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The Mandalorian season 3 episode 7 has set up what's to come in the Star Wars universe with major references to the sequel trilogy and the upcoming Ahsoka show. A warning that the following will contain major spoilers, so turn back now if you're not up to date!
The episode begins with a meeting of the galaxy's dark side, as Moff Gideon plots and schemes with his fellow Imperials. A reference is made to Grand Admiral Thrawn's return, but, as Gideon points out, he has yet to actually materialize.
Thrawn is set to play a huge role in Ahsoka. At Star Wars Celebration 2023, it was announced that he'll be played by none other than Lars Mikkelsen, who voiced the character in the animated show Rebels. In the trailer released to the public, we catch a glimpse of his head – though those lucky enough to be seated at the Celebration Stage were treated to an exclusive, front-facing look of Mikkelsen with the blue skin and red eyes.
The Imperial was last seen vanishing with Ezra Bridger thanks to the Purrgil, hyperspace travelling space whales that have made an appearance in The Mandalorian already. How Thrawn and Ezra will return is a mystery for now, but we'll likely see it all play out in the Ahsoka series.
The Mandalorian's bad guy meeting also features a very significant participant: Brendol Hux, played by Brian Gleeson. If he looks familiar, that's because he's the real life brother of Domhnall Gleeson, who played General Armitage Hux in the sequel trilogy. Brendol is Armitage's father, though he dies before the events of The Force Awakens, explaining his absence from the movies.
All this means that the seeds are sown for the return of the Empire – or, as it will be known, the First Order. Coupled with the references to cloning that seem to be establishing Snoke's origins, The Mandalorian is well and truly bridging the gap between the original and sequel trilogies.
