The loss of Ray Stevenson was a tough blow for the cast and crew of Ahsoka. The Baylan Skoll actor passed away shortly before the premiere, leaving everyone wondering about the future of his character on the series.
Stevenson's Baylan Skoll was a majestic performance full of grace and strength, and his passing left a void that had to be filled. As soon as the first season ended, most fans could guess that it would be nearly impossible to continue the series without Baylan, and someone would have to replace Stevenson. Baylan was never going to be an easy character to replace, but after months of searching, Lucasfilm and Dave Filoni cast former Game of Thrones actor, Rory McCann.
Recently, Ahsoka's Ivanna Sakhno, who plays Baylan's former Padawan, Shin Hati, shared her thoughts on the loss of Ray Stevenson and why she thinks Rory McCann will do justice to Baylan Skoll.
"It was a great loss when Ray passed, and something that nobody took lightly. But I have such gratitude for Dave and Lucasfilm and for them putting so much time and attention into finding the right person to continue Baylan's story, and Rory couldn't have been a better choice," Sakhno replied.
Ivanna Sakhno on Rory McCann taking over the role of Baylan Skoll 🐺 pic.twitter.com/2ZzKbUXn15
— McKay (@LA_McKayy) July 6, 2025
Finding a good replacement for Baylan is important, as it seems like Skoll will play the antagonist in the next season of Ahsoka, and beyond it. Dave Filoni hasn't discussed his plans for the character, but Stevenson's towering performance made him the most well-received character of Ahsoka season 1. Sakhno revealed why she thinks McCann can take over the role by respecting Ray and adding his personal touch.
"He is so depthful and has such immense respect for Baylan and also for what Ray has created, which allows for him to really bring his own into Baylan's shoes. So watching him doing it has been a gift. And, of course, we all feel Ray's presence as well as guidance. I feel immense gratitude, and Rory is a dream to be around."
It must be a relief for Dave Filoni to have an actor who can match Ray Stevenson's performance from season 1. The question is, what role will Baylan Skoll play in season 2? When we last saw him, he was standing on a statue of the Gods of Mortis and had just walked away from Shin Hati. With Hati abandoned, Skoll is free to pursue the power he seeks on Peridea. Meanwhile, Shin is alone and seems lost on a planet that hides something sinister. During season 1, Ahsoka seemed sympathetic towards Shin and extended an olive branch to join her, Sabine Wren, and Ezra Bridger.
Shin wasn't ready to join her then, but I hope she will in season 2. Shin is the type of Padawan who would benefit from a Master like Ahsoka. Ahsoka can probably see a bit of her former Master, Anakin Skywalker, in her conflicted personality. As she struggles to find the right path after being abandoned by her own Master, Ahsoka can probably serve as a guide and a teacher who has no ambitions of her own. Tano suffered from the guilt of leaving the Jedi Order when Anakin was at his lowest, but by helping Shin, they'll both be able to find peace.
Ahsoka is streaming on Disney+.
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