Rory McCann, best known for his role as Sandor “The Hound” Clegane in Game of Thrones, is set to step into the shoes of the late Ray Stevenson for the second season of Ahsoka. Stevenson, who portrayed the former Jedi turned antagonist Baylan Skoll, tragically passed away in May 2023.
Stevenson’s unexpected death left fans and the Ahsoka production team grappling with how to continue his character’s story arc. However, the decision has now been made, with McCann being tapped to portray Baylan Skoll in the upcoming season, bringing a new but familiar energy to the role.
McCann’s casting was announced as the highly anticipated second season of Ahsoka, part of the Star Wars franchise, prepares to move forward. The character of Baylan Skoll had quickly garnered attention for its complex, multifaceted nature, and Stevenson’s portrayal of the former Jedi Knight left a lasting impression on viewers.
McCann, known for his commanding presence on-screen, is no stranger to playing tough, larger-than-life characters. His portrayal of Sandor Clegane in Game of Thrones made him one of the series’ most memorable and intimidating figures, a role that has earned him a loyal following. Fans are now curious to see how McCann will interpret Baylan Skoll, who walked away from the Jedi Order and embraced a darker path.
In a statement, McCann expressed his honor at being chosen to take over the role. “Ray Stevenson brought an incredible depth and strength to Baylan Skoll. It is a privilege to carry on his work and bring my own take to the character. I hope to honor his legacy while adding my own interpretation to this complex role,” McCann said.
The transition comes at a time when Ahsoka, starring Rosario Dawson as the titular Jedi, continues to captivate Star Wars fans with its exploration of the wider galaxy and its focus on the former Clone Wars character’s journey. The second season is expected to dive deeper into Skoll’s backstory, exploring the enigmatic character’s motivations and connections to the broader Star Wars universe.
Stevenson’s death has left a hole in the Ahsoka universe, but McCann’s casting signals that the production is determined to keep the story moving forward. Fans of the franchise are eagerly awaiting to see how the second season handles the character’s continuation and how McCann’s performance will pay tribute to Stevenson’s portrayal.
Though the transition between actors will be noticeable, the continuity of the storyline is expected to be seamless, with McCann stepping into the role with the full support of the Ahsoka team. McCann’s experience with high-intensity roles, particularly in Game of Thrones, makes him a strong candidate to carry Baylan Skoll into the next chapter of the series.