Ahsoka Panel at Star Wars Celebration: Key Announcements

The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025 was a treasure trove of exciting updates, teases, and behind-the-scenes stories about the upcoming Season 2. From the first look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll to the confirmation of Hayden Christensen's return as Anakin Skywalker, fans were treated to a wealth of information. We're here to break down everything you need to know about the future of this beloved series.

Although we didn't get a glimpse of Season 2 footage or a release date, the panel provided tantalizing details about what to expect in the new episodes. Let's dive into the highlights.

First Look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka Revealed at Star Wars Celebration

The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration unveiled the first look at Rory McCann stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll for Season 2. Following the untimely passing of Ray Stevenson just three months before Ahsoka's premiere, McCann has taken on the challenging role. Stevenson's portrayal of Baylan was a standout for many fans, and series creator Dave Filoni spoke about the difficulty of moving forward without him. "Ray was the most beautiful person on screen and off," Filoni said, expressing confidence that Stevenson would approve of the direction they've chosen. Filoni sees Baylan as Ahsoka's parallel and is grateful for Stevenson's iconic portrayal, which serves as a blueprint for McCann. Filoni also praised McCann's dedication, noting that his focus was on honoring Stevenson's legacy.

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

Hayden Christensen's return as Anakin Skywalker in Season 2 was officially confirmed at the panel. While specifics about his role remain under wraps, Christensen shared his enthusiasm for reprising the beloved character. "It was a dream to get to do," he said, praising the creative approach to exploring the World Between Worlds. For Dave Filoni, working with Christensen again was a must, humorously noting that he "had to invent entire dimensions to make it happen." Christensen also enjoyed bringing to life a version of Anakin from the Clone Wars in live-action, a departure from the traditional Jedi robes he wore in the prequels.

Ahsoka Will See the Return of Many More Familiar Faces

While no traditional trailer was shown, the panel offered a sneak peek into Season 2, confirming the return of beloved characters like Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper. The teaser, filled with still images, also hinted at a significant role for Admiral Ackbar, who will face off against Grand Admiral Thrawn. Fans can also look forward to seeing adorable Loth-Kittens and a variety of starfighters, including X-Wings, A-Wings, and some mysterious new additions. Although the exact return date to Disney+ is unknown, the team is currently rewriting episodes as they prepare to start production next week.

Behind-the-Scenes Stories Reveal More About Ahsoka

The panel was also rich with insights into the making of Ahsoka. Dave Filoni shared his admiration for Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki, particularly citing Princess Mononoke as a significant influence, which explains Ahsoka's distinctive wolf fangs. Joined by Jon Favreau and Rosario Dawson, Filoni discussed the origins of the Ahsoka series, which began after Season 1 of The Mandalorian. Filoni's long-standing love for Ahsoka Tano, a character he co-created with George Lucas, led to her introduction in live-action in Season 2 of The Mandalorian, with Dawson taking on the role after a fan-driven campaign.

Dawson's excitement about playing Ahsoka was palpable, recounting how she was shown art and drawings of her as the character and had to mute herself on a video call to contain her joy. Initially conceived as a one-off appearance, Ahsoka's journey extended far beyond that episode, culminating in her own series. Favreau highlighted how the Ahsoka episodes evolved, revisiting characters like Bo-Katan and building on the storylines established in animation. For the team, Ahsoka's series is akin to watching A New Hope, starting in the middle of her journey with much to explore before and after. Dawson expressed her eagerness to delve deeper into Ahsoka's story, understanding her character's fears, anxieties, and desire to guide from a distance.

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Dawson reflected on the journey, saying, "Even if this never happens again, I'm so grateful. 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." As Ahsoka's narrative unfolds, fans have much to look forward to in the expansive Star Wars universe.