'STAR WARS REBELS': BEWARE THE SITH HOLOCRON!

The legacy of the Sith Holocron could be used for good in the right hands, and to potentially be used to destroy the Empire, but young Jedi-to-be Ezra Bridger soon has his hands full with it and its latent powers bringing initiations of fate and prophecy, especially when Darth Maul manipulates him with the device at a vulnerable time that will place another young Jedi and his elder custodian potentially in danger on a far off desert world, during the popular Season Three holocron arc episodes The Holocrons of Fate and Visions and Voices.

THE ART OF WAR: CELEBRATING THE THRAWN LEGACY!

The enigmatic power and skills of that truly alien servant of the Empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn, is well captured in this excellent art by Chris Trevas.

Being the Star Wars franchise equivalent of the ultimate calculating and resourceful villain (within the fragmented Galactic Empire in the saga era post Return of the Jedi), in a similar and effective way that the alien warrior Thanos was to The Avengers film series for Marvel, Grand Admiral Thrawn's live action debut in the upcoming Ahsoka mini-series, played by Lars Mikkelsen, is hugely awaited by fans. And, as well now know, this is just the beginning for Thrawn's ambitions, what with his eventual cinematic debut in Dave Filoni's all-action, multi-series character assemblage that will be Heir to the Empire. I wonder where he got that great title from...? 

Star Wars: Dave Filoni Says Thrawn Is "Definitely" the Big Threat in The New Republic Era

Thrawn reaction at Star Wars Celebration made Lars Mikkelsen cry | EW.com

Ahsoka Star Reveals If Thrawn Has Changed Since Star Wars Rebels' Finale

AHSOKA Star Lars Mikkelsen Talks "Ruthless" Take On Thrawn, Books Vs. TV, And His Unexpected Return

The live-action Thrawn makes his debut albeit briefly in the recent Ahsoka teaser trailer.

As played in live-action by Lars Mikkelsen.

In honour of Thrawn's well deserved and enduring success, and continued kudos to his creator in the acclaimed writer Timothy Zahn, enjoy this visual celebration of his key multi-media/Expanded Universe appearances as we head towards Ahsoka this August, 2023, airing exclusively on Disney+

The Star Wars saga returns to huge success with the first all-new books from Timothy Zahn in 1991: the Heir to the Empire series, of which Grand Admiral Thrawn is such an important part of the galactic drama. Art by Tom Jung.

Gorgeous first issue cover for the Dark Horse cover adaptations of Heir to the Empire, by Mathieu Lauffay.

More great art by Mathieu Lauffay for the Dark Horse Comics adaptation.

One of the recent all-new covers for Heir to the Empire's 2021 paperback Legends series re-printing. Art by Tracie Ching.

Atmospheric full face version used for promotion of the Thrawn origins book series.

The well-executed Thrawn saga trilogy covers.

Thrawn, seemingly 'discovered' by Imperial forces on a remote jungle world. Soon enough, his tactical skills are of great service to the Empire and becomes a critical asset. Art by Joe Corroney (?).

Promo art for Thrawn: Alliances, which saw the return of Anakin and Padme in an accomplished tale from Timothy Zahn. Cover art: Two Dots.

Potent combinations in different eras, during the Thrawn saga.

The popular books that revealed Thrawn's origins as a warrior of the Chiss Ascendancy and the threats that will lead to his encounters with the Empire.

In loyal service to the Chiss, but soon feared and hated by many of his rivals and superiors. Art by Magali Villeneuve.

Thrawn and his key Chiss naval comrades-in-arms within the Ascendancy series.

A figure of power with destinies linked to both his native Chiss and the Galactic Empire. Art by Two Dots for the Thrawn: Treason San Diego Comic Con variant book cover.

In consultation with Darth Vader and the Emperor. Art by Joe Corroney.

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Thrawn mini-series comics compilation - Spanish edition cover, 2018. Art by Paul Renaud.

Making the welcome transfer to animation and in holographic contact with the cruel Governor Pryce, during the later seasons of Star Wars Rebels.

Searching out the potential base/s of the building Rebel Alliance.

Not seen yet in the live action saga, a clever representation of the Force defying Ysalamiri, created by Timothy Zahn for the Heir to the Empire saga. 

Character image used for a TOPPS card.

A memorable and chilling encounter involving Rebel pilot Hera Syndulla in the Star Wars Rebels episode, Hera's Heroes.

With his loyal alien bodyguard Rukh (voiced by Warwick Davis) during Season Four.

Thrawn and his long serving Fleet Admiral, Gilad Palleon, recently played on screen by actor Xander Berkley during Season Three of The Mandalorian.

'STAR WARS REBELS': THE Y-WING GAMBIT!

Image: Disney+

Protecting the vulnerable Mon Mothma, a fugitive now pursued by Imperial forces, Ezra Bridger proves his worth as a skilled Rebel Y-wing fighter pilot, as he and the rest of Gold Squadron fight off a score of TIE fighters and several Star Destroyers during the tense and exciting events of the space battle action-packed Season Three episode, Secret Cargo.

