With the upcoming Ahsoka series set to include many different Star Wars villains, the show’s cast has revealed how the Empire’s magistrate – Morgan Elsbeth – connects to Grand Admiral Thrawn. First appearing in The Mandalorian season 2, episode 5, Diana Lee Inosanto plays Morgan Elsbeth in the upcoming Ahsoka series. At first, her character was thought of as nothing more than a stepping stone to Grand Admiral Thrawn, before the Ahsoka trailer confirmed her role in the upcoming Star Wars show.
During an interview with the Dagobah Dispatch podcast, Inosanto revealed more information about her character, Elsbeth’s goals, and her connection to the villainous Thrawn:
“Dave was always there to kind of assist me on what her backstory is, and I have to be very careful but I can say she’s quite the manipulator. We all know she’s cold-hearted, but this is a character that is truly dedicated and loyal to Grand Admiral Thrawn, and there’s nothing getting in her way. What I really love is that we are going to get into her backstory, and I’m just thrilled and excited. I think the fans are going to be pretty fascinated and quite happy about this. And also to the relationship that she has with her bond of baddies.”
These comments from Inosanto are interesting, as they hint at a much deeper backstory for Morgan Elsbeth than first thought during her appearance on The Mandalorian. Inosanto also insists that she must be careful about what she can say, indicating that her backstory will closely tie to Thrawn due to her unwavering loyalty to the Chiss Grand Admiral.
What Is Magistrate Morgan Elsbeth’s Connection To Thrawn?
In terms of how specifically Elsbeth will connect to Thrawn in the story for the Ahsoka show, the answer is unclear. While Inosanto was sure to outline her undying loyalty to the Grand Admiral, the specifics behind why she is so dedicated to him will be left for Ahsoka to reveal. The likelihood is that Elsbeth is a protégé of sorts to Thrawn. Throughout Star Wars, Thrawn has mentored many characters such as Gilad Pellaeon and Eli Vanto, both of whom are canon to the franchise now.
If this was the case with Elsbeth, it could explore her loyalty to Thrawn. Through her backstory of how specifically Thrawn mentored her, Ahsoka could outline their relationship. Interestingly, this could mean that Elsbeth’s loyalty is to Thrawn first and foremost over the Empire, allowing a much more complex character than the black and white Imperial troops Star Wars is accustomed to. Regardless, it is clear Elsbeth and Thrawn have a long-standing relationship with each other, something that will undoubtedly be unraveled when Ahsoka releases on Disney+ in August 2023.
Source: Dagobah Dispatch