# Star Wars' New Main Villain Is Thrawn

> Grand Admiral Thrawn replaces Palpatine as Star Wars' next big villain.
- Title: Star Wars' New Main Villain Is Thrawn · ScreenRant | Shortify
- Summary: Grand Admiral Thrawn replaces Palpatine as Star Wars' next big villain. Star Wars' Ahsoka season 2 features Grand Admiral Thrawn as a more compelling villain…
- Keywords: star wars, ahsoka, grand admiral thrawn, palpatine, the rise of skywalker, revenge of the sith, empire strikes back, seahawks, entertainment, culture, Star, Wars'
- Source: ScreenRant — https://screenrant.com/star-wars-thrawn-ahsoka-better-villain-palpatine
- Author: Kyle McLeod
- Published: 2026-10-20T20:30:18+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: star wars, ahsoka, grand admiral thrawn, palpatine, the rise of skywalker, revenge of the sith, empire strikes back, seahawks, entertainment, culture
## Star Wars' Villain History
Star Wars has had great villains like Darth Vader and General Grievous for decades.
## Palpatine's Longevity
Palpatine, AKA Darth Sidious, remained relevant in prequels and returned in The Rise of Skywalker.
## Thrawn's Debut
Ahsoka season 1 introduced Grand Admiral Thrawn, setting up his role in season 2.
## Thrawn's Strengths
Thrawn is a ruthless, intelligent leader who studies enemies before attacking.
## Thrawn vs Palpatine
Thrawn lacks Palpatine's disguise but shares tactical intelligence with a calm, arrogant approach.
## Thrawn's Potential
Thrawn could terrorize the galaxy for seasons or movies after season 2.
## Palpatine's Downfall
Palpatine's return in The Rise of Skywalker felt underwhelming and retconned previous films.
## Thrawn's Upgrade
Thrawn offers a fresh villain with more depth than Palpatine's return.
## Key takeaway

Star Wars' Ahsoka season 2 features Grand Admiral Thrawn as a more compelling villain than Palpatine.