'STAR WARS - AHSOKA' - FIRST LOOK TEASER TRAILER

The official poster for the series. Image: Disney+/Lucasfilm.

The beginnings of Star Wars Rebels full conversion to live-action are almost here, as the modern franchise's popular Jedi heroine Ahsoka Tano, well portrayed with calm and charismatic gusto by Rosario Dawson, returns in spectacular teaser trailer footage for the eagerly awaited series...

"Star Wars: Ahsoka" Thrawn Actor Revealed - Dark Horizons

Ahsoka Debuts Two New Dark Side Villains

The show debuts exclusively to Disney+ this August, 2023.

Ahsoka trailer with Rosario Dawson reveals live-action Rebels | EW.com

'VADER WEEK': DAY 6 - PT 2: KNIGHT vs MASTER!

Deep within the still lethally environs on the forbidden Sith world of Malachor, fugitive Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano is locked in tense battle - in a thrilling and brutal lightsaber duel - against her former master whom she once believed dead, Anakin Skywalker, now very much alive and well in his intimidating and shocking-to-see identity as the evil Darth Vader. 

Dave Filoni's superb Burbank Office board illustrations for the scene, which everyone on staff was reluctant to rub out, including Rian Johnson.

This was the sequence, he dramatic post Order 66 scene, the personal conflict between such gifted friends and Jedi, that all fans of The Clone Wars animated series had been waiting years for, and whose onscreen realisation, carefully planned for by producer Dave Filoni. they were not disappointed by, during the extended Star Wars Rebels Season Two finale: Twilight of the Apprentice.

'VADER WEEK': DAY 6 - McQUARRIE'S DARK LORD UNLEASHED!

The special rare cover variant of Vader, menacingly gracing Star Wars Insider back in 2015.

His return to live-action villainy may have been a a year or two in coming back in 2014/15, but Darth Vader nonetheless made an impressive full debut in animated form opening the second season of Star Wars Rebels in spectacular style in 2015, the series' artists celebrating/refining the original visage concept design for the character first launched by Ralph McQuarrie in 1975 - note the proper red eyes for the helmet that were also seen with the original 1977 movie!

Vader's immoral and unceasing actions in evil made him a truly formidable and lethal force against the saga's latest Jedi in Kanan Jarrus and his young Padawan, Ezra Bridger. Plus, we got to see Vader pilot his prototype TIE fighter once more into fierce battle!

The animated Vader in character poses.

'STAR WARS REBELS': THE NEW PROTECTORS!

A former Jedi Padawan escaped from the bloodshed of Order 66 and a young and capable flying-ace Twi'Lek escaping the pain and tyranny caused to her world by the Empire, joining forces on the plains-world of the occupied Lothal. United in grief, but soon united in hope and deep friendship against a common enemy in this epic character art by TwoDots for the gorgeous Brazilian exclusive cover to John Jackson Miller's popular Star Wars Rebels book/series set-up: A New Dawn.

https://www.starwars.com/news/swcc-2019-8-highlights-from-rebels-remembered-panel

'STAR WARS REBELS': 'THE GHOST' OF 'GALACTICA'?

As the main focal point of the first season and beyond, life for the people of the planet Lothal is not so good under the thumb of the Empire. So thank the Force that the heroes of Star Wars Rebels are around to help out, breaking the Imperial-controlled space lanes to help where possible via their nimble vessel, The Ghost, as seen in this lovely production painting art for the series by Andre Kirk.

A similar design to The Ghost from 1978's Battlestar Galactica. Image: Universal.

I always thought that The Ghost looked familiar, however, before its Rebels debut. And then I remembered the works of Joe Johnston and Ralph McQuarrie in designing vehicles not just for Star Wars but also the original 1978/79 version of Battlestar Galactica. Sure enough, a similar ship design appears on a technical schematic during the opening episode, Saga of a Star World. It may also have been a prior design idea, perhaps, for the Millennium Falcon back in late 1975, before it became the familiar 'flying hamburger' we know and love.

If anyone has any more info on this, please get in touch...

THE CLONE WARS: FLYING THE (UN)FRIENDLY SKIES!

When you're one of the most powerful and vicious former Sith's in the galaxy, only the best and most intimidating looking vessel to travel in will do, as seen with Darth Maul's sleek and dangerous Nightbrother ship, seen in Star Wars Rebels but ultimately designed for use during the earlier The Clone Wars animated series. With the original never fully concluded plot of Maul on Mandalore soon to be witnessed as part of the eagerly-awaited final batch of TCW episodes later in the year, this vessel will surely be seen again, for the first time!

BEHIND THE SCENES: TO REIGN AS EMPEROR!

At the FOX Studios in Australia during 2003, Ian McDiarmid prepares to film scenes for both EPISODE III and the then latest version of The Empire Strikes Back Special Edition for DVD, replacing Clive Revill's original performance in the role.

