Ahsoka Season 2 Highlights Unveiled at Star Wars Celebration

The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025 delivered exciting updates for Season 2, including a first glimpse of Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Here’s a complete roundup of the key moments.

While no Season 2 footage or release date was shared, the panel offered intriguing details about what’s in store for the upcoming episodes. Let’s dive into the highlights.

Rory McCann Debuts as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka at Star Wars Celebration

The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration showcased Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll for Season 2. McCann steps into the role following the passing of Ray Stevenson.

Stevenson’s death occurred just three months before Ahsoka’s premiere, yet his portrayal of Baylan resonated deeply with fans.

Dave Filoni, the series creator, reflected on the challenge of continuing without Stevenson, describing him as “a remarkable presence both on and off screen.” Filoni expressed confidence that “Ray would approve of the path we’ve taken.”

Filoni emphasized that Baylan mirrors Ahsoka in many ways, and Stevenson’s iconic performance provided a clear guide for the character. He also praised McCann’s commitment, noting that his focus was honoring Stevenson’s legacy.

Hayden Christensen Confirmed to Reprise Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka Season 2

Star Wars Celebration confirmed that Hayden Christensen will return as Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka Season 2, following his pivotal role in the first season.

Details about Anakin’s role in the new episodes remain scarce, but Christensen joined the panel to share his excitement about reprising the iconic character.

“It was a privilege to return,” Christensen said. “Exploring the World Between Worlds was a brilliant concept, and I found it thrilling.”

Filoni humorously noted that he had to “create entire dimensions” to bring Christensen back as Anakin, underscoring the significance of the character’s return.

Christensen highlighted the joy of portraying a Clone Wars-era Anakin in live-action, a version of the character he hadn’t explored before. “I loved the animated Clone Wars, but bringing that Anakin to life was exciting,” he said. “Trading Jedi robes for a fresh look was a fun change.”

Ahsoka Season 2 to Feature Returning Characters and New Additions

While no traditional trailer was shown, the panel offered a sneak peek into Season 2 through still images, confirming the return of Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper.

The panel also revealed that Admiral Ackbar will play a significant role, facing off against Grand Admiral Thrawn. Fans can also expect charming Loth-Kittens and, per Filoni, “X-Wings, A-Wings, and some surprises we can’t reveal yet.”

Although a Disney+ release date for Ahsoka remains unconfirmed, the team is actively rewriting episodes, with production set to begin next week.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights Shed Light on Ahsoka’s Creation

Beyond Season 2 reveals, the panel shared fascinating details about Ahsoka’s inspirations and development from the cast and crew. Filoni revealed that Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki, particularly Princess Mononoke, inspired Ahsoka’s design, including the wolf fangs on her cheeks.

Filoni, joined by Jon Favreau and Rosario Dawson, discussed how Ahsoka came to life. The concept emerged after The Mandalorian’s first season, as Filoni and Favreau brainstormed new stories.

Filoni’s passion for Ahsoka Tano, a character he co-created with George Lucas, drove the decision to bring her to live-action. This began with an appearance in The Mandalorian Season 2 after finding the perfect actress and visual style.

Rosario Dawson, chosen to portray Ahsoka after Ashley Eckstein’s acclaimed animated performance, shared her excitement about landing the role. After a fan campaign, Filoni and Favreau presented her with concept art of Ahsoka. “I had to mute my video call because I was so thrilled,” Dawson recalled.

Initially, Ahsoka’s live-action debut was considered a one-off, as the team was uncertain about sustaining the character long-term.

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“I was grateful even if it was just one appearance,” Dawson said. “The fan support that allowed this story to grow was a dream come true.”

Ahsoka’s journey extended far beyond that initial episode. Despite challenges in maintaining the character daily, the effort proved worthwhile.

“Incorporating characters like Bo-Katan shifted the series toward continuing Dave and George’s animated legacy while tying together existing storylines,” Favreau explained.

Favreau noted that Ahsoka’s story feels like A New Hope, dropping into the middle of her journey with rich history and future potential.

Dawson expressed enthusiasm for further exploring Ahsoka’s arc. “I didn’t know where her live-action story would lead,” she said. “Portraying her fears, reluctance to mentor, and desire to help from a distance was a rewarding journey.”