Ahsoka Exclusive: Dave Filoni Reflects on the Loss of Ray Stevenson and the Future of Baylan’s Character

When Ray Stevenson passed away, it cast a shadow over the upcoming season of Ahsoka. At a recent panel during Star Wars Celebration Japan, Dave Filoni, the show’s creator, shared his emotional response to Stevenson’s death. Stevenson played Baylan Skoll, a character crucial to the series. Filoni expressed how much Stevenson’s presence affected the show.

Filoni remarked, “Season two was already a big challenge, but losing Ray made it even harder. He was special, both on and off screen.” He remembered their collaboration in voice acting and how he had always envisioned Stevenson in the role of a powerful Jedi. “Ray was one of a kind,” he said. "As much as we feel his loss, it’s even greater.”

He reflected on the difficulty of continuing the show after Stevenson’s death. “I had great support from Jon Favreau and Rosario Dawson,” he explained. They helped him find a way to move forward while honoring Stevenson. Filoni believes that Stevenson would approve of their chosen path for the character.

In season one, Baylan Skoll was on a journey to discover deeper meanings in the Force, presenting a dark counterpart to Ahsoka. “Baylan is not just a villain,” Filoni clarified. “His journey mirrors Ahsoka’s. Both characters have strayed from their paths in search of something more meaningful.”

To keep the story alive, Filoni and Favreau made the decision to recast Baylan. They found Scottish actor Rory McCann, known for his role in Game of Thrones. “Ray set a standard for Baylan. We needed someone who could understand the essence of what he created,” Filoni said. “Rory has the gravitas we were looking for, and he respects the legacy Ray left behind.”

Filoni highlighted McCann’s commitment to this role. “He’s a big man with a big heart,” Filoni said. “He’s determined to honor Ray and the fans.” With filming for season two set to begin at the end of April, fans are eagerly awaiting news of its release, likely in late 2026.

The emotional depth of this transition is notable. The loss of a beloved actor can shape a show’s direction, but it can also bring a new layer of storytelling, reminding us how legacy can transcend individual performances. As Ahsoka navigates this change, it will be interesting to see how it honors Stevenson while embracing new beginnings.

For more insights into the evolving landscape of Star Wars shows and characters, be sure to keep an eye on updates from trusted sources like StarWars.com or major entertainment news outlets.

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