With the sequel film "" in production, in April 2014 most of the licensed "Star Wars" novels and comics produced since the 1977 film "Star Wars" were declared non-canon to the franchise. However, "Star Wars Rebels" executive producer Dave Filoni announced at the London "Star Wars" Celebration in July 2016 that Thrawn would be reintroduced into the franchise in the third season of the "Rebels" series. The character debuted in the season 3 premiere, "Steps into Shadow", which aired on September 24, 2016.