Ahsoka Panel at Star Wars Celebration: Key Announcements Revealed

The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025 was packed with exciting updates for Season 2, including a first look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll, stories from the making of the series, and more. To ensure you stay up-to-date, we've compiled all the key details in one place.

While we're still waiting for footage and a release date for Season 2 of Ahsoka, the panel provided some tantalizing hints about what's to come. Let's dive in and explore these updates.

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 look at Rory McCann stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll for Season 2. For those unfamiliar, McCann has taken on this role following the untimely passing of Ray Stevenson, who originally portrayed Baylan.

Stevenson passed away just three months before Ahsoka's premiere, and his performance was a highlight for many fans. Ahsoka's creator, Dave Filoni, discussed the challenge of moving forward after Ray, praising him as "the most beautiful person on screen and off." Filoni expressed confidence that Ray would approve of the direction they've taken with the character.

Filoni emphasized that Baylan is designed to be Ahsoka's counterpart in every way, and he's grateful for the blueprint Stevenson left behind. He also expressed his gratitude for finding McCann, who is focused on honoring Stevenson's legacy.

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

After playing a pivotal role in the first season, it was confirmed at Star Wars Celebration that Hayden Christensen will reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker in Season 2. Although details about Anakin's involvement remain under wraps, Christensen attended the panel and shared his enthusiasm for returning.

"It was a dream to get to do," Christensen said. "The way they conceived how to do it was brilliant, especially exploring the World Between Worlds. It was all really exciting."

For Ahsoka's creator, Dave Filoni, Christensen's return was a must, humorously noting that he "invented entire dimensions to make it happen." Christensen appreciated the chance to portray a version of Anakin from the Clone Wars, a character he hadn't fully 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," Christensen said. "It was thrilling to see Anakin in a new look, different from the traditional Jedi robes."

Ahsoka Will See the Return of Many More Familiar Faces

While the panel didn't feature a traditional trailer, it showcased images confirming the return of beloved characters such as Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper for Season 2. Additionally, it was revealed that Admiral Ackbar will play a significant role, facing off against Grand Admiral Thrawn. Fans can also look forward to adorable Loth-Kittens and, according to Filoni, "X-Wings, A-Wings, and Wings I can't tell you about."

Although the exact return date for Ahsoka on Disney+ remains unknown, it was mentioned that the team is currently re-writing episodes, with production set to start next week.

Beyond the Season 2 announcements, the panel delved into the inspirations behind Ahsoka and shared behind-the-scenes stories. Dave Filoni revealed that Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki, particularly the film Princess Mononoke, inspired him. This influence is evident in Ahsoka's iconic wolf fangs.

Joined by Jon Favreau and Rosario Dawson, Filoni discussed the genesis of the Ahsoka series. It all started after Season 1 of The Mandalorian, when Filoni and Favreau considered what to bring to life next. Filoni's affection for Ahsoka Tano, a character he co-created with George Lucas, led them to explore her in live action.

Rosario Dawson was chosen to portray Ahsoka following Ashley Eckstein's acclaimed animated performance. Dawson shared her excitement upon learning she'd play Ahsoka, recalling how she muted herself during a video call to contain her joy.

Initially, the team approached Ahsoka's appearance as a one-off, unsure if they could sustain the character long term. However, fan reactions paved the way for a more extensive exploration.

"When we started to move into the Ahsoka episodes with revisited characters like Bo-Katan, everything shifted toward a continuation of what Dave and George had done with animation while culminating storylines that had already been established," Favreau said.

For the team, Ahsoka's story is akin to watching A New Hope, starting in the middle of her journey with much history and future to explore. Dawson is eager to delve deeper into Ahsoka's character, understanding her fears, anxieties, and her reluctance to take on a mentor role.

"I did not know where this character was going in live action," Dawson said. "I could understand her fear, anxiety, and stress and her desire to help from afar. She wasn't willing to take over the mentor role herself, so it became a wonderful thing that I got to explore."

Every Upcoming Star Wars Movie and TV Show

View 22 Images

"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."