Credit: LucasfilmLucasfilm just made a major behind-the-scenes decision for Season 2 of Ahsoka—and it could have profound ripple effects for the story.
At first, the shift didn’t come with a flashy trailer or a dramatic press event. Instead, news began circulating that key roles had been recast ahead of production. No teaser footage. No sweeping announcement. Just a subtle but significant casting update that instantly sparked conversation among Star Wars fans.
Recasting characters in a high-profile Disney+ series is never a small move. It often signals that those characters are too important to be written out simply. And in this case, Lucasfilm’s choice suggests that Season 2 isn’t dialing anything back—it’s doubling down.
Before diving into what changed, it’s worth remembering just how strong the foundation was.
Season 1’s Strong Launch on Disney+
When Ahsoka premiered on Disney+, it quickly became one of the platform’s most talked-about Star Wars entries. The series continued the story of Ahsoka Tano, first introduced in animation and later brought to live action, and leaned heavily on established lore from Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) and Star Wars Rebels (2014).
The show blended nostalgia with new storytelling. It reintroduced beloved animated characters into live-action, expanded the mythology surrounding Grand Admiral Thrawn, and pushed the broader “Mandoverse” narrative forward. Fans responded positively, particularly to the performances and the deeper exploration of Force mythology.
Season 1 ended with major threads still hanging—Thrawn’s return to the central galaxy, Ahsoka and Sabine stranded in Peridea, and Baylan Skoll pursuing a mysterious power teased to be connected to the Mortis Gods. The finale didn’t feel like a conclusion. It felt like a setup.
That momentum helped secure the next chapter.
Season 2 Is Coming—But Not Immediately
Lucasfilm officially confirmed that Season 2 is in development, with filming shifting to the United Kingdom. While an exact release date has not been announced, the series is widely expected to arrive in late 2026.
Dave Filoni remains creatively involved, and expectations are high that the second season will further integrate into the broader Star Wars timeline set between Return of the Jedi (1983) and the sequel trilogy era. With Thrawn now positioned as a major threat to the New Republic, Season 2 carries significant weight within the franchise’s long-term storytelling.
No trailer has been released yet, but fans have already received official looks at certain returning characters—along with one very noticeable change.
Familiar Faces Returning
Despite the casting shakeup, the core ensemble remains intact. Fans will still see Rosario Dawson reprise her role as Ahsoka Tano. Natasha Liu Bordizzo returns as Sabine Wren, Eman Esfandi as Ezra Bridger, and Lars Mikkelsen as Grand Admiral Thrawn.
That continuity matters. Dawson’s portrayal of Ahsoka has become central to this era of Star Wars storytelling, and Mikkelsen’s live-action debut as Thrawn in Season 1 was widely praised. Sabine and Ezra’s arcs remain unfinished, especially with Ahsoka and Sabine stranded far from home.
With these actors returning, Season 2 maintains its emotional anchor points. But two crucial roles will look different.
The Baylan Skoll Recasting
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lucasfilm only had to recast two characters for Season 2. One of them is Baylan Skoll.
Ray Stevenson, who portrayed the former Jedi in Season 1, tragically passed away in 2023. His performance earned widespread acclaim for its gravitas and complexity. Baylan was neither a simple villain nor a straightforward hero. He carried philosophical weight, and his motivations hinted at something far bigger than a standard power grab.
Rather than writing the character out, Lucasfilm chose to continue Baylan’s story. Game of Thrones actor Rory McCann—known for playing The Hound—has been confirmed to step into the role. The casting feels intentional. McCann and Stevenson were reportedly close friends, and McCann’s imposing presence aligns naturally with Baylan’s commanding demeanor.
Although a full trailer hasn’t debuted, Lucasfilm has already shared an official look at McCann in costume. That alone confirms Baylan remains part of the narrative moving forward.
And that decision speaks volumes.
Claudia Black Steps Away
The second recasting involves Claudia Black, who portrayed Nightsister Klothow in Season 1.
Black recently confirmed she will not return for Season 2. According to her statements, Disney was unwilling to meet her salary requirements after filming moved to the United Kingdom. As a single mother, Black explained she would have needed higher compensation to relocate internationally for an extended production schedule. When an agreement couldn’t be reached, she chose to step away.
The Hollywood Reporter later revealed that the role was recast once production shifted overseas. That means Klothow is not disappearing from the story—a different actor is simply portraying her.
It remains unclear who will take over the role, and Lucasfilm has not publicly announced the new casting. But the fact that the character continues suggests she still has narrative importance.
What This Means for the Story
At first glance, recasting two characters might not seem dramatic. But context matters.
Baylan Skoll’s last appearance showed him venturing off alone in pursuit of a greater power. The series strongly implied a connection to the Mortis Gods—ancient Force entities with deep mythological significance in Star Wars lore. Lucasfilm could have resolved his storyline off-screen. Instead, they brought in a new actor to continue it.
That strongly indicates Baylan’s journey is central to Season 2’s arc. Removing him would have required significant rewrites, especially if his storyline ties directly into the larger Force mythology Filoni appears eager to explore.
Klothow’s presence carries similar weight. While she didn’t dominate screen time in Season 1, her role was pivotal. Her actions directly contributed to Thrawn’s escape from the Peridea galaxy. The season finale positioned Thrawn and the Nightsisters as aligned forces, poised to challenge the New Republic and potentially rebuild Imperial power.
If Lucasfilm had no further plans for the Nightsisters, they could have quietly phased Klothow out. Instead, they recast her. That suggests the alliance between Thrawn and the Nightsisters remains critical moving forward.
It also opens intriguing possibilities. Will the Nightsisters continue to support Thrawn? Or could their own ambitions begin to clash with his? With Baylan pursuing ancient Force mysteries and Thrawn consolidating power, Season 2 appears poised to expand both political and mystical storylines.
The Stakes Just Got Higher for Star Wars
Recasting major characters always carries risk. Fans grow attached to performances, especially when those performances resonate as deeply as Ray Stevenson’s did. But Lucasfilm’s decision to continue Baylan Skoll’s story—and to keep Nightsister Klothow in play—reveals something important.
Season 2 of Ahsoka isn’t trimming threads. It’s protecting them.
By bringing in Rory McCann and a new actress for Klothow, Lucasfilm signals confidence in its long-term storytelling plan. These characters matter. Their arcs matter. And whatever unfolds in late 2026 will likely hinge on choices made in Season 1.
The casting changes may have arrived quietly, but their impact could be anything but small.