A new piece of fan art envisions former Avengers star Robert Downey Jr. as Star Wars’ villainous Grand Admiral Thrawn in the upcoming live-action Ahsoka spinoff of The Mandalorian. Since he first appeared in Timothy Zahn’s highly-praised Heir to the Empire novels, Thrawn has been a fan-favorite character. The infamous Chiss strategist was referenced by name in season 2 of The Mandalorian, and fans have been speculating about his live-action casting ever since.
Grand Admiral Thrawn was first introduced as the eponymous villain of Timothy Zahn’s Thrawn Trilogy of novels, which began with 1991’s Heir to the Empire. The series is credited with establishing much of the groundwork for the old Expanded Universe (now the non-canonical Star Wars Legends). Thrawn quickly arose as the new story’s most iconic character. After he was brought to the new canon in Star Wars: Rebels, many fans hoped for a live-action appearance. Disney seems to be granting that wish, as Ahsoka Tano is seen searching for Thrawn in The Mandalorian, suggesting he could become the main antagonist of her solo spinoff series.
While no concrete news of Thrawn’s live-action casting has come out, many names have been thrown into the ring by speculative fans. A new piece of fan art by noted Instagram-based artist Yadvender Singh Rana (Ultraraw26) envisions one possible choice, casting Robert Downey Jr. as the Imperial Grand Admiral. Downey Jr. has been a recent rumor and fan-casting subject for the role, and he certainly looks fierce and imposing below.
Even among fan castings, though, RDJ may not be the favorite to play Thrawn. Benedict Cumberbatch has garnered a lot of support for the role, while many other fans are calling for Lars Mikkelsen – the voice of Thrawn on Rebels – to reprise the role in live-action. Jon Hamm, Pierce Brosnan, and Jason Isaacs have also been named in the conversation. Whoever ends up landing the part, they’ll certainly have their work cut out for them, bringing one of the most beloved Star Wars characters ever to life.
Given Disney’s announced plan for Mandalorian spinoff shows like Ahsoka, The Book of Boba Fett, and Rangers of the New Republic, Thrawn could be built up as the primary villain across all of them. The company has confirmed plans for a major crossover event between the simultaneous series, and Thrawn seems perfect to become the big bad who brings them all together. Whether he’s played by Robert Downey Jr. or someone else, Grand Admiral Thrawn should be an exciting addition to The Mandalorian and its spinoffs.
Source: Yadvender Singh Rana