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

Star Wars Celebration has unveiled our 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, previously known for his role as The Hound in Game of Thrones, now takes on the mantle of Baylan, a character that Stevenson brought to life with captivating intensity in the first season.

During the Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration, attendees were treated to an exclusive first-look image of McCann as Baylan, which you can see below.

Ray Stevenson, known for his roles in Thor, RRR, Punisher: War Zone, and Rome, tragically passed away from a brief illness just three months before Ahsoka's premiere. His portrayal of Baylan was widely regarded as a standout performance, adding depth and intrigue to the series.

Ahsoka series creator Dave Filoni expressed the profound impact of losing Stevenson, describing him as "the most beautiful person on screen and off." This sentiment underscores the challenge faced by the production team in crafting Season 2 without Stevenson's presence.

At the celebration, Filoni and the team also shared exciting updates for Season 2, revealing that Hayden Christensen will reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker. Fans can also look forward to the return of beloved characters such as Admiral Ackbar, Zeb, and Chopper, promising a rich continuation of the Star Wars saga.

In our review of Ahsoka's inaugural season, we noted that the series initially faced challenges in establishing characters and concepts from Dave Filoni’s animated Star Wars shows. However, as the narrative unfolded, Ahsoka blossomed into a compelling blend of rich lore, humor, and epic battles, capturing the essence of classic Star Wars while venturing into fresh territory.

For more insights, explore where Ahsoka stands among the best Star Wars Disney+ live-action TV shows and dive into our detailed analysis of the Season 1 finale.