The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025 delivered exciting updates for Season 2, including a first glimpse of Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Here’s a complete roundup of the key moments.
While no Season 2 footage or release date was shared, the panel offered intriguing details about what lies ahead for the series. Let’s dive into the highlights.
Rory McCann Debuts as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka Season 2
Star Wars Celebration showcased Rory McCann stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll for Ahsoka Season 2, following the passing of Ray Stevenson.
Stevenson’s death came just months before Ahsoka’s debut, yet his portrayal of Baylan resonated deeply with fans.
Creator Dave Filoni reflected on the challenge of continuing without Stevenson, describing him as a “remarkable presence on and off screen.” Filoni expressed confidence that the new direction honors Stevenson’s legacy.
Filoni emphasized Baylan’s role as a counterpart to Ahsoka, noting that Stevenson’s iconic performance provided a clear guide for the character. He also praised McCann’s commitment to preserving Stevenson’s vision.
Hayden Christensen Confirmed to Return as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka Season 2
Star Wars Celebration confirmed Hayden Christensen’s return as Anakin Skywalker for Ahsoka Season 2, building on his pivotal role in Season 1.
Details about Anakin’s involvement remain scarce, but Christensen joined the panel to share his excitement about reprising the iconic character.
“It was a privilege to bring this to life,” Christensen said. “Exploring the World Between Worlds was a brilliant way to revisit Anakin. It was thrilling.”
Filoni humorously noted that he created entire dimensions to justify working with Christensen again, underscoring the significance of Anakin’s return.
Christensen highlighted the joy of portraying a Clone Wars-era Anakin in live-action, a departure from the Jedi robes of the prequels. “It was exciting to bring a fresh look to Anakin,” he said.
Familiar Faces Set to Return in Ahsoka Season 2
While no full trailer was shown, the panel revealed a series of images confirming the return of Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper in Season 2.
Additional reveals included a significant role for Admiral Ackbar, who will confront Grand Admiral Thrawn, along with the introduction of charming Loth-Kittens. Filoni teased “X-Wings, A-Wings, and some surprises we can’t share yet.”
No premiere date for Ahsoka on Disney+ was announced, but the team is actively rewriting scripts as production begins next week.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights Shed Light on Ahsoka’s Creation
The panel offered a deeper look into Ahsoka’s development, with actors and creators sharing stories about the series’ origins and inspirations. Filoni revealed that Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki, particularly Princess Mononoke, inspired Ahsoka’s iconic wolf fang markings.
Joined by Jon Favreau and Rosario Dawson, Filoni discussed how Ahsoka transitioned from animation to live-action. The journey began after The Mandalorian’s first season, when Filoni and Favreau brainstormed new stories.
Filoni, who co-created Ahsoka Tano with George Lucas, saw her live-action debut in The Mandalorian Season 2 as a test. Rosario Dawson was cast after a fan-driven campaign, and she recalled her excitement upon seeing concept art of herself as Ahsoka.
“I was jumping up and down during the call,” Dawson said. “It was overwhelming to step into this role.”
Initially envisioned as a one-off, Ahsoka’s success led to a full series, with Dawson embracing the challenge of bringing the character to life.
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“Even if it was just once, I was so grateful,” Dawson said. “The fan support that made this series possible was a dream come true.”
Favreau noted that Ahsoka built on the animated foundations laid by Filoni and Lucas, weaving in characters like Bo-Katan to continue established storylines.
For Dawson, exploring Ahsoka’s complex emotions—fear, hesitation, and her reluctance to mentor—added depth to her portrayal. “Her journey is so rich, and I’m thrilled to keep uncovering it,” she said.
