbn=978-0-345-43439-5}}
* {{cite book |title=Star Wars: The New Essential Guide to Characters |date=2002 |first=Daniel |last=Wallace |others=Illustrated by Michael Sutfin |location=New York |publisher=Del Rey |isbn=978-0-345-44900-9 |pages=185–187}}

==External links==
* {{Star Wars Databank|subject=grand-admiral-thrawn|text=Grand Admiral Thrawn}}
* {{Wookieepedia|Mitth'raw'nuruodo}}
* [http://www.swbooks.co.uk/legends/mystory/thrawn.htm Grand Admiral Thrawn] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913221127/http://www.swbooks.co.uk/legends/mystory/thrawn.htm |date=September 13, 2016 }} at SWbooks.co.uk
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20170417070113/http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0000133/ Grand Admiral Thrawn] on [[IMDb]]

{{Star Wars universe}}
{{Star Wars Rebels}}
{{Ahsoka}}
{{Timothy Zahn}}

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