The Star Wars galaxy is set to shine a little differently as a major Ahsoka character has officially been recast ahead of the show’s second season.
Premiering on Disney+ on August 22, 2023, Lucasfilm’s Ahsoka brought new life to the Star Wars universe by connecting beloved stories from The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and the post-original trilogy timeline. Helmed by creator Dave Filoni, with Jon Favreau and Kathleen Kennedy serving as executive producers, the series seamlessly weaves into the broader timeline of The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Skeleton Crew.
Set in the uncertain years following the Galactic Civil War around 9 ABY, Ahsoka sees Rosario Dawson step into the role of Ahsoka Tano, the former Padawan of Anakin Skywalker. As Ahsoka navigates the fragile peace of the New Republic, her mission to locate Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi) becomes intertwined with the ominous return of Grand Admiral Thrawn, played by Lars Mikkelsen in a live-action continuation of his animated role from Rebels.
The series also stars Natasha Liu Bordizzo as Mandalorian Sabine Wren, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Hera Syndulla, Ivanna Sakhno as Shin Hati, and the late Ray Stevenson as Baylan Skoll. Diana Lee Inosanto reprises her role as Morgan Elsbeth, bringing a host of fan-favorite characters to the forefront.
The finale of Season 1, “Part Eight: The Jedi, the Witch, and the Warlord,” left audiences on edge. Ahsoka and Sabine Wren remained stranded on the distant world of Peridea alongside Shin Hati and Baylan Skoll, while Ezra Bridger finally returned to the galaxy, reuniting with Hera Syndulla. With so many storylines still unresolved, fans eagerly anticipated confirmation of a second season.
In an unexpected twist, Lucasfilm announced Ahsoka Season 2 alongside news of The Mandalorian and Grogu—a feature film directed by Jon Favreau and slated for release in May 2026. Filoni is currently single-handedly writing Season 2 and is reportedly working toward a definitive conclusion, ensuring the series won’t leave unanswered questions, even if it ends after two seasons.
“According to [Daniel Richtman], the plan now is to make sure the series has a satisfying ending in case it’s canceled and doesn’t return for a third season,” shared a report from late 2024. “We hadn’t expected Filoni to tell this story beyond a couple of seasons, anyway, but Disney+ could always push for more episodes if Ahsoka is a big enough hit.”
However, the Star Wars family continues to mourn the loss of Ray Stevenson, whose portrayal of the enigmatic mercenary Baylan Skoll became one of the series’ highlights. Stevenson tragically passed away just before his 59th birthday, months ahead of the show’s debut. Known for his roles in Rome and the Thor films, Stevenson’s untimely passing left questions about Baylan’s future.
After months of speculation, Lucasfilm has now revealed who will take on the role. As confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter:
“Scottish actor Rory McCann, best known for playing the burly brute The Hound on HBO’s Game of Thrones, will replace late actor Ray Stevenson for a second season of Star Wars show Ahsoka, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.”
Season 1’s conclusion saw Baylan standing alone before the towering statues of the Mortis gods on Peridea, hinting at a larger mystery still to be unraveled. With Rory McCann stepping in, fans can expect this captivating storyline to continue in Season 2.
Ahsoka’s first season blended intense action, heartfelt character moments, and an exploration of what it means to be a Jedi in a galaxy where the Order has vanished. Meanwhile, the specter of Grand Admiral Thrawn looms large, threatening to reignite war across the galaxy.
In addition, Ahsoka wrestled with her past and the influence of her former master, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen). Christensen’s Anakin made a poignant live-action return, offering guidance to Ahsoka within The World Between Worlds and watching over her from afar in the season’s closing moments.
What do you think of Rory McCann stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
