The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025 was a treasure trove of exciting updates for fans eagerly awaiting Season 2. From the introduction of Rory McCann as the new Baylan Skoll to the return of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker, the panel was packed with tantalizing teases and behind-the-scenes insights. Let's dive into all the details to make sure you're fully caught up on what's coming next in the Ahsoka universe.
While we're still waiting for footage and a release date for Season 2, the panel provided a glimpse into what fans can anticipate in the upcoming episodes. Let's start with the big reveals and work our way through the exciting updates.
First Look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka Revealed at Star Wars Celebration
The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration unveiled our first look at Rory McCann stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll for Season 2. This follows the tragic passing of Ray Stevenson, who originally portrayed the character and left a lasting impact on fans. Ahsoka series creator Dave Filoni spoke candidly about the challenge of moving forward without Stevenson, emphasizing that Ray was "the most beautiful person on screen and off." Filoni expressed confidence that Stevenson would approve of the direction they've taken with the character, noting that Baylan is designed to be Ahsoka's parallel in every way. Filoni also praised McCann's dedication, stating that his "whole focus was not letting Ray down."
Hayden Christensen Is Officially Returning as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka Season 2
Hayden Christensen's return as Anakin Skywalker was confirmed at the Star Wars Celebration, much to the delight of fans. Although details about Anakin's role in Season 2 remain under wraps, Christensen shared his enthusiasm for reprising the iconic character. "It was a dream to get to do," he said, praising the creative approach to exploring the World Between Worlds. Ahsoka series creator Dave Filoni humorously remarked on the lengths he went to bring Christensen back, saying he had to "invent entire dimensions to make it happen." Christensen also expressed his excitement about portraying a version of Anakin from the Clone Wars era in live action, complete with a fresh look.
Ahsoka Will See the Return of Many More Familiar Faces
While a traditional trailer was absent, the panel showcased a series of images confirming the return of beloved characters such as Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper. Additionally, it was revealed that Admiral Ackbar will play a significant role, facing off against Grand Admiral Thrawn. Fans can also look forward to the adorable presence of Loth-Kittens and a variety of starfighters, including X-Wings, A-Wings, and some yet-to-be-revealed types. Although the exact return date to Disney+ remains undisclosed, the team is actively rewriting episodes as they prepare to start production next week.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories Reveal More About Ahsoka
The panel also delved into the inspirations and creative process behind Ahsoka. Series creator 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 live-action, which began after Season 1 of The Mandalorian. Filoni's deep connection to Ahsoka Tano, a character he co-created with George Lucas, led to the decision to explore her story further in live-action.
Rosario Dawson, who took on the role after Ashley Eckstein's animated portrayal, shared her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. The decision to cast Dawson came after a significant online campaign, and she recalled her emotional reaction upon seeing the artwork of her as Ahsoka. Initially, the team approached her appearance as a one-off, but the overwhelming fan response paved the way for a full series. Jon Favreau highlighted how the Ahsoka series continued the narrative threads established in animation, culminating in storylines that resonated with fans.
For Dawson, exploring Ahsoka's journey in live-action was a profound experience. She connected deeply with the character's emotions and the complexities of her role, which allowed her to bring a rich, nuanced performance to the screen. As the Ahsoka series continues to unfold, fans can look forward to more thrilling adventures and deeper insights into this beloved character's world.
Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show
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As Ahsoka's journey continues, the Star Wars universe is expanding with a lineup of exciting movies and TV shows. Stay tuned for more updates and prepare for an epic continuation of Ahsoka's story and the broader Star Wars saga.
