This Game of Thrones Star Will Be Baylon Skoll in Ahsoka Season 2

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One of the most disheartening aspects about the show wasn’t its narrative or performance, but the fact that it was real life. On May 21, 2023, actor Ray Stevenson – who played the villainous character Baylan Skoll in the series – passed away. Despite completing all his scenes as the former Jedi Knight, he died just before Ahsoka premiered on Disney+ in August 2023. Following the loss of this underappreciated actor and action star, fans found themselves pondering who might step into his shoes, or if Baylan Skoll would reappear in live-action at all.

The long-awaited answers about these questions were given on Day 2 of Celebration 2025 in Japan. During the Ahsoka panel, showrunner Dave Filoni confirmed that Baylan Skoll would indeed be back for the next season. What’s even more exciting is that Filoni also announced who would replace Stevenson in this role. As it happens, none other than Rory McCann – famous for playing Sandor Clegane (also known as The Hound) from HBO’s popular dark fantasy series Game of Thrones – will take on the part.

Rory McCann Was Confirmed to be Baylan Skoll’s New Actor in Ahsoka Season 2

The Actor’s Casting Was Confirmed During the Series’ Panel

During Ahsoka’s panel at Star Wars Celebration Day 2 in 2025, Filoni discussed the significant role Baylan Skoll played in Ahsoka Tano’s storyline. More notably, he fondly remembered working with the late actor Stevenson and expressed how deeply he was affected by him. Filoni went as far as to call Stevenson a “beautiful person” both on and off set. He also confessed that due to the sudden passing of the actor, he was unsure if Baylan Skoll would reappear in the series.

Following a brief break, seeking comfort from the series’ cast and crew, as well as discussions with Stevenson’s family, Filoni opted to replace Baylan Skoll in the role. This decision was made because Baylan Skoll played an indispensable role in Ahsoka’s journey, and Filoni aimed to pay tribute to the work Stevenson had already done within the Star Wars universe. It was during this time that the showrunner announced McCann would be stepping into Stevenson’s shoes.

Dave Filoni stated that Ray Stevenson portrayed Baylan Skoll in such an iconic way that it provided a blueprint for the character’s essence. Jon Favreau and I then agreed on the necessity of finding someone who would not only grasp the character but also appreciate a touch of what Ray brought to it as well.

It seems subtly fated, as if by some unseen force, that we crossed paths with Rory McCann. Consequently, it is now confirmed that Rory will be stepping into the role of Baylan.

McCann wasn’t present alongside the other panel members, but he had previously interacted with Ahsoka’s showrunners and actors. The panel only hinted at possible concept art or trial shots depicting McCann as Baylan Skoll. Filoni confirmed that McCann approached his role with sincerity due to his high regard for Stevenson. Filoni also guaranteed that fans would be pleased with McCann’s portrayal, stating that the Force and Stevenson’s influence were evident in McCann’s performance.

Rory McCann Is the Perfect Actor to Take Up Ray Stevenson’s Mantle

The Game of Thrones Actor Has a Personal Connection to His Upcoming Star Wars Role

By the start of 2025, there had been whispers about this role for quite some time. However, it wasn’t until recently that these rumors were verified as truth, along with official confirmation from Ahsoka’s team. Before McCann was officially cast as Baylan Skoll, he was already a favorite among fans to play the character, largely due to his lasting popularity and the strong impression he made as The Hound.

Similar to Baylan Skoll, The Hound was a formidable adversary, concealing layers of complexity that were not immediately apparent. They both stood as towering obstacles in the lives of their respective protagonists, driving them into challenging situations. Over time, however, both characters transformed from traditional antagonists into complex figures who, despite their brutish nature, began to exhibit heroic qualities. Their ideologies were not difficult to understand, making it hard to label them as straightforward villains.

In a fascinating twist, it was evident that McCann’s acting prowess seamlessly echoed Stevenson’s. Not only did their physical resemblance make Baylan Skoll’s portrayal by McCann appear authentic, but both actors had a history of working together off-screen, adding a unique chemistry to their on-screen partnership. This camaraderie translated beautifully into their performances, humanizing what could have been one-dimensional monstrous characters. As a result, these complex characters, with their troubled pasts and questionable actions, became beloved by fans, making McCann and Stevenson standouts in the Star Wars universe.

Prior to Star Wars Celebration 2025, there were whispers that McCann agreed to play Baylan Skoll only after he received the blessing of Stevenson’s wife and family. Filoni didn’t provide details, but during the Ahsoka panel, it seems likely this is what actually transpired off-screen. Given how much the cast and crew admired Stevenson, it feels right that one of his friends would step into the role he started. Stevenson will forever be missed, but his Star Wars character will continue his legacy, and even more so due to the efforts of his friends and family to preserve his memory.

Ahsoka Season 1 is now streaming on Disney+. Season 2 is set to begin filming in the near future.

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2025-04-19 12:35