Grand Admiral Thrawn
In 2018, Zahn said Lucasfilm gave him some creative control over the character of Mara Jade: any appearance of Mara in new works requires Zahn's approval. Zahn also explained the Lucasfilm Story Group also had the authority to prevent him from incorporating Mara back into the canon, and any appearance would have to be approved by both parties. Zahn said he would only allow her to appear if she plays an important role in the plot, and he would block any kind of cameo. Previously, the character of Grand Admiral Thrawn, another Zahn creation, made the jump from "Legends" to canon, albeit with a slightly-reworked story. Subsequently, Zahn said he hoped to find a way to bring Mara into the canon, stating "If there was a generic, or organic, spot for her to fit into a story... I promise people, I will pitch it to the Lucasfilm story group, and then, it's their decision whether to allow it or not."