If it wasn't evident from the jaw-dropping trailer, Jon Favreau has some big plans for The Mandalorian. The acclaimed director is setting the bar high for the first live-action Star Wars series, and is looking to tell a story that treads new territory while also feeling the same. That means having familiar imagery, familiar references, and potentially familiar fan-favorite characters audiences have wanted to see in live-action for decades.
On that note, Jon Favreau was flat-out asked if there's any chance that his Disney+ series will feature the legendary Chiss who works for the Empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn. While the director didn't explicitly say whether or not we'll see him or other characters in The Mandalorian, his response does make it sound like there's a distinct possibility it will happen.
I don’t want to talk about anything that might be fun for people to discover. We do have conversations. Part of what’s fun to see if we could merge the worlds of the original trilogy, the prequels, the sequels, The Clones Wars, and what’s been considered canon up to this point and what’s been considered part of Legends. I think this show offers an opportunity to bring in all those elements so no matter what your flavor of Star Wars ice cream you like there will be something to enjoy. But you’re asking the right questions.
It sounds like Jon Favreau definitely has some surprise characters like Thrawn lined up for The Mandalorian, because why not just say no otherwise? He had no problem confirming that bounty hunter Boba Fett would not be appearing. That means there's a chance Thrawn will make an appearance, or maybe even Mara Jade considering she was mentioned as well in EW's original question as well.
What are the odds of Thrawn turning up in The Mandalorian? In terms of the official timeline, Thrawn was last seen stuck in a Star Destroyer being ppulled away from Lothal by a Purrgil in Star Wars Rebels. His fate was left in question, though executive producer and animated Star Wars television mastermind Dave Filoni has confirmed that Thrawn and Rebels hero Ezra both survived that incident. Does that mean Ezra is a potential character that will show up in The Mandalorian as well?
If Thrawn is around for The Mandalorian, it will be very interesting to see what role he has in the story. The Disney+ series is also said to explore the origins of the First Order, which he very well may have a hand in given his extensive military experience and the respect he gained as a master strategist. He may not mean much to the common Star Wars citizen, but any struggling Empire loyalists would absolutely gravitate to him for guidance.
The Mandalorian is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ Tuesday, November 12. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend for more on the exciting bounty hunter series, and for a look at what else is headed to television in the fall.
