There’s no shortage of Star Wars fans in Hollywood either, and with the money being spent to make The Mandalorian and other planned live-action shows, it’s not impossible to believe an A-list talent like Cumberbatch could be attached to the role.
And while Benedict Cumberbatch would’ve been a great option to play Grand Admiral Thrawn, there are plenty of other great options still out there.
Unless, of course, there is just something actors of that caliber have against hours in makeup to be painted blue.