Filoni Hints at What’s To Come in ‘Ahsoka’ Season 2 and Shares Thoughts on the Potential Future of Baylan Skoll

Recently, it was announced that Dave Filoni would step into the role of chief creative officer at Lucasfilm, indicating a more hands-on approach to shaping upcoming Star Wars projects. Despite numerous projects in the pipeline, one that remains unconfirmed officially is the second season of ‘Ahsoka.’ Given that Filoni penned the first season, he’s the go-to person for insights into the future narrative.

In an episode of EW’s ‘Dagobah Dispatch’ podcast, Filoni not only addressed the potential second season but also delved into the late Ray Stevenson’s role and the challenges arising from his passing, considering his significant part in the story. As a quick recap, Stevenson’s character, Baylan Skoll, left his intentions ambiguous in the first season’s finale, leaving fans speculating about his plans as he stood before the statues of Mortis Gods on Peridea. Filoni characterized Baylan Skoll as a character driven by dangerous ambition.

Baylan’s a man with incredible ambition — perhaps dangerous ambition — but he never sees it that way. He thinks he’s tracking what the truth is, and everybody else has it wrong. 

One might interpret Baylan’s initial plan as an attempt to manipulate the Mortis Gods, inadvertently unleashing a greater threat upon the galaxy. Driven not by malice but by ambition and what can be described as a lack of thorough research.

Filoni didn’t explicitly confirm the second season. He simply conveyed uncertainty about the direction of Baylan’s narrative in the absence of Stevenson and expressed ambiguity about the storyline’s future trajectory.

Going forward, it will be a challenge; These were meaningful people to us. They were collaborators and friends, and they will be missed. I’m just so glad they were a part of this show, so that every time I watch it, I think of them. And there’s no time that won’t happen: They will always be there in spirit.

Filoni ultimately acknowledges the paramount importance of the legacy left by Stevenson.

Stevenson, who passed away on May 21, 2023, just days before his 59th birthday, left the cause of his death undisclosed. It’s mentioned that he was hospitalized while filming Cassino in Ischia on the Italian island of Ischia.

Ray built a stellar acting career over decades, earning recognition from MCU fans as Volstagg and contributing to popular shows like ‘Vikings,’ ‘Black Sails,’ ‘Dexter,’ and ‘Star Wars’ animated series. His notable film roles include ‘The Book of Eli,’ the ‘Thor’ movies, the ‘Divergent’ series, and ‘RRR.’

Following Ray’s untimely passing, the future of Baylan Skoll’s involvement in the Star Wars franchise remains uncertain. The character was envisioned to have a more significant role, and speculations about potential replacements are gaining momentum.

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