The Next Big Bad Of The Star Wars Franchise May’ve Been Revealed

With Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker set to conclude the long-running Skywalker saga, many are wondering what’s next for that galaxy far far away. Whatever the actual events of the next movie are, it’s probably safe to assume that it’ll end with the Resistance scoring a significant victory against the First Order, if not defeating them for good. So, what’s coming in their place? Well, fans have noticed a new species being quietly established in Star Wars novels that might be just the ticket.

Of course, I’m talking about Grysks. These creatures were introduced in Timothy Zahn’s novel Thrawn: Alliances, where they were described as a humanoid race with tapered foreheads. Here’s more information on them:

“Grysks are a species living somewhere in the Unknown Regions. Creatures half of myth, whom few have ever seen. It is said that they are nomads, with no fixed home, traveling in spacecraft so numerous they blot out the stars. They are said to be terrifying warriors, overwhelming their opponents by sheer numbers and ferocity.”

Now, a further Zahn novel titled Thrawn: Treason has shed even more light on the species, explaining that they’re a race of slavers who specialize in breaking people’s will, exploiting their fears and doubts and completely subjugating them. Sounds pretty dark side, right?

The novels have seen Grysks moving into former Imperial territory, including making an appearance on the planet Batuu. Said planet is notable as the setting for Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge theme park, which would prove the studio right when they said the events in the park would be part of the official continuity.

For now, we’re going to have to wait and see how this all plays out. Honestly though, introducing a new alien enemy in the pages of a tie-in novel seems like a great way to get fans used to them and give them legitimacy before they make an appearance in a mainline movie. And if they get a namecheck in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, I’d take that as a hint that Lucasfilm has big plans for them.