Here's When Star Wars Rebels Returns With Season 3; Watch the New Trailer

The third season of Star Wars Rebels premieres on Saturday, September 24, Disney announced today.

This upcoming season debuts with a one-hour premiere episode called "Steps Into Shadow" that introduces two new characters to the show, Grand Admiral Thrawn and Bendu. It will air at 8:30 PM EDT on Disney XD. You can check out a quick teaser trailer above and some images from the new season below.

Thrawn's inclusion was announced at this year's Star Wars Celebration and was the source of some excitement. He's a fan-favorite character from the expanded universe, all of which was deemed non-canon following Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm. His appearance on Rebels marks his return to the official canon.

On Rebels, Thrawn will be voiced by Lars Mikkelsen (of House of Cards and my-brother-is-Mads-Mikkelsen fame). Dr. Who's Tom Baker voices this season's other big addition, the aforementioned Bendu.

"Having established a secret base on Atollon, the Ghost crew, now led by a more powerful Ezra, strengthens the rebel fleet by acquiring new resources and recruits eager to stand against the Empire," a press release states.

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"However, the Imperial efforts to eliminate the rebellion are now being led by the coldly analytical Grand Admiral Thrawn, whose strategic, tactical and cultural insights make him a threat unlike any they have faced before. In season three, Ezra and Sabine take on new roles and challenges as the rebels prepare for their biggest mission yet--a direct assault on the Empire."

As part of today's announcement, Disney also announced that Season 2 of Rebels will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 30.