The news of Ray Stevenson's passing shortly before the premiere of Ahsoka Season 1 in 2023 shook the Star Wars community to its core and left fans wondering about his character's future.
In light of Stevenson's towering performance as Baylan Skoll, replacing him was never going to be easy, and it seems Lucasfilm took its time to find a replacement. According to reports from insider Jeff Sneider, Game of Thrones and Gladiator II actor Rory McCann is set to play Baylan in Ahsoka Season 2.
Via StarWarsNews.Net, McCann and Stevenson were friends, and the actor reportedly has Stevenson's wife's blessing to carry on as the majestic former Jedi Knight. The character's future seems tied to Dave Filoni's plans for Ahsoka Season 2 and beyond. However, with each episode of Season 1, it became painfully obvious that Stevenson's absence would be felt regardless of who replaces him.
Storywise, replacing Baylan Skoll seemed inevitable, and McCann has the job of playing the part with Stevenson's trademark grace and aura. It won't be easy as Baylan Skoll became one of the most appreciated new characters in the franchise. McCann has a few months to prepare himself as Ahsoka Season 2 doesn't go into production until May.
Ahsoka Season 2 will film in the UK this summer, with the entire Season 1 cast set to reprise their roles. Dave Filoni has spoken about the challenges of writing Season 2, as Season 1 left many unanswered questions and gripping mysteries. Plot details are scarce, but Baylan Skoll's mission to end the power struggle between the Republic and the Empire will surely take center stage. Ahsoka Tano, her Padawan Sabine Wren, Balyan Skoll, and his former Padawan, Shin Hati, are together on Peridea, with their fates tied to the future of their home galaxy.
As for the mysterious power Baylan Skoll seeks on Peridea, several theories state that it could be Abeloth. In Ray Stevenson's final shot as Baylan Skoll, he's shown standing on the hand of a statue of the Gods of Mortis, whom Dave Filoni is all set to bring to live-action next season. Hayden Christensen is also rumored to be back as Anakin Skywalker, who returned through the World Between Worlds in Episode 5, "Shadow Warrior."
Now that Ahsoka has made peace with Anakin's fate, her former master can finally connect with her as a Force ghost, potentially paving the way for a long-awaited reunion in the physical world.
Ahsoka Season 2 could premiere sometime next year on Disney+