When Ray Stevenson died, Ahsoka Season 2 nearly died with him. The show’s creator, Dave Filoni, attended Star Wars Celebration Japan this weekend and spoke on a panel about his Disney+ show. Filoni became noticeably distraught as the topic of Stevenson’s death arose. Stevenson played fallen Jedi Master Baylan Skoll, who had a significant role to play in the series’ future—but Filoni claimed it went much further.
The Star Wars Celebration panel stated that Game of Thrones star Rory McCann will take over the role of former Jedi Baylan Skoll, replacing the late Ray Stevenson, who played the character in season one. Further hints included the fact that Admiral Ackbar will appear in the season, going “head to head” with Thrawn, and Hayden Christensen will return as the chosen one, Anakin Skywalker.
“Season two was obviously a big challenge anyway, but it was a particularly big challenge because of a losing Ray,” Filoni said during the panel. “He was just the greatest person and such a great spirit on the show. I knew Ray from working in voice acting with him, I just always instantly connected with him and thought, ‘When I make live-action, I need this guy to portray a powerful Jedi Knight that have had in mind.’ And he did not disappoint in any way. Ray was the most beautiful person on screen and off, he was wonderful to all of us. However big of a loss you think it is, it’s bigger.”
Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) made his live-action debut, and Hayden Christensen reprised his role as future Darth Vader Anakin Skywalker.
“It was a challenge for me even to consider continuing [Ahsoka] for a while,” he continued. “But I have a great support group with Jon [Favreau] and Rosario [Dawson] and I found a way. I had Ray in my head and I’m grateful for all the conversations with him about Baylan. So I understood what to do, it just took a while to get there. But I’m very confident now that Ray would be happy with the direction that we’ve chosen.”
Ahsoka’s first season aired eight episodes and delves into the lives of Dawson’s Ahsoka Tano—following the character’s live-action debut in The Mandalorian—as well as fellow Star Wars Rebels heroes Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi).
Season one concluded with Baylan on a personal mission to discover greater meaning in the Force, with Ahsoka and Sabine on his trail. But, according to Filoni, Baylan exists for reasons other than being a horrible guy.
“The character was meant to be important,” Filoni said. “He’s meant to be the parallel to Ahsoka in every way. If there’s a light, there’s a dark and Baylan is representing a different journey of a Jedi that’s lost his way. As much as [Ahsoka] represents one that’s kind of walked away from the Order, so did he. And that parallel is something that must continue.”
Filoni and executive producer Jon Favreau recognized there was only one way to complete the plot while honoring Stevenson: replace the character. As previously stated, they met their match in Scottish actor Rory McCann. “In essence, because Ray performed it so iconically, there is a blueprint for what this character should be,” Filoni said. “And then I talked to Jon and Jon and I decided that we just needed to find the right person that would not just understand the character, but also understand a bit of what Ray brought to it as well. It’s something imperceptible. Something just in the eyes, to be honest, and I think we both felt very fortunate that we met Rory McCann. So Rory will be taking over the role.”
According to Filoni, McCann, best known for his appearances in Game of Thrones and Hot Fuzz, has one main purpose: ensuring Ray Stevenson’s legacy lives on. “[Rory] takes it quite seriously. He’s a huge man with a large heart, admiring Ray and everything he’s contributed to this. I know my primary aim is not to let Ray or you down. You’ll adore them, as will we, and I’m excited about what he’s up to. It’s a significant event, therefore the force is behind him.”
Ahsoka season two begins filming around the end of April. There is no information on a release date, but we may presume it will be in late 2026.
What do you think of Ahsoka Season 2? Let us know in the comments below!
(Via Deadline)
