Lars Mikkelsen is a fan-favorite within the Star Wars universe, even if he plays one of the most treacherous villains in the entire franchise.
The actor will get the chance to continue Grand Admiral Thrawn’s legacy alive by bringing him to life with the upcoming Disney+ series Ahsoka.
Speaking to EW, Mikkelsen notes that he plans to keep the Thrawn fans know from animation alive with his live-action performance.
He tells the outlet, “In many ways, it’s the same character. He’s based on the same material. But we needed to think: Do this right… He’s a top strategist. He’s always seven paces ahead of anybody else. And ruthless, of course. But only when it’s needed, actually. I think he also thrives with the creativity of the surroundings. I mean, he’s not using people in a bad way. He’s using their creativity to reach his goals.”
Mikkelsen opens up about the reception that he’d be returning to the role at a Star Wars Celebration received. Mikkelsen hasn’t voiced Grand Admiral Thrawn since 2018’s Star Wars Rebels, but fans still love the iconic villain. While the actor has no plans to revisit that work to inspire his live-action take, he knows he’s in good standing with the Star Wars fandom.
He recalls the experience: “It was a very emotional moment that I didn’t expect to have. But I think there’s a lot of love to be taken care of from the audience. And I felt enormous gratitude. It was amazing. Never tried anything like that. I had a hard time actually keeping my tears back. I was really tearing up. I didn’t expect that.”
SEE ALSO: Star Wars: Ahsoka trailer teases the arrival of the Heir to the Empire
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Ahsoka stars Rosario Dawson as the titular Ahsoka Tano, Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, Eman Esfandi as Ezra Bridger, Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Sabine Wren, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Hera Syndulla, Ray Stevenson as Baylan Skoll, Lars Mikkelsen as Grand Admiral Thrawn, David Tennant as Huyang, Genevieve O’Reilly as Mon Mothma, Diana Lee Inosanto as Morgan Elsbeth and Ivanna Sakhno as Shin Hati.
Star Wars: Ahsoka premieres on Disney+ in August 2023.
Originally published May 30, 2023. Updated August 18, 2023.
