The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025 was packed with exciting updates and teases for Season 2, including a first look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll, behind-the-scenes stories, and much more. To ensure you catch every detail, we've compiled a comprehensive breakdown of all the key announcements.
While we're still waiting for footage of Season 2 and a confirmed release date, the panel provided valuable insights into what fans can expect from the upcoming episodes. Let's dive in and explore the highlights.
First Look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka Revealed at Star Wars Celebration
The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration offered fans their first glimpse of Rory McCann stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll for Season 2. Following the untimely passing of Ray Stevenson, who originally portrayed Baylan, McCann takes on the mantle with respect and dedication.
Stevenson passed away just three months before Ahsoka's premiere, and his performance as Baylan was a standout for many. Series creator Dave Filoni discussed the challenge of moving forward without Ray, emphasizing that Stevenson was "the most beautiful person on screen and off." Despite the difficulty, Filoni expressed confidence that Ray would approve of the new direction, stating, "there's a blueprint for what this character should be because Ray had played him so iconically."
Filoni also expressed gratitude for meeting and casting McCann, noting that his primary focus was "not letting Ray down." Baylan is designed to be Ahsoka's counterpart in every way, and McCann's portrayal promises to honor Stevenson's legacy while adding his own unique touch.
Hayden Christensen Is Officially Returning as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka Season 2
Hayden Christensen, who played a crucial role in the first season of Ahsoka, will officially reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker in Season 2. Although specifics about Anakin's involvement in the new episodes were not disclosed, Christensen shared his excitement about returning to the role during the panel.
"It was a dream to get to do," Christensen remarked. "The way they conceived how to do it was brilliant in getting to explore the World Between Worlds. I thought it was all really exciting."
For series creator Dave Filoni, working with Christensen again was a significant milestone. He humorously noted that he had to "invent entire dimensions to make it happen." Christensen also expressed his joy in bringing to life a version of Anakin from the Clone Wars, a character he hadn't fully explored in live-action before. "All of this had been presented well in the animated world, but I was really excited to do that in live action," he said, adding that it was thrilling to see Anakin in a new look beyond the traditional Jedi robes.
Ahsoka Will See the Return of Many More Familiar Faces
While the panel did not feature a traditional trailer, it did offer a sneak peek into Season 2, confirming the return of beloved characters such as Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper through static images. Additionally, it was revealed that Admiral Ackbar will play a significant role in the upcoming story, facing off against Grand Admiral Thrawn. Fans can also look forward to seeing adorable Loth-Kittens and, according to Filoni, "X-Wings, A-Wings, and Wings I can't tell you about."
Although the exact return date for Ahsoka on Disney+ remains undisclosed, the team is currently in the process of re-writing episodes, with production set to begin next week.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories Reveal More About Ahsoka
In addition to the Season 2 announcements, the panel delved into behind-the-scenes stories, offering insights into Ahsoka's inspirations and creation. Dave Filoni shared his admiration for Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki, citing Princess Mononoke as his favorite film and the inspiration behind Ahsoka's distinctive wolf fangs.
Joined by Jon Favreau and Rosario Dawson, Filoni discussed the journey of bringing Ahsoka to life. The idea was sparked after Season 1 of The Mandalorian, when Filoni and Favreau considered what to explore next. Given Filoni's deep connection to Ahsoka Tano, whom he co-created with George Lucas, the duo decided to bring her into live-action.
Rosario Dawson, who took on the role after Ashley Eckstein's animated portrayal, shared her excitement about being chosen for the part. The decision came after a significant online campaign supporting Dawson, and she was shown art and drawings of her as Ahsoka during a video call. "Even if this never happens again, I’m so grateful," Dawson said. "It was just so magnificent on so many levels. To see the fan reaction that allowed this story to continue was a dream come true."
Despite initial doubts about the feasibility of a long-term series, the project evolved, especially with the inclusion of revisited characters like Bo-Katan. Favreau highlighted how Ahsoka's narrative continued to build on the foundation laid by Filoni and Lucas in animation, culminating in storylines that had already been established.
Ahsoka's story, much like A New Hope, begins in the middle of her journey, with much of her past and future yet to be explored. Dawson expressed her enthusiasm about delving deeper into Ahsoka's character, particularly her fears, anxieties, and her reluctance to take on a mentor role. "I did not know where this character was going in live action," Dawson said. "I could understand her fear, anxiety, and stress and desire to help from afar. She wasn't willing to take over the mentor role herself, so it became a wonderful thing that I got to explore."
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