At the recent Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo, fans were treated to exciting news about the upcoming second season of the Disney+ series Ahsoka. The panel revealed that filming is set to begin on April 26, 2025, with Rosario Dawson, who stars as Ahsoka Tano, expressing her enthusiasm for the return of the cast and crew. Notably, fans got their first official look at Rory McCann, known for his role in Game of Thrones, as he steps into the shoes of Baylan Skoll, a character previously portrayed by the late Ray Stevenson.
Stevenson, who passed away in May 2023, left a lasting impact on the series, and his absence was felt deeply by the cast and crew. During the panel, Dave Filoni, the chief creative officer of Lucasfilm, paid tribute to Stevenson, stating, "Ray was the most beautiful person on screen and off." He acknowledged the challenge of continuing the story of Baylan Skoll without Stevenson, but expressed confidence in McCann's ability to honor his friend’s legacy.
McCann's casting was confirmed following a heartfelt tribute to Stevenson, with Filoni stating, "You’ll love him, and we love him now. The Force is with him.” McCann's past experience, particularly as Sandor 'The Hound' Clegane in Game of Thrones, showcased his capability to embody a character like Baylan, who is both complex and intense.
The panel also confirmed the return of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker, adding another layer of excitement for fans. Christensen's character is significant, as he is Ahsoka's mentor, and their relationship is fraught with emotional complexity. Filoni hinted at the dynamic that will unfold in the new season, stating, "If there’s a light, there’s a dark, and Baylan represents a different journey for a Jedi as you represent one who walked away from the order." This thematic parallel between Ahsoka and Baylan promises to deepen the narrative in season two.
In addition to McCann and Christensen, the beloved character Admiral Ackbar will also make a return, with Filoni teasing a face-off against Grand Admiral Thrawn, an iconic villain from the Star Wars universe. "It took all of my effort to resist writing the line — ‘It’s a trap!’" Filoni joked, acknowledging the character's famous catchphrase. The return of Ackbar, alongside Thrawn's machinations, sets the stage for high-stakes drama in the upcoming season.
Fans are eager to see how the story will unfold, especially after the cliffhanger ending of season one, which left Ahsoka, Sabine, and Ezra stranded in a precarious situation. The finale concluded with Thrawn making a dramatic escape, leaving the heroes in a vulnerable position on the planet Peridea. This unresolved tension will likely propel the narrative forward as the characters confront new challenges.
Filoni, who has been a fan of Thrawn since his introduction in Timothy Zahn's post-Return of the Jedi novel Heir to the Empire, expressed his excitement about exploring Thrawn's character further. "He is the iconic villain. Thrawn doesn’t have the Force, but holds his own against everybody," Filoni noted, hinting at the complexities of Thrawn's character and his strategic prowess.
As the production gears up, Filoni revealed that the second season will consist of eight episodes, similar to the first season. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among the cast and crew, stating, "I always keep working on [the scripts] as I go. You have to keep evolving them, keep improving them." This dedication to quality suggests that fans can expect a polished and engaging continuation of Ahsoka's journey.
Dawson, who has worked with McCann in the past, shared her excitement about his casting, saying, "Rory has that incredible balance of intensity, fierceness, love, and passion that Ray had." This sentiment reflects the camaraderie and respect among the cast, which has been a hallmark of the series.
As the countdown to filming begins, fans are buzzing with anticipation for the new season, eager to see how the story of Ahsoka and her allies will unfold. With a strong cast, compelling storylines, and the promise of deeper character exploration, season two of Ahsoka is shaping up to be a must-watch for Star Wars enthusiasts.
For those looking to catch up, season one of Ahsoka is currently available for streaming on Disney+. As the franchise continues to expand, with upcoming projects like The Mandalorian & Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter, the future of the Star Wars universe looks bright.
