The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025 was packed with exciting updates and teasers for Season 2, including the first look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll, insights into the making of the series, and more. We're here to ensure you catch every detail in one comprehensive breakdown.
While we're still waiting for footage and a release date for Season 2, we've gathered some tantalizing hints about what's in store for the next episodes. Let's dive right into the highlights.
First Look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka Revealed at Star Wars Celebration
The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration gave us our first glimpse of Rory McCann stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll for Season 2. For those unfamiliar, McCann is taking over the character following the tragic passing of Ray Stevenson, who originally portrayed Baylan.
Stevenson passed away just three months before Ahsoka's premiere, and his performance as Baylan was a standout for many fans. Ahsoka series creator Dave Filoni spoke about the challenge of continuing without Ray, noting that he was "the most beautiful person on screen and off." After careful consideration, Filoni expressed confidence that "Ray would be happy with the direction we've chosen."
Filoni emphasized that Baylan is designed to be Ahsoka's counterpart in every way, and he's grateful for the "blueprint" Ray left behind. He also shared his appreciation for meeting and casting McCann, who he believes is focused on honoring Ray's legacy.
Hayden Christensen Is Officially Returning as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka Season 2
After playing a pivotal role in the first season, it was confirmed at Star Wars Celebration that Hayden Christensen will reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker in Season 2. While details about Anakin's involvement remain under wraps, Christensen shared his enthusiasm for returning to the character 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."
Ahsoka series creator Dave Filoni humorously noted his determination to work with Christensen again, saying he had to "invent entire dimensions to make it happen." Christensen also expressed joy in portraying a version of Anakin from the Clone Wars era, which he hadn't 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," Christensen said. "As much as I love the traditional Jedi robes I wore during the prequels, it was exciting to get to see Anakin with a new look."
Ahsoka Will See the Return of Many More Familiar Faces
Although the panel didn't feature a traditional trailer, it did offer a sneak peek into Season 2, confirming the return of beloved characters like Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper. The teaser, composed of still images, also hinted at new developments, including a significant role for Admiral Ackbar, who will face 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." While the exact return date for Ahsoka on Disney+ remains undisclosed, it was revealed that the team is currently rewriting episodes as production is set to start next week.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories Reveal More About Ahsoka
In addition to the Season 2 announcements, the panel provided deeper insights into the creation and inspirations behind Ahsoka. 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 on stage, they discussed the journey of bringing Ahsoka to life. The idea emerged after Season 1 of The Mandalorian, when Filoni and Favreau were brainstorming their next project. Filoni's deep connection to Ahsoka Tano, a character he co-created with George Lucas, led to the decision to bring her into live-action.
Rosario Dawson was chosen to portray Ahsoka following Ashley Eckstein's acclaimed performance in the animated series. Dawson recounted her excitement upon learning she would play the character, especially after the online campaign supporting her casting. She was shown artwork of herself as Ahsoka and had to mute herself on a video call to contain her excitement.
Initially, the team approached Ahsoka's appearance in The Mandalorian as a one-off, unsure if they could sustain her in a long-term series. However, the overwhelming fan response paved the way for Ahsoka's continued journey.
"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."
As the project evolved, it incorporated revisited characters like Bo-Katan, blending the continuity of the animated series with new live-action storylines. Favreau highlighted the similarity between Ahsoka and A New Hope, noting that both start in the middle of their respective journeys, with much history and future to explore.
Rosario Dawson expressed her excitement about delving deeper into Ahsoka's character, understanding her fears, anxieties, and her reluctance to take on a mentor role. This exploration has been a rewarding journey for both the actress and the fans.
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