While this was resoundingly the expectation, I will admit some sadness that all of Zahn’s new characterization of Thrawn is being discarded in favor of an Heir redux. I’m glad Filoni is getting to live out his dream of Ahsoka’s story, I just wish it didn’t come at the expense of Zahn’s character, who he no doubt cared for much as Filoni cares for Ahsoka.
It was wise of Zahn to make his continuation of the story— Thrawn and Ezra teaming up— known. I imagine he knew what was coming.
The saddest part is that Thrawn’s entire characterization and purpose will likely never be completed, and the book series (where Thrawn truly lives, as film cannot delve into the thoughts of him and his crew) may end at Ascendancy.
Maybe I’m jumping the gun and they’ll get it right, but it doesn’t seem likely.
BTW, there was 1 singular moment where I had a lump in my throat.
When he asked about the loose thread, there was that fraction of a second where you could see you had his full attention, and the intensity was blinding, the mind was at work like a lightsaber.
After he went right back to “my plan is underway, all of this has been accounted for”, but that instant reaction was just chilling :)