The journey to bring Ahsoka Season 2 to screens came with a major hurdle after the passing of actor Ray Stevenson. The actor, who played the fallen Jedi Baylan Skoll, died in May 2023, three months before the first season even aired on Disney+. For nearly two years, fans wondered what would happen to the mysterious character left standing on the ruins of Peridea.
At Star Wars Celebration in Japan in April 2025, Dave Filoni finally gave a clear answer. Rory McCann, the Scottish actor known for Game of Thrones, will take over the role for the upcoming second season. Filoni also shared the emotional process behind making that choice.
Why Filoni Decided to Recast Instead of Writing Off Baylan
Losing Ray Stevenson was not just about replacing an actor. Filoni spoke openly at the Celebration panel about how deeply the loss affected him and the production.
“Season two was obviously a big challenge anyway, but it was a particularly big challenge because of losing Ray. He was just the greatest person and such a great spirit on the show. Ray was the most beautiful person on screen and off. However big of a loss you think it is, it’s bigger.”
Filoni had known Stevenson from voice acting work and always planned to have him play a powerful Jedi Knight in live-action. He said Stevenson did not disappoint in any way.
The showrunner admitted that for a while, he struggled to even think about continuing Ahsoka without his friend.
“It was a challenge for me even to consider continuing for a while. But I have a great support group with Jon and Rosario and I found a way. I had Ray in my head. I was grateful for all the conversations with him about Baylan. So I understood what to do, it just took a while to get there.”
Filoni also shared that the decision to recast came after talking with Stevenson’s family, who agreed with the direction.
Baylan Skoll’s Role Is Too Important to Leave Unfinished
For Filoni, Baylan Skoll was never just another villain. The character serves a specific purpose in the story that connects directly to Ahsoka Tano.
“The character was meant to be important. 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. That parallel is something that must continue.”
The first season ended with Baylan standing on Peridea, staring at the statues of the Mortis Gods. His true plan remained a secret. Filoni described Baylan as a man with dangerous ambition. Leaving that story unfinished was not an option.
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Rory McCann Steps in With One Goal: Honor Ray Stevenson
Bringing in Rory McCann was not a random choice. Filoni and executive producer Jon Favreau searched for someone who could understand both the character and what Stevenson brought to it.
“In essence, because Ray performed it so iconically, there is a blueprint for what this character should be. I talked to Jon and we 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.”
The team felt fortunate to find McCann. The actor, known for playing The Hound in Game of Thrones and appearing in Gladiator II, takes the responsibility very seriously.
“I’m very confident now that Ray would be happy with the direction we’ve chosen. [Rory’s] whole focus is not letting Ray down and not letting you guys down. You’ll love him, and we love him and I love what he’s taking on. It’s a big deal, so the force is with him.”
The first look at McCann as Baylan Skoll shown at the Celebration panel impressed fans. Rosario Dawson, who plays Ahsoka, also praised McCann’s fierceness and intensity in the role.
What Else to Know About Ahsoka Season 2
Ahsoka Season 2 will have eight episodes. Filming began in the U.K. in late April 2025. A release date has not been announced yet, but production is now moving forward.
Hayden Christensen will return as Anakin Skywalker. Admiral Ackbar will also appear and go head-to-head with Grand Admiral Thrawn.
The recasting of Baylan Skoll allows the show to continue the story exactly as planned. Filoni confirmed that he understood where Baylan’s journey was going because of those conversations he had with Stevenson before his passing. The character’s search for meaning beyond the binary of the Force will now move ahead with McCann carrying the weight of Stevenson’s legacy.
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