The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025 was packed with exciting teases for Season 2, a first look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll, behind-the-scenes stories, and much more. To ensure you don't miss a single detail, we're here to break down everything that was shared.
While we haven't seen footage of Season 2 or received a release date yet, we did get a glimpse into what fans can expect in the upcoming episodes. Let's dive right in and explore the latest updates.
First Look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka Revealed at Star Wars Celebration
The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration gave us our first look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll in Season 2. For those unfamiliar, McCann steps into the role following the passing of Ray Stevenson.
Stevenson tragically passed away just three months before Ahsoka's premiere, and his portrayal of Baylan was a highlight for many fans. Ahsoka series creator Dave Filoni discussed the challenge of moving forward after Ray's loss, emphasizing that Stevenson was "the most beautiful person on screen and off." Despite the difficulty, Filoni expressed confidence that Ray would approve of the path they've chosen.
For Filoni, Baylan is designed to be Ahsoka's counterpart in every way, and he's grateful for the blueprint Stevenson left behind. Filoni also shared his gratitude for meeting and casting McCann, who he believes will honor Stevenson's legacy.
Hayden Christensen Is Officially Returning as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka Season 2
After playing a pivotal role in the first season of Ahsoka, it was confirmed at Star Wars Celebration that Hayden Christensen will reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker in Season 2. While specifics about Anakin's role remain under wraps, Christensen attended the panel and shared his excitement about returning to the character.
"It was a dream to get to do," Christensen remarked. "The way they conceived how to do it was brilliant, especially exploring the World Between Worlds. It was all really exciting."
This was a significant moment for Ahsoka series creator Dave Filoni, who humorously noted he had to "invent entire dimensions" to work with Christensen again. Christensen expressed joy in portraying a version of Anakin from the Clone Wars era, a facet he hadn't explored in live-action before.
"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
The Ahsoka panel, while not featuring a traditional trailer, provided a glimpse into Season 2 and confirmed the return of beloved characters such as Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper. The trailer showcased static images rather than moving footage.
Additional reveals included Admiral Ackbar's significant role and his confrontation with Grand Admiral Thrawn. Fans can also look forward to 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+ remains unknown, it was mentioned that the team is currently re-writing episodes as production is set to begin next week.
Behind-the-Scenes Stories Reveal More About Ahsoka --------------------------------------------------Alongside the big reveals for Season 2, the panel offered insights into Ahsoka's inspirations and production process. 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 on stage, they discussed how the Ahsoka series came to life. The idea was sparked after Season 1 of The Mandalorian when Filoni and Favreau considered what to explore next. Filoni's deep connection to Ahsoka Tano, a character he co-created with George Lucas, led them to bring her into live-action.
Rosario Dawson, who took on the role after Ashley Eckstein's animated portrayal, shared her excitement about being chosen. The decision came after a strong online push for Dawson, and she was shown art and drawings of herself as Ahsoka during a video call, which left her ecstatic.
Initially, Ahsoka's live-action appearance was intended as a one-off, but the overwhelming fan response paved the way for a full series. Jon Favreau highlighted how the Ahsoka episodes with revisited characters like Bo-Katan shifted the narrative toward continuing the storylines established in animation.
Ahsoka's journey mirrors the experience of watching A New Hope, starting in the middle of her story with much happening before and after. Rosario Dawson expressed her enthusiasm about exploring Ahsoka's character further in live-action, delving into her fears, anxieties, and her reluctance to take on a mentor role.
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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.”
The journey of Ahsoka from a single episode to a full series has been a testament to the character's impact and the dedication of the creative team behind it.
