Summary
- Grand Admiral Thrawn's return in The Mandalorian and related shows sets up an Imperial civil war as the Empire seeks to regain power.
- Moff Gideon and various other Imperial leaders do not believe in Thrawn's importance nor want to wait for his return.
- Thrawn's return could divide the Imperial Remnant, leaving them vulnerable to the New Republic and other threats in the galaxy.
A compelling theory sets up an Imperial civil war in The Mandalorian and beyond as a result of Grand Admiral Thrawn’s return. The Mandalorian and accompanying shows like Ahsoka are setting up the Empire’s bid to return to power in the galaxy, and Grand Admiral Thrawn is a big part of that plan. As one of the Empire’s most formidable leaders, Thrawn could use his terrifying tactical prowess to undermine the New Republic’s efforts to restore peace and freedom to the galaxy. It’s why the Jedi Ezra Bridger sacrificed so many years of his life to prevent Thrawn from taking control of Lothal and other planets in the Star Wars Rebels series finale, and why Ahsoka Tano was so determined to stop his return in Ahsoka.
Thrawn’s disappearance in Star Wars Rebels proved to be the first step in crushing the Empire, but much like Palpatine himself, the Empire never truly disappeared. Scattered across the galaxy is the Imperial Remnant, a group of ex-Imperial warlords and dictators who hope to restore the Empire’s power and influence. Thrawn, now safely back in Star Wars’ prime galaxy, is meant to lead them to victory. And yet, before Thrawn ever returned, the Imperial Remnant had another cunning and conniving member – Moff Gideon. Gideon, however, didn’t seem to believe in Thrawn’s importance or even his continued existence, and he wasn’t the only one.
