Ahsoka Panel at Star Wars Celebration Unveils Exciting Updates

The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025 was packed with exciting news and teases for Season 2, including a first look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll, stories from the series' creation, and much more. Here's everything you need to know to stay up to date with the latest on Ahsoka.

Although no footage or release date for Season 2 was revealed, the panel offered insights into what fans can anticipate in the upcoming episodes. Let's dive 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 unveiled the first look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll in Season 2. McCann steps into the role following the untimely 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 highlight for many fans. Series creator Dave Filoni discussed the emotional challenge of moving forward without Ray, describing him as "the most beautiful person on screen and off." Filoni expressed confidence that Ray would have been pleased with the chosen direction for the character, emphasizing that Baylan serves as a parallel to Ahsoka. He also highlighted the invaluable blueprint left by Stevenson's iconic portrayal and praised McCann for his dedication to honoring Ray's legacy.

Hayden Christensen Is Officially Returning as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka Season 2

Hayden Christensen will reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker in Season 2 of Ahsoka, as confirmed at Star Wars Celebration. While details about Anakin's role remain under wraps, Christensen shared his enthusiasm for returning to the character, especially exploring the World Between Worlds. "It was a dream to get to do," he remarked, praising the creative approach to bringing this aspect of Anakin's story to life.

Dave Filoni humorously noted the lengths he went to work with Christensen again, saying he had to "invent entire dimensions to make it happen." Christensen also expressed joy in portraying a Clone Wars-era version of Anakin in live action, a departure from his traditional Jedi robes seen in the prequels.

Ahsoka Will See the Return of Many More Familiar Faces

Although a traditional trailer was absent, the panel offered a glimpse into Season 2 through a series of still images, confirming the return of beloved characters such as Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper. Additionally, Admiral Ackbar will play a significant role, facing off against Grand Admiral Thrawn. Fans can also look forward to seeing Loth-Kittens and various starfighters, including X-Wings, A-Wings, and others yet to be revealed.

While the exact return date for Ahsoka on Disney+ remains undisclosed, the team is actively rewriting episodes, with production set to begin next week.

Behind-the-Scenes Stories Reveal More About Ahsoka

The panel also delved into the inspirations and creative process behind Ahsoka, with Dave Filoni citing Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki as a significant influence, particularly mentioning Princess Mononoke as his favorite film. This inspiration is reflected in Ahsoka's distinctive wolf fang cheek markings.

Joined by Jon Favreau and Rosario Dawson on stage, Filoni discussed the origins of the Ahsoka series, 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 bring her into live-action. Rosario Dawson was selected to play Ahsoka following Ashley Eckstein's acclaimed portrayal in animation, and Dawson shared her excitement and initial reaction to being cast, which came after a significant online campaign supporting her for the role.

Despite initial doubts about Ahsoka's long-term viability in live-action, the character's journey continued beyond her initial appearance in The Mandalorian. Favreau highlighted how the series evolved, integrating revisited characters like Bo-Katan and continuing storylines established in animation. For the team, Ahsoka's narrative mirrors the experience of watching A New Hope, starting mid-journey with a rich backstory and future.

Rosario Dawson expressed her enthusiasm for exploring Ahsoka's character further, understanding her fears and desires, and the joy of filling out her story in live action.

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Rosario Dawson expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to play Ahsoka, even if it had been a one-off appearance, and appreciated the fan support that allowed the story to continue. "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."