Ahsoka Season 2 to bring back two incoming Star Wars villains, details explored

Ahsoka Season 2 is coming soon, and two Star Wars villains will be reunited in the upcoming season. The series follows Ahsoka Tano after the events of Return of the Jedi (1983) as she works to stop Grand Admiral Thrawn from restoring the Empire. Season one ended with Thrawn’s return from exile, while Ahsoka and her apprentice Sabine Wren were left stranded in another galaxy.

Ahsoka Season 2 will reunite fans with two powerful Star Wars villains, Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati. Ivanna Sakhno will once again play Shin, while Rory McCann is going to play Baylan, previously played by the late actor Ray Stevenson.

Changes in cast for Ahsoka Season 2

One of the biggest changes in Ahsoka Season 2 is the recasting of Baylan Skoll. Stevenson’s performance as the former Jedi turned dark warrior was highly praised, but his unexpected death in 2023 left fans feeling uncertain about whether the character would be seen again.

Instead of removing Baylan from the story, Lucasfilm chose to honor the importance of the role by recasting Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll. McCann is popularly known for playing Sandor Clegane in Game of Thrones.

As The Direct reports, Ivanna Sakhno, who portrays Baylan’s apprentice Shin Hati, has confirmed that both characters are returning for the upcoming season. While speaking with The Direct, she shared her thoughts on working with McCann and the importance of carrying forward Stevenson’s legacy. She said,

“We're in the middle of filming right now. I'm reporting to you from London, so I, you know, I get to see Rory nearly daily at the moment, and he has been amazing to work with. I will have his work speak for itself, but he is definitely a gift for us to have. And there couldn't have been anyone better to take on this role.”

Sakhno’s comments make it clear that Baylan will remain a central character of the story and that she and McCann will share a lot of scenes together. This suggests that the relationship between master and apprentice will once again be a highlight in Ahsoka Season 2. Their reunion is set to build on the separation seen in the first season’s finale, giving audiences more insight into both characters.

The creative choice to recast Baylan rather than write him out shows just how vital his character is in the series. He isn’t a typical Star Wars villain, unlike Thrawn or the Sith. Baylan follows his own path, shaped by his disillusionment with the Jedi Order. Keeping him in the story allows the show to continue exploring these deeper Force-related themes while also honoring Stevenson’s contribution.

Meanwhile, Thrawn’s role as the antagonist remains intact, as he unites the Imperial remnants against the fragile New Republic. But the return of Baylan and Shin provides a more personal challenge for Ahsoka and Sabine. These villains don’t just oppose them in combat but also force the heroes to confront their own beliefs about the Force, loyalty, and destiny.

The cast of Ahsoka Season 2 will also feature the cast from season one, including Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka, Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Hera Syndulla, David Tennant as the droid Huyang, and Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker. With McCann stepping into the role of Baylan, the season will carry forward Stevenson’s contribution to the role while continuing the character through a fresh perspective.

Ahsoka Season 2 is currently in production in London and is expected to be released sometime in 2026. You can stream the first season of the show on Disney+.

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