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Ahsoka Season 2 Production Starts Amid Emotional Tributes
Exciting developments are emerging from the recent Star Wars Celebration held in Japan, with the focus heavily on the upcoming Season 2 of Ahsoka. Filming for this new season is set to commence at the end of this month. Despite the loss of actor Ray Stevenson, who portrayed the character Baylan Skoll, his role will continue to be significant. Actor Rory McCann has been cast to take over the character, a decision met with support from the show’s creators and cast.
During the event, Dave Filoni, the creator of Ahsoka, addressed the challenges faced in the production due to Stevenson’s passing. Filoni remarked on the personal and professional bond he shared with Stevenson, reflecting on his impact both on and off screen. “Ray was a beautiful person, and his loss is felt profoundly,” Filoni stated. He recognized the emotional hurdles in continuing the series but emphasized the importance of following through with the character’s journey.
Filoni expressed gratitude for the experiences shared with Stevenson while creating and discussing Baylan’s character, noting that those memories guided him in the writing process. “I spoke to his family because they were a vital part of Ray’s life, and I wanted to honor that connection in our continuation,” he shared.
Continuing Baylan’s Journey
The narrative arc for Baylan Skoll is crucial, as Filoni described him as a counterpart to Ahsoka, representing the duality of light and darkness in the Jedi journey. This thematic connection offers a compelling storyline, allowing Baylan’s struggles to mirror Ahsoka’s past decisions and challenges. Filoni highlighted the task of finding another actor to embody this significant role while also capturing Stevenson’s essence. His collaboration with Jon Favreau led to the decision to cast McCann, whom they felt could authentically take on the mantle.
“Rory brings a unique quality to the character, capturing an intangible essence that Ray embodied,” Filoni noted, expressing confidence in McCann’s ability to honor Stevenson’s legacy. The casting of McCann has been greeted positively, with Filoni praising his dedication and respect for Stevenson’s portrayal.
“Rory takes this role seriously and has a big heart,” Filoni added. “He’s determined to honor Ray and deliver a performance that will resonate with fans.” Filoni’s conviction suggests that audiences can look forward to an authentic representation of Baylan that respects the original portrayal while moving the character forward.
Rosario Dawson Shares Her Thoughts
Also attending the event was Rosario Dawson, who plays the titular character, Ahsoka. Dawson expressed her excitement regarding McCann’s addition to the cast, sharing that they have previously worked together and emphasizing his positive demeanor. She reflected fondly on Stevenson, noting his vibrant spirit and humor. Dawson also recognized parallels between McCann and Stevenson, which may contribute positively to the chemistry on set.
Dawson added, “Our training sessions have been a joy, and everyone is eager to dive into the new season. The scripts are constantly evolving, and what we have is incredibly exciting.” She confirmed that filming for Season 2 is set to kick off at the end of April, creating anticipation among the fanbase.
In a positive note, she hinted at the groundwork laid in the previous season that sets the stage for expansive storytelling. As the production gears up, fans are encouraged to revisit the first season of Ahsoka, now available for streaming on Disney+ through the following link:
Source
movieweb.com