The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025 was packed with exciting updates for Season 2, including a first look at Rory McCann stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll, behind-the-scenes stories, and much more. We're here to give you the full rundown, so you won't miss a single detail.
Although we didn't get a glimpse of Season 2 footage or a release date, the panel provided plenty of insights into what fans can anticipate from the upcoming episodes. Let's dive in and explore the highlights.
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 look at Rory McCann portraying Baylan Skoll in Season 2. For those who might not know, McCann has taken over the role following the tragic passing of Ray Stevenson, who originally played Baylan.
Stevenson passed away just three months before Ahsoka's premiere, and his performance as Baylan was widely celebrated as a highlight of the series. Ahsoka's creator, Dave Filoni, discussed the challenge of continuing without Ray, describing him as "the most beautiful person on screen and off." Filoni expressed confidence that Ray would approve of the new direction they've chosen for the character.
Filoni views Baylan as a direct counterpart to Ahsoka, and he's thankful for the strong foundation Ray left behind. He also praised McCann for his dedication, noting that his primary focus was to honor Ray'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. While details about Anakin's role remain sparse, Christensen attended the panel and shared his excitement about returning to the character.
"It was a dream to get to do," Christensen said, praising the creative approach to exploring the World Between Worlds. "I thought it was all really exciting."
For Ahsoka's creator, Dave Filoni, working with Christensen again was a must, humorously noting he had to "invent entire dimensions to make it happen." Christensen also enjoyed portraying a version of Anakin from the Clone Wars, which 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, expressing his enthusiasm for Anakin's new look, different from the traditional Jedi robes he wore in the prequels.
Ahsoka Will See the Return of Many More Familiar Faces
While no traditional trailer was shown, the panel provided a glimpse into Season 2 and confirmed the return of beloved characters such as Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper. The teaser was composed of still images rather than moving footage.
It was also 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 exact return date for Ahsoka on Disney+ remains unknown, it was mentioned that the team is currently re-writing episodes ahead of production starting next week.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories Reveal More About Ahsoka --------------------------------------------------The panel also delved into the inspirations and creative processes behind Ahsoka. 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 origins of the Ahsoka series, which began after the first season of The Mandalorian. The idea of bringing Ahsoka to live-action emerged from conversations between Filoni and Favreau about future projects.
Filoni's deep connection to Ahsoka Tano, whom he co-created with George Lucas, led to the decision to explore her story in live-action. Rosario Dawson was chosen to portray Ahsoka after a strong fan campaign and her successful portrayal of the character in The Mandalorian's second season.
Dawson shared her excitement and gratitude for the role, mentioning how she reacted to the news with enthusiasm. Initially, her appearance was intended as a one-off, but the overwhelming fan response paved the way for the Ahsoka series.
"When we started to move into the Ahsoka episodes with revisited characters like Bo-Katan, everything shifted toward a continuation of what Dave and George had done with animation while culminating storylines that had already been established," Favreau explained.
For the team, Ahsoka's journey mirrors that of watching A New Hope, starting in the middle of her story with much already established and more to come. Dawson expressed her eagerness to further explore Ahsoka's character, particularly her fears, anxieties, and growth.
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"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.”
As Ahsoka's journey continues to unfold, the series promises to honor its animated roots while expanding into new and thrilling territories in the Star Wars universe.
