Ahsoka Panel Reveals: Star Wars Celebration Highlights

The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025 was brimming with excitement, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse into 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 it all right here.

While we're still awaiting footage and a release date for Season 2 of Ahsoka, the panel gave us a taste of what's to come. Let's dive right in and explore what was revealed.

First Look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka Revealed at Star Wars Celebration

The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration provided our first glimpse of Rory McCann stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll for Season 2. For those unfamiliar, McCann has taken on the role following the tragic passing of Ray Stevenson, who originally portrayed Baylan.

Stevenson passed away just three months before Ahsoka's premiere, yet his performance as Baylan was a highlight for many fans. Ahsoka series creator Dave Filoni spoke about the challenge of continuing without Ray, emphasizing that he was "the most beautiful person on screen and off." After some time, Filoni expressed confidence that "Ray would be happy with the direction we've chosen."

For Filoni, Baylan serves as Ahsoka's counterpart in every way, and he's grateful that "there's a blueprint for what this character should be because Ray had played him so iconically." He also felt fortunate to cast McCann, knowing his "whole focus was not letting Ray down."

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

After playing a pivotal role in the first season, Star Wars Celebration confirmed that Hayden Christensen will reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker in Season 2. While specifics about Anakin's involvement remain under wraps, Christensen shared his thoughts on returning to the character during the panel.

"It was a dream to get to do," Christensen remarked. "The way they conceived how to do it was brilliant in getting to explore the World Between Worlds. I thought it was all really exciting."

For Ahsoka creator Dave Filoni, working with Christensen again was a significant milestone. He humorously noted he had to "invent entire dimensions to make it happen." Christensen found joy in portraying a version of Anakin from the Clone Wars era that he hadn't previously explored in live action.

"All of this had been presented well in the animated world, but I was really excited to do that in live action," Christensen said. "As much as I love the traditional Jedi robes I wore during the prequels, it was exciting to get to see Anakin with a new look."

Ahsoka Will See the Return of Many More Familiar Faces

While the panel didn't feature a traditional trailer, it showcased images hinting at what we can expect from Season 2. Confirmed to return are 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 seeing adorable Loth-Kittens and, as Filoni teased, "X-Wings, A-Wings, and Wings I can't tell you about."

Although the return date for Ahsoka on Disney+ is still unknown, it was shared that the team is currently re-writing episodes with production set to start next week.

Behind-the-Scenes Stories Reveal More About Ahsoka

In addition to Season 2 teasers, the panel offered insights into Ahsoka's creation, inspirations, and more from the actors and creatives involved. 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 how the Ahsoka series came to life. It began after Season 1 of The Mandalorian when Filoni and Favreau brainstormed their next project. Filoni, who co-created Ahsoka with George Lucas, was keen on bringing her to live-action. This led to her appearance in Season 2 of The Mandalorian, where Rosario Dawson was cast as Ahsoka after Ashley Eckstein's animated portrayal.

Dawson shared her excitement upon being chosen, mentioning that she muted herself during a video call because she was jumping up and down in excitement. Initially, her appearance was seen as a one-off, with doubts about sustaining Ahsoka in the long term.

"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."

Ahsoka's journey extended beyond that single episode, evolving into a series. Jon Favreau noted that as they introduced characters like Bo-Katan, the narrative shifted towards continuing the storylines established by Filoni and Lucas in animation.

For the team, Ahsoka's series feels akin to watching A New Hope, starting in the middle of her journey with much that came before and after. Rosario Dawson is excited to further explore and expand Ahsoka's story in live action.

"I did not know where this character was going in live action," Dawson said. "I could understand her fear, anxiety, and stress and desire to help from afar. She wasn't willing to take over the mentor role herself, so it became a wonderful thing that I got to explore."

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