The Game of Thrones star replaces Ray Stevenson as Bailan Scoll

When Dave Filoni's Ahsoka appeared on Disney+ in 2023, it was immediately clear that The Force is with this Star Wars show. Along with Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), the series brought the Star Wars Rebels roster to the live-action side of the galaxy far, far away, continuing the story of the beloved animated show five years after it ended. the end. Since then, Filoni has taken over the Star Wars universe as Lucasfilm's chief creative officer and, to the surprise of some, “Ahsoka” Season 2 is officially in production.

That's a good thing given the cliffhanger that Mortis God season 1 ends on, but it's also problematic. The best new character in “Ahsoka” is Ray Stevenson's skilled but morally ambiguous ex-Jedi Bailen Skoll, who may play a major antagonist role in the future of the series. however The tragic death of Ray Stevenson at the age of 58 May 21, 2023 left the show with a huge problem: What to do with an antagonist who is so central to the show but whose characteristics are so closely tied to the way Stevenson played him? According to an entertainment journalist Jeff SnyderThe show's answer to this problem is to recast Skoll, not with just any actor. Instead, Sneider posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the task had been given to none other than Rory McCann of Game of Thrones fame:

“EXCLUSIVE: RORY McCUNN, who played the Hound on GAME OF THRONES, will inherit the role of his late friend Ray Stevenson in AHSOK Season 2…”

Sneider's newsletter, The InSneider has elaborated on McCann's casting, which he says was approved by Ray Stevenson's widow, possibly referring to his longtime partner Elizabeth Caraccia. The story of the McCann takeover has also been confirmed by Baylan Skoll The Hollywood Reporter.

McCann's selection as Stevenson's replacement is as fitting as you can hope for in the circumstances. Not only does the star have the Stevenson family's seal of approval, but his physical presence and penchant for playing villainous and imposing characters with a quiet gravitas are strikingly Stevenson-like, though obviously not identical.

McCann's most famous role is, of course, Sandor “Hound” Glegane on Game of Thrones, whose composed but eternally menacing “calm before the storm” is a very good indication that he can bring the necessary presence. Baylan Skoll. Additionally, McCann hasn't been resting on his laurels since the HBO fantasy hit ended its eight-season run in 2019. He has worked steadily both as a voice actor and in front of the camera, most recently appearing in Ridley Scott's 2024 epic Gladiator. II” as General Tegula. Time will tell how things go from here, but expect an intense and impressive new take on Ahsoka's character.

“Ahsoka” season 2 has yet to receive a premiere date.