‘Ahsoka’ Star Eman Esfandi Promises Fans Will See Much More of Grand Admiral Thrawn in Season 2
Grand Admiral Thrawn has a long history in ‘Star Wars’. The cunning Imperial strategist started out as a book character long before making the leap to animation and, eventually, live action, where Lars Mikkelsen brought him to life in the first season of ‘Ahsoka’.
Season 1 ended with major changes for the galaxy. Ezra Bridger and Thrawn were found in another galaxy and returned to the main ‘Star Wars’ galaxy, while Ahsoka and Sabine Wren were left behind with Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati.
Now one of the show’s stars has teased what’s ahead for the villain. Speaking at a panel at L.A. Comic Con alongside Rosario Dawson and Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Eman Esfandi, who plays Ezra, said viewers will get a lot more time with Thrawn in ‘Ahsoka’ Season 2.
Esfandi joked about the character’s popularity, describing Thrawn as a very particular kind of war criminal that fans love to watch. A few outlets read the comment as a nod to how much fans enjoy the villain despite his crimes.
That’s good news for viewers who wanted more of Mikkelsen’s calculating performance. With Thrawn back in the main galaxy, Season 2 appears ready to give him a larger role. Esfandi’s character has a special connection to the Grand Admiral. Ezra and Thrawn share history from their exile together, which gives their scenes added weight.
The first trailer for ‘AHSOKA’ Season 2 has been released. Releasing January 20 on Disney+ https://t.co/12ImTgPe2F
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) August 15, 2026
In Season 2, Ezra is back in the main galaxy dealing with the fallout from Thrawn’s return while trying to rescue Ahsoka and Sabine. That puts him on a likely collision course with the villain.
Thrawn is set to lead the remnants of the Galactic Empire, alongside his Nightsister allies, against the New Republic. Dave Filoni has also teased a showdown between Thrawn and Admiral Ackbar, saying Ackbar won’t fall into a trap this time.
Esfandi also shared some details about filming. He said the new season shot far more outdoors than Season 1, which relied heavily on the Volume, Lucasfilm’s LED stage. While he called the Volume a remarkable feat, he welcomed the chance to work in real locations.
He also said he enjoyed working with the puppeteers who brought Chopper to life, calling it an honor for the entire cast. Esfandi hinted that other beloved characters will appear this season, though he didn’t say who. Lucasfilm hasn’t confirmed any surprise appearances.
remembering Ahsoka season 1 teaser trailer season 2 will premiere early 2027 https://t.co/IKFf1foTAj
— ▫️•✨||🔸The Tano Order🔸||✨•▫️ (@ahsokareign2023) July 27, 2026
The new season premieres exclusively on Disney+ on January 20, 2027. Lucasfilm revealed the release date and a teaser trailer at D23 in August. Filoni wrote all 8 episodes himself, and filming began in the United Kingdom in April 2025. Rosario Dawson returns as Ahsoka, alongside Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Hera Syndulla, and Ivanna Sakhno as Shin Hati.
Rory McCann joins the cast as Baylan Skoll, taking over the role from the late Ray Stevenson. Fans have waited a long time for the follow-up, since Season 1 aired in 2023 and the Hollywood strikes delayed production on the sequel.
The season could also set up something even bigger. Filoni, now Lucasfilm’s president and chief creative officer, is reportedly developing a feature film, and Season 2 is widely expected to lead into it.
If that’s the case, Thrawn’s expanded role could make him a key player in the franchise’s future. For now, fans can look forward to seeing much more of the Grand Admiral when ‘Ahsoka’ returns in January.
What are you most excited to see in Ahsoka Season 2?
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