Lucasfilm’s Star Wars franchise is one of many moving parts.
At the time of writing, the Powers That Be over at Skywalker Ranch are currently bracing for Solo: A Star War Story, the second of Lucasfilm’s Anthology pics that’s all about the greatest space pirate in the entire galaxy. Back in the Sequel Trilogy, The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams has returned to helm Episode IX, with filming expected to kick off in the United Kingdom this July.
Looking further afield, though, and while Lucasfilm is reportedly keen on Lando: A Star Wars Story, the mooted Obi-Wan Kenobi spinoff is beginning to make serious headway ahead of its own production start in the spring. As expected, it’ll take place between the events of Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, with Ewan McGregor expected to reprise his role as the legendary Jedi Master in some shape or form. And at least according to an audience tape uncovered by Omega Underground, we now know the identity of Obi-Wan’s next foe. And it’s a big one.
British actor Adam Templar has posted an audition tape for Grand Admiral Thrawn, replete with blue body paint and blood-red contact lenses. Yes, if this is intended for Lucasfilm’s Obi-Wan movie, which is said to be in the midst of casting, Ewan McGregor could be going up against “the most brilliant of the Emperor’s minions.”
In the leaked tape, Templar acts out a scene in which Thrawn is reporting to Darth Vader – not unlike the Krennic-Vader dynamic that underpinned Rogue One – so perhaps this can be construed as a sure-fire sign that Thrawn, a character with ties to Star Wars Rebels, will become the main antagonist of Kenobi: A Star Wars Story.
For those unfamiliar with the villain, Thrawn is described as “a tall, solidly built humanoid with blue skin and glowing red eyes who wears the white uniform befitting his rank. He has risen in power thanks to his tactical brilliance and cunning, and has been described as one of the most threatening antagonists in the Star Wars universe.”
Firm details of Lucasfilm’s Obi-Wan Kenobi movie are being kept under lock and key, though we understand Stephen Daldry has been poring over the screenplay ever since August of last year, which tells us that he may wind up directing the picture when all is said and done. As always, watch this space for more.