It was great to see McDiarmid vocally premiering his role as the one and only Emperor for the final run of STAR WARS REBELS episodes, that originally aired in the US from February 19th, 2018 (and now available on Blu-ray/DVD), giving the series even more credibility with the old and new fan base.

The Emperor- fully revealed for the final season of STAR WARS REBELS. Image: Disney XD.

As seen in the original trailer: http://www.starwars.com/video/star-wars-rebels-mid-season-4-trailer-official

THE CLONE WARS: MISTRESS OF THE BLADES!

Personally, AFICIONADO feels that Ahsoka Tano should never have survived her lightsaber duel conflict against Darth Vader, as seen in Star Wars Rebels, and that writer/producer Dave Filoni gave in to fan pressure with the eventual timeline time travel 'get-out clause' that saw her return post EPISODE VI, with that series animated finale. Still, Ahsoka's popularity, as personified by  the ever enthused actor/business woman Ashley Eckstein, continues to radiate like a bright star for her dedicated fan base worldwide.

'STAR WARS REBELS': SEASON FOUR BLASTS ONTO US/UK TV!

A final stand for the Mandalorians against the Empire, the return of Thrawn, the fate of brothers in the Force as a new hope dawns, and an ending that will surely tie-in to Rogue One, if not directly. Yes, the hotly anticipated sweeping and emotional wrap-up arcs finale season of STAR WARS REBELS arrives on US TV this Monday, following on the UK's DISNEY XD from the 28th, at 9am.

New trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Q9pJ15m7T4

Dave Filoni talks Season Four:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-W4CoeMd7A

http://www.jedinews.co.uk/film-music-tv/articles/ign-exclusive-clip-star-wars-rebels-season-4-premiere/

'STAR WARS REBELS': HOME IS WHERE THE BATTLE IS...

It looks like things have come full circle for our small, loyal and incredible band of Rebel heroes returned to their home base world of grassy Lothal to try and finally rid it of Imperial tyranny, as the fourth and surely emotional final season of STAR WARS REBELS grows near.

http://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-rebels-season-four-viewing-schedule

Trailer 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtigV-biVGg

'STAR WARS REBELS': A NEW DESTINY...

Once she was the young and blistering, nay explosive, maverick graffiti artist extraordinaire, now, the more maturing rebel heroine Sabine Wren can no longer hide from, nor ignore, her family lineage importance linked to her troubled world of Mandalore, as the conflicts between her race, and later involving the Empire, intensify, leading her on a difficult but necessary new path affecting her life and her battle comrade friends, towards the end of the satisfying STAR WARS REBELS Season Three, out now on US Blu-ray and DVD, from DISNEY, and officially coming to the UK from October 2nd, 2017.

Preview clips for the release:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7HGafpav4U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RXwYQ8Ajf0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S93E0DMUqeA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vm-oUbCS-y0

Get the release here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Rebels-Season-Blu-ray-Region/dp/B074V7RBJY/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1504536766&sr=1-1&keywords=rebels+season+3+blu+ray

Recent cast appearance for Season Four, coming next month: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=rS7C6FZsQUk

Latest Season Four trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtigV-biVGg

'STAR WARS REBELS': X-WINGS INCOMING!

A glorious sight in the new trailer for the upcoming STAR WARS REBELS 16-episode 'darker, funnier' fourth season, coming soon (fall 2017) to DISNEY XD: a squadron of X-wing fighters make their welcome debut, ready for action, in an episode airing presumably near the series finale?

The acclaimed Season Three now comes to the UK on DISNEY region free Blu-ray from 2nd October, 2017.

Get it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Rebels-Season-Blu-ray/dp/B074V7RBJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503576621&sr=8-1&keywords=STAR+WARS+REBELS+SEASON+3+BLU+RAY

'STAR WARS REBELS': NOGHRI DAWN!

Image: DISNEY XD.

On his efficient speeder bike, the determined and deadly alien bodyguard to Grand Admiral Thrawn, the Noghri known as Rukh, has a mission of death to keep, making his welcome surprise premiere appearance, and finally existing beyond Expanded Universe once canon, in the recent trailer for Season Four of STAR WARS REBELS, airing soon in the US. Voiced by longtime STAR WARS British fan favourite Warwick Davis, we can't wait to see what subtly malevolent intrigue, action, danger and character he brings to the DISNEY XD series in its finale run.

Don't forget, the action-packed STAR WARS REBELS: The Complete Season Three also comes to Blu-ray and DVD States-side this month (29th August, 2017).

COMING TO US BLU-RAY/DVD: 'STAR WARS REBELS' SEASON THREE

Relive the excitement of Grand Admiral Thrawn's debut in the STAR WARS animated universe, and cheer on the heroes of REBELS as they show their bravery of defiance against his campaign of terror, as STAR WARS REBELS Season Three comes to Blu-ray and DVD in the US from August 29th, 2017. Sadly, no word yet on a UK release in either format, that I'm aware of...


More info here: http://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-rebels-complete-season-three-arrives-on-blu-ray-and-dvd-august-2

Original trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmXp802sFgQ