The world of fan art has always been adept at showing everyone else both what could have been and what may yet be. While artwork depicting established characters in alternate circumstances seems to be more common, such as a piece portraying Star Wars' Senator Padmé Amidala as a Sith, others still get their time to shine. The "what may yet be" category of fan art still proves adept at giving fans a taste of what they might expect if certain casting rumors or suggestions come to pass.
That's where artist ApexForm comes in. Their specialty involves "what if" scenarios featuring popular characters in hypothetical situations as well as surprisingly detailed depictions of unconfirmed actors and actresses in their rumored roles. Sometimes the theoretical artwork shows actors who have been heavily suggested as their respective characters, but other times, they simply go with who they'd like to see. This time, it appears the latter is true, as shown in a stunning piece showcasing a shadowy Benedict Cumberbatch as fan-favorite Star Wars character Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Like ApexForm's recent work imagining what Daisy Ridley might look like as Spider-Woman, the piece involving Sherlock star Cumberbatch as the cold and clever Chiss adds more than just a static pose. There's real emotion and energy behind it, with lots of mood lighting emphasizing the character's trademark red eyes that contrast with his blue skin. Combine that with his white Imperial uniform, and it all comes together in a color palette that fans have recognized since even before the character made his on-screen debut (albeit via CG animation) in Star Wars Rebels.
Cumberbatch himself looks right at home, his own characteristically strong features meshing well with those of Thrawn. Even though this piece was created all the way back in December following the character's name drop in an episode of The Mandalorian, it still feels relevant. This is especially true given how the upcoming Star Wars: Ahsoka series has been heavily rumored to feature Thrawn's first live-action appearance. ApexForm isn't the only one to have suggested Cumberbatch for the role, but there still has yet to be an official announcement of anyone.
Thrawn made a huge impression on Star Wars fans upon his debut in Timothy Zahn's Heir to the Empire book trilogy, impressing everyone with his strategic prowess and surprisingly effective leadership skills. Many of those qualities carried over when the character became canon once again in Star Wars Rebels, including his fascination with art and belief that it could reveal important information about the culture that created it.
Theoretical works like this give valuable insight into any given fandom, such as a piece suggesting a casting change for Aquaman's Mera following current actress Amber Heard's controversy. In a way, they prove Thrawn's own beliefs about artwork, and that may be the most compelling reason of all to hurry up and bring the character back.
Source: ApexForm|Instagram