The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025 was packed with exciting updates, including teases for Season 2, a first look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll, behind-the-scenes stories, and much more. To make sure you catch every detail, we've compiled all the highlights in one place for you.
Although we haven't seen any footage from Season 2 of Ahsoka yet, nor do we have a release date, the panel did provide some insights into what fans can anticipate in the upcoming episodes. Let's dive right into the details.
First Look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka Revealed at Star Wars Celebration
The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration offered fans their first glimpse of Rory McCann stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll for Season 2. For those unfamiliar with the change, McCann is taking over the role following the untimely passing of Ray Stevenson, who played Baylan in the first season.
Stevenson passed away just three months before Ahsoka's premiere, but his performance as Baylan was widely celebrated by fans. Ahsoka series creator Dave Filoni discussed the challenge of moving forward after Stevenson's death, praising him as "the most beautiful person on screen and off." Filoni expressed confidence that Stevenson would have approved of the direction they've taken with the character, emphasizing that Baylan is meant to be Ahsoka's parallel in every way. Filoni also expressed gratitude for having a strong foundation for the character thanks to Stevenson's iconic portrayal and for finding McCann, who he felt was focused on honoring Stevenson's legacy.
Hayden Christensen Is Officially Returning as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka Season 2
Following his significant 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 of Ahsoka. While details about Anakin's involvement in the new episodes remain sparse, Christensen shared his excitement about returning to the character during the panel.
"It was a dream to get to do," Christensen remarked, praising the creative approach to exploring the World Between Worlds. Ahsoka series creator Dave Filoni humorously added that he knew he wanted to work with Christensen again, even if it meant inventing new dimensions. Christensen also expressed joy in portraying a version of Anakin from the Clone Wars era in live-action, which allowed him to explore a fresh look for the character beyond the traditional Jedi robes seen in the prequels.
Ahsoka Will See the Return of Many More Familiar Faces
The Ahsoka panel did not feature a traditional trailer but did provide a glimpse into Season 2 through static 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. The panel also promised the appearance of adorable Loth-Kittens and teased new types of starfighters, with Filoni mentioning "X-Wings, A-Wings, and Wings I can't tell you about."
While the exact return date for Ahsoka on Disney+ remains unknown, the team is actively re-writing episodes, with production set to begin next week.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories Reveal More About Ahsoka
The panel also delved into the creation of Ahsoka, its inspirations, and more, with insights from the actors and creatives involved. Ahsoka series creator Dave Filoni shared his admiration for Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki, particularly citing Princess Mononoke as a major influence and the reason behind Ahsoka's distinctive wolf fangs.
Joined by Jon Favreau and Rosario Dawson, Filoni discussed how the Ahsoka series came to life following Season 1 of The Mandalorian. Filoni's deep connection to Ahsoka Tano, whom he co-created with George Lucas, led to the decision to bring her into live-action. Rosario Dawson, chosen to play Ahsoka after Ashley Eckstein's animated portrayal, described her excitement upon being selected for the role, mentioning the fan-driven campaign that supported her casting.
Initially intended as a one-off appearance in The Mandalorian, Ahsoka's journey continued beyond that episode. Jon Favreau highlighted how the series evolved to incorporate characters like Bo-Katan, weaving together storylines established in animation and culminating in a cohesive narrative. For the team, Ahsoka's series mirrors the experience of watching A New Hope, starting in the midst of her journey with much left to explore.
Rosario Dawson expressed her enthusiasm about delving deeper into Ahsoka's character in live-action, understanding her fears, anxieties, and the desire to guide from a distance without fully embracing the mentor role.
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"Even if this never happens again, I’m so grateful," Dawson said, reflecting on the fan reaction that propelled Ahsoka's story forward. "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."
