Ahsoka Panel at Star Wars Celebration: Key Announcements

The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025 was a treasure trove of exciting updates and teases for Season 2, including a first look at Rory McCann stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll, stories from behind the scenes, and much more. To ensure you're caught up on all the details, we've gathered everything you need to know in one convenient place.

While we haven't seen any footage of Season 2 or received a release date yet, the panel did offer some tantalizing insights into what fans can expect from the upcoming episodes. Let's dive in and explore the highlights.

First Look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka Revealed at Star Wars Celebration

The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration unveiled our first glimpse of Rory McCann portraying Baylan Skoll in Season 2. For those unfamiliar, McCann steps into the role following the untimely passing of Ray Stevenson, who captivated audiences with his performance as Baylan.

Stevenson's death occurred just three months before the premiere of Ahsoka, and his portrayal of Baylan was a highlight for many fans. Series creator Dave Filoni spoke about the challenge of moving forward after Ray's passing, describing him as "the most beautiful person on screen and off." Filoni expressed confidence that Ray would approve of the direction they've chosen for the character.

For Filoni, Baylan is designed to be Ahsoka's counterpart in every way. He emphasized the invaluable blueprint Ray provided for the character, and expressed gratitude for finding McCann, who is fully committed to honoring Ray's legacy.

Hayden Christensen Is Officially Returning as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka Season 2

After his pivotal role in the first season of Ahsoka, it was confirmed at Star Wars Celebration that Hayden Christensen will reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker in Season 2. While specifics about Anakin's involvement remain under wraps, Christensen shared his enthusiasm for returning to the character during the panel.

"It was a dream to get to do," Christensen said, praising the innovative way the team conceived Anakin's return through the World Between Worlds. He also expressed excitement about exploring a version of Anakin from the Clone Wars era that he hadn't portrayed before, especially in live action with a fresh look distinct from the traditional Jedi robes.

For Ahsoka series creator Dave Filoni, working with Christensen again was a significant moment, humorously noting that he "invented entire dimensions to make it happen."

Ahsoka Will See the Return of Many More Familiar Faces

Although the panel didn't feature a traditional trailer, it did provide a glimpse into Season 2 and confirmed the return of beloved characters such as Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper. The static images shown teased an engaging continuation of their stories.

Additional revelations included Admiral Ackbar's significant role in the upcoming narrative, facing off against Grand Admiral Thrawn. Fans can also look forward to adorable Loth-Kittens and, as Filoni teased, "X-Wings, A-Wings, and Wings I can't tell you about."

While the exact return date for Ahsoka on Disney+ remains undisclosed, the team is actively rewriting episodes as they prepare to start production next week.

Behind-the-Scenes Stories Reveal More About Ahsoka

Beyond the Season 2 announcements, the panel offered insights into the making of Ahsoka, its inspirations, and the creative process. Dave Filoni shared his deep admiration for Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki, citing Princess Mononoke as his favorite film and the inspiration behind Ahsoka's distinctive wolf fangs.

Joined by Jon Favreau and Rosario Dawson, Filoni discussed the journey of bringing Ahsoka to life. The idea to feature Ahsoka in live-action emerged after Season 1 of The Mandalorian, leading to her appearance in Season 2. Filoni, who co-created Ahsoka with George Lucas, and Favreau agreed on the potential of bringing her story to the live-action format.

Rosario Dawson, chosen to portray Ahsoka after Ashley Eckstein's animated performances, shared her excitement and initial disbelief at being selected for the role. The online fan support for Dawson played a significant role in her casting, and she described the moment she was shown the artwork of her as Ahsoka as overwhelming.

Despite initial uncertainties about sustaining Ahsoka in live-action, the project evolved into a full series. Favreau highlighted how revisiting characters like Bo-Katan shifted the focus toward continuing the narrative arc established in animation, blending it seamlessly with new storylines.

Ahsoka's journey is likened to watching A New Hope, starting in the middle of her story with rich history and future developments. Dawson expressed her eagerness to explore and expand Ahsoka's character, understanding her fears, anxieties, and her reluctance to take on a mentor role directly.

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"Even if this never happens again, I’m so grateful," Dawson said, reflecting on the joy of seeing the fan reaction that propelled Ahsoka's story forward. The journey from a single episode to a full series was a testament to the collaborative effort and the compelling vision for Ahsoka's future.