Rory McCann Debuts as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka at Star Wars Celebration

Star Wars Celebration has unveiled the first glimpse of Rory McCann stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll for Season 2 of Ahsoka, following the untimely passing of Ray Stevenson. McCann, known for his role in Game of Thrones, will now bring his unique talent to the character of Baylan, whose portrayal by Stevenson was a standout in the series' first season.

Here's the first-look image of Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll:

Ray Stevenson, who also starred in Thor, RRR, Punisher: War Zone, and Rome, tragically passed away from a brief illness just three months before Ahsoka's premiere. His performance as Baylan was widely regarded as a highlight of the series.

Series creator Dave Filoni spoke at the Star Wars Celebration about the profound impact of losing Stevenson, describing him as "the most beautiful person on screen and off," and acknowledged the challenge this presented in crafting Season 2.

The panel also teased what fans can look forward to in the upcoming season, including the return of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker, alongside other beloved characters such as Admiral Ackbar, Zeb, and Chopper.

In our review of Ahsoka's first season, we noted that the series initially faced challenges in engaging viewers unfamiliar with the lore from Dave Filoni’s animated Star Wars shows. However, as the season progressed, Ahsoka successfully blended rich lore, humor, and epic battles, delivering a classic Star Wars experience while paving the way for fresh storytelling.

For more insights, you can check out where Ahsoka stands in our ranking of the best Star Wars Disney+ live-action TV shows, and don't miss our detailed breakdown of the Season 1 finale.