Ahsoka season 2 trailer teases Thrawn's dark return

Lucasfilm unveiled the first trailer for Star Wars: Ahsoka season two at D23 on August 15, 2026, ahead of the show's January 20, 2027 debut on Disney+. The footage teases a darker, witchcraft-infused storyline, with Grand Admiral Thrawn—depicted with blue skin, red eyes, and an unsettlingly calm demeanor—threatening to plunge the galaxy back into large-scale war following the Empire's fall. Separately, actor Ryan Gosling appeared at the event to promote the upcoming film Star Wars: Starfighter, though the exclusive footage shown was not released online.

The Ahsoka trailer's focus on Thrawn signals a major escalation for the series, which continues the story of former Jedi Ahsoka Tano. The character's return to a central antagonistic role suggests the New Republic will face a coordinated military threat, raising the stakes for the show's ensemble cast. Meanwhile, Starfighter's D23 presentation generated buzz, but Lucasfilm has not officially posted the footage, and purported leaks on social media remain unverified.

Star Wars: Starfighter is scheduled to hit theaters on May 28, 2027, starring Ryan Gosling alongside Matt Smith, Aaron Pierre, Mia Goth, and others. The film's logo was displayed at D23, and the project marks a new cinematic entry in the franchise following the sequel trilogy. With Ahsoka season two arriving in January and Starfighter opening in May, Lucasfilm is positioning 2027 as a major year for Star Wars storytelling across television and film.

No further details about Ahsoka's plot or Starfighter's story were revealed at D23, and Lucasfilm has not announced when the Starfighter trailer will be made public. The company's decision to keep the footage exclusive to attendees mirrors past marketing strategies for high-profile releases, building anticipation ahead of the film's theatrical debut.