Ahsoka Panel Reveals: Star Wars Celebration Highlights

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 stay updated, we're here to provide a comprehensive breakdown of all the highlights.

While specific footage from Season 2 of Ahsoka remains under wraps, and a release date is yet to be announced, the panel offered valuable insights into what fans can anticipate in the upcoming episodes. Let's dive into the details.

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

The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration unveiled our first glimpse of Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll in Season 2. Following the tragic passing of Ray Stevenson just three months before Ahsoka's premiere, McCann steps into the role, which was a highlight for many fans thanks to Stevenson's performance.

Series creator Dave Filoni spoke candidly about the challenge of moving forward after Stevenson's death, emphasizing that Stevenson was "the most beautiful person on screen and off." Filoni expressed confidence that Stevenson would approve of the new direction for the character, noting that Baylan is designed to be Ahsoka's counterpart in every way. He also expressed gratitude for the blueprint Stevenson provided and for finding McCann, who is focused on honoring Stevenson's legacy.

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

Hayden Christensen, who played a pivotal role in the first season of Ahsoka, will return as Anakin Skywalker in Season 2, as confirmed at Star Wars Celebration. While details about Anakin's role in the new episodes were scarce, Christensen shared his enthusiasm during the panel.

"It was a dream to get to do," Christensen remarked, praising the creative approach to exploring the World Between Worlds. For series creator Dave Filoni, working with Christensen again was a significant milestone, humorously stating he had to "invent entire dimensions to make it happen."

Christensen also expressed 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," he said, enjoying the new look beyond the traditional Jedi robes he wore in the prequels.

Ahsoka Will See the Return of Many More Familiar Faces

While the panel did not feature a traditional trailer, it offered a glimpse into Season 2 through a series of images, confirming the return of beloved characters such as Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper. Additionally, it was revealed that Admiral Ackbar will play a significant role, facing off against Grand Admiral Thrawn. The panel also teased the presence of adorable Loth-Kittens and hinted at new types of starfighters, with Filoni mentioning "X-Wings, A-Wings, and Wings I can't tell you about."

Production for Season 2 is set to start next week, with the team currently in the process of re-writing episodes.

Behind-the-Scenes Stories Reveal More About Ahsoka

Alongside the major Season 2 announcements, the panel delved into the inspirations and creation of Ahsoka. Series creator Dave Filoni shared his admiration for Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki, citing Princess Mononoke as his favorite movie and the inspiration behind Ahsoka's distinctive wolf fangs.

Joined by Jon Favreau and Rosario Dawson, Filoni discussed the genesis of the Ahsoka series, which began after Season 1 of The Mandalorian. Filoni and Favreau, both passionate about Ahsoka Tano, whom Filoni co-created with George Lucas, decided to explore bringing her to live-action. This led to Dawson's casting, following a significant online campaign supporting her for the role. Dawson described her reaction to being chosen, mentioning how she muted herself during the video call to contain her excitement.

Initially, the team approached Ahsoka's appearance in The Mandalorian as a one-off, unsure if they could sustain a full series. However, the positive fan reaction and the narrative potential led to the development of the Ahsoka series. Favreau highlighted how revisiting characters like Bo-Katan shifted the focus toward continuing the storylines established in the animated series.

For the team, Ahsoka's journey mirrors that of A New Hope, starting mid-journey with much history and future ahead. Dawson expressed excitement about exploring Ahsoka's character further in live action, understanding her fears, anxieties, and the desire to guide from afar without fully embracing the mentor role.

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Rosario Dawson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to portray Ahsoka, even if it had been a one-time appearance. "Even if this never happens again, I’m so grateful," she said, emphasizing the joy of seeing the fan reaction that enabled the continuation of Ahsoka's story. The journey from a one-off appearance to a full series has been a dream come true, culminating in storylines that honor the character's rich history and future possibilities.