The Game Of Thrones star replaces Ray Stevenson in the role of Bailan Skull

When Dave Filoni’s “Ahsoka” premiered on Disney+ in 2023, it was immediately clear that… Power with this “Star Wars” show. Along with Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), the series introduced a long roster of “Star Wars Rebels” characters into the live-action side of a galaxy far, far away, continuing the story of the beloved animated show five years after it came to an end. Since then, Filoni has taken charge of the “Star Wars” universe as Lucasfilm’s chief creative officer and, to the surprise of few, Season 2 of “Ahsoka” is officially in the works.

This is a good thing considering the Mortis God season 1 cliffhanger it ends with, but it’s also a problem. The best new character in “Ahsoka” is the skilled but morally ambiguous former Jedi Baylan Skoll, who is positioned to play a major antagonist in the series’ future. but, Ray Stevenson has tragically passed away at the age of 58 On May 21, 2023, the show was left with a big problem: what to do with an antagonist who is an integral part of the show, but whose characteristics are closely tied to the way Stevenson played him? According to the entertainment journalist Jeff Snyderthe show’s answer to this problem is to recast Skoll, and not with just any actor. Instead, Snyder posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the task fell to none other than Rory McCann of “Game of Thrones” fame:

“EXCLUSIVE: Rory McCann, who played The Hound in GAME OF THRONES, will inherit the role of his late friend Ray Stevenson in Season 2 of AHSOKA…”

Snyder Newsletter The InSneider He elaborates further on McCann’s casting, which he says was approved by Ray Stevenson’s widow – likely a reference to his long-time partner Elisabetta Caraccia. The story of McCann taking over Bylan School has also been confirmed Hollywood Reporter.

Choosing McCann as Stevenson’s replacement is really about as appropriate as you could hope for in the circumstances. Not only does the star come with the Stevenson family stamp of approval, but his physical presence and penchant for playing villains and imposing characters with quiet gravity are surprisingly similar to Stevenson’s – though not an obvious match.

McCann’s most famous role is of course that of Sandor “The Hound” Glegane on “Game of Thrones,” whose calm and eternally menacing “calm before the storm” nature is a very good indicator that he can bring the requisite presence to the role of Baylan Skull. What’s more, McCann hasn’t rested on his laurels since the HBO fantasy series wrapped its eight-season run in 2019. He’s been working steadily 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 to see an intense and poignant new look at Ahsoka.

A premiere date for “Ahsoka” Season 2 has not yet been set.