Star Wars: Ahsoka’s Rory McCann Breaks Silence on Taking Over Baylan Skoll

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Actor Rory McCann, known for his role in Star Wars: Ahsoka, discusses stepping into the shoes of Baylan Skoll for the show’s second season. In an interview with ComicBook to promote his upcoming film Tornado (releasing on May 30th), he spoke about following Ray Stevenson and carrying forward the character’s storyline in Ahsoka Season 2. He also talked about his lightsaber training, attributing his experience as the Hound in Game of Thrones to preparing him for sword fighting in a distant galaxy. McCann expresses his enthusiasm about being part of the Star Wars franchise.

He expressed his view that continuing Baylan Skoll’s storyline is the appropriate choice rather than ending it abruptly. “In the past, we’ve handled similar situations. I hope the fans accept it and I’ll give my all. Since I’m just getting started, I’m focusing on being in the right frame of mind to perform well. It’s incredibly thrilling, really. You know, as a child, I went to the first ones with my dad in the late ’70s and ’80s. Now, I’m training with a lightsaber at night, so it’s quite an exciting time for me.

Afterward, McCann changed topics to his lightsaber practice. He mentioned that working on “Thrones” had been beneficial for this skill as the movements and blocking were similar. However, he noted that the sound of a lightsaber wasn’t as appealing as those swords from “Thrones.” In a moment of humor, he exclaimed, “Oh, my God… Lightsabers are lighter, but even though stunt swords in ‘Thrones’ felt lighter than they actually were, you have to imagine they’re three times heavier. It’s all part of the act, really. It’s all quite thrilling.

In Season 1 of Ahsoka, Stevenson played Baylan, a character who captivated many viewers. Sadly, he passed away before the show’s release. Recently, McCann has been chosen to continue playing Baylan, a decision that was made official at Star Wars Celebration Japan in April.

Ahsoka Tano’s second season hasn’t been given a release date just yet, but production is already underway. Star Rosario Dawson has been tantalizing fans with sneak peeks from the set that hint at her demanding physical role. Details about what we can expect are being tightly guarded, though it’s been confirmed that Hayden Christensen will be returning as Anakin Skywalker once again.

In the first season of Ahsoka, Baylan’s story was left hanging. At the end, Baylan separated from his apprentice Shin Hati and ventured on Peridea, where he discovered statues of the Mortis gods. This ending certainly hinted at further tales about Baylan, making it unusual to simply abandon this narrative thread. To continue the character’s storyline, it was decided to recast the role, and McCann appears to be a fitting actor for the job. It seems he recognizes the significance of stepping into Stevenson’s shoes and is determined to offer an enthralling portrayal.

Excitedly anticipating the unfolding tale of Ahsoka Season 2, McCann’s hints about his lightsaber training suggest that Baylan will undoubtedly find himself engaged in dynamic action scenes. Given that characters like Ahsoka, Sabine, and Shin are on Peridea as Season 1 draws to a close, there’s an abundance of potential duels or perhaps a different danger looming for Baylan in his new journey. The mystery deepens as we ponder how Baylan will fit into the storyline and what part the Mortis gods might play. Here’s hoping McCann can effectively imbue the role with his signature style, creating an enduring legacy for Baylan amidst the endless stars.

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2025-05-28 21:09