Ahsokastar Ivanna Sakhno addresses the Baylan Skoll recast and how it impacts season 2. Ray Stevenson, who played Baylan in season 1, passed away in May 2023, only months before the show’s Disney+ debut. Since Baylan is still an essential piece ofAhsokaseason 2’s story, the decision was made to recast the character, withGame of Thrones' Rory McCann taking on the part.
Sakhno, who plays Baylan’s apprentice, Shin Hati, worked closely with Stevenson in season 1, and is now working alongside McCann for season 2. Both characters were still on the planet Peridea in another galaxy whenAhsokaseason 1 ended. Filming for season 2 is currently underway in London.
While speaking withScreenRant’s Liam Crowley aboutM3GAN 2.0, Sakhno was asked about whether she and McCann have discussed what their dynamic will be like in season 2. Sakhno reveals thatMcCann has"immense respect"for Stevenson’s performance while"bring[ing] his own into Baylan’s shoes.“She also shares how far along filming is for season 2. Check out her comments below:
We are actually currently in the middle of filming Season 2 in London. I came to New York for a few days [for M3GAN 2.0 press] and we’re very much one-fourth of the way [done with Ahsoka Season 2]. It was a great loss when Ray passed and something that nobody took lightly. But I have such gratitude for Dave and Lucasfilm and for them putting so much time and attention into finding the right person to continue Baylan’s story and Rory couldn’t have been a better choice. He is so depthful and has such immense respect for Baylan and also for what Ray has created, which allows for him to really bring his own into Baylan’s shoes. So watching him doing it has been a gift. And, of course, we all feel Ray’s presence as well and guidance. I feel immense gratitude and Rory is a dream to be around.
What This Means For Ahsoka Season 2
Rory McCann Is Honoring Ray Stevenson
Sakhno’s comments are a promising sign that McCann is doing justice to Baylan after Stevenson’s portrayal was one of the most well-received parts of season 1. While Stevenson set a high bar,McCann seems to have found the perfect balancebetween honoring what Stevenson did while bringing something new to the role.
In terms of what her comments mean for the story, they indicate that Baylan and Shin will still share plenty of scenes in season 2 despite their paths diverging at the end of season 1 after Baylan abandons her. As Baylan pursues his mysteriousendgame on Perideaand as Shin leads the planet’s raiders, their paths will cross again.
As for the production update, it is also promising to know that one-fourth of the filming has been completed. Since filming began in April 2025, if the production timeline continues to follow this trajectory, filming should be completed by the end of 2025, and the new season may beable to meet its expected release window of late 2026.
Our Take On Ivanna Sakhno’s Comments
Baylan Will Continue To Be One Of The Best Parts Of Ahsoka
With Stevenson’s Baylan being one of my favorite parts ofAhsokaseason 1, I am relieved to hear Sakhno describing McCann’s performance as"a gift"and"a dream.“Finding the right actor to take on such an important and nuanced role after Stevenson’s tragic passing could have gone awry, butDave Filoni and Lucasfilm seem to have found the perfect person for it.
McCann will seemingly bring a similar, yet distinct depth to Baylan.
The word"depthful"also stands out, asStevenson always brought a sense of tremendous depth to Baylan, which is why he became a standout character inAhsokaseason 1. McCann will seemingly bring a similar, yet distinct depth to Baylan, and out of all the actors, Sakhno is the best-suited to recognize this, as she shared the most scenes with Stevenson in season 1.
