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Arts & Culture
19 April 2025

Star Wars Celebration Unveils Exciting Ahsoka Season Two Details

Fans rejoice as Hayden Christensen and new cast members are confirmed for the upcoming season.

Star Wars fans were treated to exciting news during the Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025, held in Tokyo, Japan. The panel, featuring series creator Dave Filoni, executive producer Jon Favreau, and stars Rosario Dawson and Hayden Christensen, unveiled key details about the upcoming second season of the beloved series. With the first season concluding in late 2023, fans have eagerly awaited updates, and Filoni delivered with a retro-inspired teaser trailer that promises thrilling developments.

One of the most anticipated announcements was the return of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker. After making a significant impact in the first season, Christensen confirmed, "There’s not much I can share, but Anakin will be back for season 2," eliciting cheers from the audience. His return is particularly exciting as it allows for deeper exploration of Anakin's character during a compelling time period in his life that had not been depicted in live-action before.

Filoni expressed his enthusiasm about working with Christensen again, stating, "I had to make up entire dimensions to get to work with you," emphasizing the creative challenges and joys of bringing Anakin back into the fold. The dynamic between Anakin and Ahsoka is central to the series, as Filoni noted, "No one has had more influence on Ahsoka than her master, Anakin Skywalker." This connection will be further explored as Ahsoka continues her journey.

The panel also introduced Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll, taking over the role from the late Ray Stevenson, who passed away in May 2023. Filoni acknowledged the challenge of continuing Baylan's story without Stevenson, saying, "Ray was the most beautiful person on-screen and off. However big a loss you think it is, it’s bigger." He expressed confidence that Stevenson would approve of the direction the character is taking, highlighting McCann's dedication to honoring the role.

In addition to McCann's casting, the panel revealed that Admiral Ackbar will play a crucial role in season two, going head-to-head with Grand Admiral Thrawn, portrayed by Lars Mikkelsen. Filoni stated, "Thrawn is the right villain for this era of Star Wars. The genius of that is Thrawn doesn’t have the Force… he’s smart, he’s tactical, and he’s a great leader in the military." This rivalry promises to be a significant focal point in the upcoming season.

The teaser trailer showcased concept art rather than footage, reminiscent of the promotional materials for the original trilogy. It featured glimpses of fleet battles between the New Republic and the Imperial Remnant, with Ezra Bridger suiting up alongside New Republic pilots. Meanwhile, Ahsoka and Sabine Wren are seen exploring ancient ruins and battling giant droid guardians, suggesting a storyline filled with adventure and danger.

Filoni described the journey ahead for Ahsoka and her companions, saying, "The imperial remnant is gaining in power. Who will be able to stop them?" The narration hints at a climactic confrontation between Ahsoka and Baylan Skoll, as well as a reunion with animated characters like Zeb Orrelios, who will connect with his live-action counterparts.

As the panel progressed, Dawson expressed her excitement about reuniting with the cast, remarking, "I’m just so excited to be with this cast again." She paid tribute to Stevenson, acknowledging the passion McCann brings to the role of Baylan Skoll. Dawson's enthusiasm reflects the strong camaraderie among the cast, which has been a hallmark of the series.

Filming for season two is set to begin around April 26, 2025, with Dawson noting that the team is still rewriting episodes leading into production. This commitment to quality storytelling is evident in the creative discussions shared during the panel. Favreau emphasized the importance of character development, stating, "You want a villain that really rewards the audience for paying attention, and that’s what Thrawn does."

The panel also revealed that fans can expect to see more familiar faces returning, including Chopper and Hera Syndulla. The absence of moving footage did not dampen the excitement, as the concept art provided a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come. Filoni teased, "We will get to see Loth kittens. I have to pay for the show somehow," adding a touch of humor to the proceedings.

As the panel concluded with the retro trailer, fans were left buzzing with anticipation for the next chapter in Ahsoka's journey. The combination of returning beloved characters, new additions, and the promise of high-stakes confrontations makes season two a highly anticipated event in the Star Wars universe. With a blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling, Ahsoka is poised to continue captivating audiences when it returns to Disney+.

Star Wars Celebration 2025 has proven to be a pivotal moment for fans, showcasing the enduring legacy of the franchise while setting the stage for new adventures. As the countdown to season two begins, the excitement surrounding Ahsoka and the larger Star Wars narrative continues to grow.