Last week it was announced that popular British actor Richard E Grant has joined the cast in an as-yet-undisclosed role.
When fans started discussing who he could play, talk naturally turned to Thrawn – who was originally introduced to the Star Wars universe in novels before Disney wiped everything except the big-screen movies from canon prior to The Force Awakens.
Thrawn has been re-introduced via new novels and the animated series Star Wars Rebels in recent years – so could the next step be for him to appear in Star Wars: Episode 9? And could Grant’s towering appearance make him the perfect fit?
Obviously nobody really knows at this point, but Grant did drop what could be seen as a hint that he will be turning blue after all.
The actor hit Like on a tweet that was responding with enthusiasm to comparisons between him and the character, as reported by Heroic Hollywood.
But whilst fans could make a case for Grant dropping an ever-so-subtle hint in liking the tweet, it’s probably safest for now to take everything with a giant pinch of salt.
Also joining the line-up for Episode 9, which began production this week, are Keri Russell and Naomi Acke, whose roles are also being kept secret.
Meanwhile, Billy Dee Williams is confirmed to reprise his iconic role as Lando Calrissian.
Mark Hamill will also be seen, despite Luke Skywalker dying at the end of The Last Jedi; and Anthony Daniels will yet again play C-3PO.
LucasFilm have also confirmed that unused footage from The Force Awakens will be used to insert Leia (the late Carrie Fisher) into the story.
Director JJ Abrams said: “We desperately loved Carrie Fisher.
“Finding a truly satisfying conclusion to the Skywalker saga without her eluded us. We were never going to recast, or use a CG character.
“With the support and blessing from her daughter, Billie, we have found a way to honor Carrie’s legacy and role as Leia in Episode IX by using unseen footage we shot together in Episode VII.”
Star Wars: Episode IX is out on December 20, 2019.