It’s hard to believe that it has been one year and seven months since the thrilling season one finale of Ahsoka. Fans gathered at the Star Wars Celebration in Tokyo were treated to some tantalizing teasers about the upcoming season 2, which is set to go into production next week. The panel revealed that Hayden Christensen will reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker, a decision that aligns perfectly with the storyline, given Anakin's complex relationship with Ahsoka.
In a significant casting update, Rory McCann, known for his role in Game of Thrones, will take on the role of Baylan Skol, an evil Jedi, following the untimely passing of Ray Stevenson. Stevenson’s portrayal of the antagonist was pivotal, and his absence will be keenly felt. However, both Dawson and Filoni expressed confidence in McCann's ability to bring the character to life, emphasizing that “it boiled down to an actor and their eyes.” McCann’s intensity is expected to resonate well with fans.
Moreover, the beloved Admiral Ackbar is making a comeback, much to the delight of long-time fans. According to Ahsoka creator Dave Filoni, “He’s going head-to-head with Thrawn.” Filoni humorously noted the temptation to include the iconic line, “It’s a trap!” but decided against it, aiming to keep Ackbar’s character fresh and relevant. Thrawn, portrayed by Lars Mikkelsen, remains a central figure as he attempts to reassemble the Empire.
The loss of Ray Stevenson, who passed away in May 2023 just before the first season aired, has profoundly impacted the production team. Filoni shared his emotional struggle, saying, “Season 2 was predictably a big challenge because of losing Ray.” He fondly remembered their collaboration on voice acting and expressed gratitude for the support from his colleagues, including Jon Favreau and Rosario Dawson. Filoni’s dedication to honoring Stevenson’s legacy is evident in the direction they are taking with Baylan’s character.
Filoni further explained that Baylan’s journey is meant to parallel Ahsoka’s. “If there’s a light, there’s a dark, and Baylan is representing a different journey for a Jedi as you represent one who walked away from the order,” he elaborated. This thematic contrast is expected to enrich the storyline in season 2.
McCann’s extensive acting credits include films like Gladiator II, Hot Fuzz, and Jumanji: The Next Level, along with his iconic role as Sandor ‘The Hound’ Clegane in HBO’s Game of Thrones. As fans eagerly await the next chapter of Ahsoka’s story, the finale left viewers on a cliffhanger with Grand Admiral Thrawn making a dramatic escape into hyperspace, leaving Ahsoka, Sabine, and Ezra stranded in the mysterious perils of Peridea.
Filoni, a longtime fan of Thrawn since his introduction in Timothy Zahn's post-Return of the Jedi novel, Heir to the Empire, emphasized the character’s status as an iconic villain. “Thrawn doesn’t have the force, but he holds his own against everybody,” he noted. As anticipation builds for the second season, Dawson revealed that she has yet to read all the scripts, humorously attributing this to Filoni’s ongoing rewrites.
With these exciting updates and a commitment to honor the legacy of Ray Stevenson, Ahsoka season 2 promises to deliver thrilling narratives and complex character arcs. Fans are sure to be captivated as the saga continues in a galaxy far, far away.
