'Star Wars Rebels' season 3 spoilers, air date: New promo focuses on Grand Admiral Thrawn

Grand Admiral ThrawnDisney XD, Lucasfilm

Disney XD has released a new trailer for "Star Wars Rebels" season 3, and while it is shorter than a minute, it showcases a powerful look at Grand Admiral Thrawn, voiced by Lars Mikkselsen. 

The trailer utilizes a voice over in which Thrawn details that he has mastered the art of war and that he will destroy the Rebel Alliance from within. According to the new villain, the rebels will be the architect of their own destruction, hinting that he may turn them against each other or trick them into falling into his traps.

At the same time the video showcases clips of the main characters fighting the Empire and many of Thrawn's forces, mostly focusing on scenes where the heroes have fallen or may be stuck in difficult situations, further emphasizing how powerful Thrawn is an enemy.

Grand Admiral Thrawn is not entirely new to the "Star Wars" franchise as he was originally created by author Timothy Zahn for the novel "Shadows of the Empire." For a long time the books and the character were a part of the Extended Universe until Disney purchased the franchise and labeled all the previous books, comics and other material as "Star Wars Legends," non-canon material.

Bringing Thrawn back into the official canon will be a delight for many fans of the original books and as previously reported, Timothy Zahn was consulted for the character's return in "Star Wars Rebels" and authored a new book that will be a part of the canon, titled "Thrawn."

Screen Rant points out that while Thrawn is likely going to be unsuccessful in destroying the Rebel Alliance, given that the rebels are active by the time the events of "Star Wars: A New Hope" take place, he is likely going to give the heroes a big challenge and may even be more successful than Darth Vader, who attempted to destroy the rebels in season 2.

"Star Wars Rebels" season 3 premieres this Sept. 24.