It’s official:Rory McCannwill be carrying on the legacy of the late Ray Stevenson inAhsokaseason 2 by taking on the role ofBaylan Skoll. It was unbelievably tragic when Stevenson suddenly passed away just months before the premiere ofAhsokaseason 1. The actor’s impact was exemplified by Baylan, who quickly became one of the greatest parts of theAhsokaTV 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 atStar Wars Celebration 2025:
Following a touching tribute to Stevenson,Dave Filoni discussed how"Ray was the most beautiful person on 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” onGame 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:
“He [McCann] takes it very seriously. He takes it very to heart. Rory is a big man with a big heart, and he has such respect for Ray and what Ray brought to this. I know his whole focus is not letting Ray down and not letting you guys down, so he really feels it. So you’ll love him, and we love him now, and I love what he’s taking on because it’s a big deal. The Force is with him, and I know you guys will be too.”
Considering how hard it was for Filoni to make this decision at all, his faith in McCann is a good sign forAhsoka.
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 inAhsokaseason 1, thanks in large part to Ray Stevenson’s excellent performance elevating the character. TheAhsokapanel 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 Skywalkerrelied on unused footage of Carrie Fisher, and while this helped conclude Leia’s story, it also limited what the writers could do. Projects likeRogue One: A Star Wars Storyused 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, andRory McCannis 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 bestStar Warscharacters in recent memory. It’s clear that Baylan Skoll’s story and Ray Stevenson’s legacy are in good hands whenAhsokareturns for season 2.
Ahsoka
Cast
Ahsoka follows the journey of former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. Released in 2023, this series takes place within the Star Wars universe and features Ahsoka navigating through a complex political and cosmic landscape.
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.
