Star Wars Celebration 2025's Ahsoka panel delivered thrilling Season 2 hints, featuring Rory McCann's debut as Baylan Skoll alongside exclusive production insights. Here's everything you need to know from this unforgettable event.
Though Season 2 footage remains under wraps with no confirmed release date yet, we uncovered exciting details about the upcoming episodes - let's dive right in.
Exclusive First Glimpse: Rory McCann Transforms Into Baylan Skoll for Ahsoka Season 2
The Celebration panel unveiled Rory McCann's striking transformation into Baylan Skoll, assuming the role following Ray Stevenson's tragic passing last year.
Stevenson's brilliant performance captivated fans throughout Ahsoka's premiere season, cementing Baylan as a standout character despite appearing just months after the actor's death.
Creator Dave Filoni reflected on the emotional challenge of moving forward after losing Stevenson, describing him as "both mesmerizing on screen and extraordinarily kind off-screen." After careful consideration, Filoni believes Stevenson "would approve of our creative path forward."
Filoni emphasized Baylan's role as Ahsoka's thematic counterpart across the Star Wars universe, acknowledging Stevenson's legacy: "Ray established such an iconic foundation - we're fortunate McCann shares our commitment to honoring that vision."
Hayden Christensen Confirmed as Returning Star in Ahsoka Season 2
The Celebration crowd erupted when Hayden Christensen confirmed his return as Anakin Skywalker following his impactful Season 1 appearance.
While details remain scarce about Anakin's Season 2 storyline, Christensen shared his enthusiasm about returning during the panel discussion.
"This opportunity felt like a dream come true," Christensen revealed. "Exploring the World Between Worlds through Filoni's creative lens has been remarkably exciting."
Filoni joked about maneuvering Christensen's return: "I basically had to develop entire new dimensions just to bring Anakin back - totally worth it!"
Christensen particularly enjoyed portraying Clone Wars-era Anakin in live-action, something audiences rarely saw during the prequel films.
"While I cherish working with Anakin's classic Jedi robes, experimenting with his new visual style has been incredibly rewarding," Christensen noted.
Ahsoka Season 2 Welcomes Back Fan-Favorite Characters
Rather than showcasing conventional trailer footage, the panel previewed memorable Season 2 moments through striking still images confirming Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper's returns.
Additional reveals included Admiral Ackbar's pivotal showdown with Grand Admiral Thrawn alongside the introduction of charming Loth-Kittens. Filoni teased: "Expect X-Wings, A-Wings, and some surprises I can't disclose yet."
Disney+ hasn't announced Ahsoka's Season 2 premiere date, but production begins imminently as writing continues.
Creative Insights: The Making of Ahsoka Revealed
The panel offered fascinating behind-the-scenes perspectives beyond Season 2 announcements, beginning with Filoni discussing Hayao Miyazaki's influence - particularly Princess Mononoke inspiring Ahsoka's distinctive facial markings.
Joined by Jon Favreau and Rosario Dawson, Filoni traced Ahsoka's journey from The Mandalorian Season 2 concept to full series.
"Our Mandalorian conversations naturally evolved toward developing Ahsoka's live-action debut," Filoni explained, recounting how he and George Lucas originally created the character.
Dawson described discovering she'd been cast as Ahsoka: "When they showed me concept art featuring my face as Ahsoka, I had to mute myself - I was screaming with excitement!"
Initially conceived as standalone appearance, Ahsoka's successful Mandalorian cameo paved the way for her own series despite initial reservations.
The Complete Guide to Upcoming Star Wars Projects
View 22 Images
"I would've cherished this experience even as a one-time opportunity," Dawson reflected. "Watching fan reactions transform this into an ongoing journey exceeded my wildest dreams."
Favreau highlighted how Ahsoka bridges animated lore with live-action storytelling: "We're expanding storylines established through animation while introducing fresh dimensions."
Dawson remains enthusiastic about uncovering Ahsoka's untold stories: "Exploring her reluctance towards mentorship created fascinating character development opportunities."
