Rory McCann Confirmed As Baylan Skoll Ahsoka Season 2 In Stunning First Look At The Dark Jedi

It’s official: Rory McCann will be carrying on the legacy of the late Ray Stevenson in Ahsoka season 2 by taking on the role of Baylan Skoll. It was unbelievably tragic when Stevenson suddenly passed away just months before the premiere of Ahsoka season 1. The actor’s impact was exemplified by Baylan, who quickly became one of the greatest parts of the Ahsoka TV show. Fans have hoped his legacy, through Baylan, will continue in season 2.

There has been a rumor about McCann’s casting as Baylan Skoll for some time, and now, it’s just been confirmed at Star Wars Celebration 2025:

Following a touching tribute to Stevenson, Dave Filoni discussed how “Ray was the most beautiful person on the screen and off” and the challenges of even considering a continuation after his loss. This then transitioned into talking about the idea of having someone else play the part to finish Baylan’s story, culminating in the confirmation of McCann’s casting, accompanied by this exclusive image.

Rory McCann’s Casting Is A Perfect Tribute To Ray Stevenson

A friend and colleague more than qualified to play Baylan Skoll

Rory McCann and Ray Stevenson were good friends and colleagues, so this casting choice is a great way to honor Stevenson’s memory. McCann’s past work, including his role as “The Hound” on Game of Thrones, proves he has the skill and physicality needed to play a character like Baylan. While no one can ever replace Ray Stevenson, Rory McCann is the best decision Lucasfilm could have made.

Filoni spoke about McCann’s approach to the character and what fans can expect:

“McCann takes it very seriously. He has a big heart, and such respect for Ray. I know his whole focus is not letting Ray down and not letting you guys down, and so he really feels it. You’ll love him, and we love him now. The Force is with him.”

Considering how hard it was for Filoni to make this decision at all, his faith in McCann is a good sign for Ahsoka.

Our Take On Baylan Skoll’s Ongoing Story

Recasting is the best way to finish his story

Baylan Skoll was easily one of the best characters in Ahsoka season 1, thanks in large part to Ray Stevenson’s excellent performance elevating the character. The Ahsoka panel shows how much Filoni and the other cast and crew members cared about Ray and wanted to honor his memory, so I would have understood if they had chosen not to recast him. However, I believe bringing in another actor was ultimately the right call.

The best way to honor Stevenson is by giving his character’s story a proper conclusion, which can only be done with another actor. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker relied on unused footage of Carrie Fisher, and while this helped conclude Leia’s story, it also limited what the writers could do. Projects like Rogue One: A Star Wars Story used CGI to recreate actors’ faces, but this raised ethical questions, and it wouldn’t be practical for a full season.

This makes recasting Baylan the best alternative, and Rory McCann is an excellent choice. With his undeniable talent as an actor and his commitment to the part, he’ll surely do justice to one of the best Star Wars characters in recent memory. It’s clear that Baylan Skoll’s story and Ray Stevenson’s legacy are in good hands when Ahsoka returns for season 2.

Check out more of our Star Wars Celebration coverage:

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  Ahsoka

  
  

  6/10

  Release Date

  August 22, 2023
  

  Network

  Disney+

  Directors

  Steph Green, Jennifer Getzinger, Peter Ramsey, Rick Famuyiwa

  
  

  
  

  
  

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  Baylan Skoll

  A mysterious and enigmatic Jedi Master, Baylan Skoll survived Order 66 and took on Shin Hati as his apprentice. He operated in the galaxy’s shadows for years, only emerging when he took on an assignment for the Imperial Morgan Elsbeth – a mission that took him to the distant planet Peridea. There, he continues to advance his own mysterious agenda.