Ahsokaseason 2 is set to feature a major original trilogy character going head-to-head with Grand Admiral Thrawn: Admiral Ackbar. Theending ofAhsokaseason 1left many wanting for a continuation, which Dave Filoni has been hard at work on. AtStar Wars Celebration 2025’s panel celebratingAhsoka, Filoni offered several hints about what to expect, despite filming not beginning until a week later. Be it the confirmation ofRory McCann’s recasting as Baylan Skollor the return of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker,Ahsokaseason 2’s cast is being teased.
At Star Wars Celebration 2025, whichScreen Rantattended, theAhsokaseason 2 panel also confirmed the return of a beloved original trilogyStar Warscharacter known for his iconic"It’s a trap!“line: Admiral Ackbar.InAhsokaseason 2, Admiral Ackbar, likely now a representative of the New Republic, is expected to spearhead the battle against a resurgent Grand Admiral Thrawn, according to Filoni. Exactly how big a role Ackbar will play beyond this is unclear, yetAhsokaseason 2 will bring back to iconic hero to combat the rising Imperial threat inStar Wars' New Republic era.
Admiral Ackbar Versus Grand Admiral Thrawn Is An Iconic Match-Up
The Two Admirals Have Begrudging Respect For One Another
This news aboutAhsokaseason 2 is not only exciting due to the return of an iconicStar Warscharacter, but also what it adapts from the now-Star WarsLegends stories about Thrawn’s return.Ahsokaseason 2, and the rest of theNew Republic timelinefocusing on Imperial remnants, is based on Timothy Zahn’s Heir to the Empire books. In these stories, Thrawn returned to carry on the Empire’s legacy after the original trilogy, clashing with the heroes of the New Republic like Luke Skywalker.
Beyond the Jedi, though, Admiral Ackbar put up one heck of a fight against Grand Admiral Thrawn in these original books. DespiteStar Warscanon’s various changes to Thrawn’s resurgent storyline, it seems Filoni wished to carry over this element inAhsokaseason 2. Thrawn respected Ackbar in the Legends books, which will hopefully be depicted inAhsokaseason 2’s story. Excitingly, the iconic match-up is making its way toStar Warscanon, with Filoni describing their face-off as a"head-to-head.”
Our Take On Admiral Ackbar’s Return
Ackbar Gets A New Chance To Shine
With Ackbar’s return inAhsokaseason 2, there is lots to be excited for. For one, the inclusion proves how big a threat Thrawn will pose to the coreStar Warsgalaxy.Ezra Bridger and Hera Syndulla will likely team-up with Ackbar and the other representatives of the New Republic’s military to face-off with Thrawn, escalating the conflict that was only teased inAhsokaseason 2. Moreover, it gives Ackbar a chance to shine in a way he has not gotten to since the original trilogy.
Although I am someone who lovesStar Wars: The Last Jedi, his unceremonious death in that movie was certainly disappointing. Now, though, this blow could be lessened by giving Ackbar an integral role in the fight against Thrawn. Yes, he may be known for his iconic"It’s a trap!“line inReturn of the Jedi, but there is no denying his military prowess has not been shown to its fullest extent on screen. That said, an adversary like Grand Admiral Thrawn is sure to bring that out of Admiral Ackbar, whichAhsokaseason 2 looks set to showcase in a big way.
