Baylan Skoll is the sympathetic Sith in Disney+'s Ahsoka series brought to life by the late Ray Stevenson. A former ally turned mercenary by the Dark Side, Baylan wields a lightsaber with deadly precision as he aids the witch Elsbeth in unlocking ancient secrets in the show's first season.
Unfortunately, the untimely death of actor Ray Stevenson has left the character's fate up in the air for some time now. However, a first look at his successor was just revealed at Lucasfilm's Star Wars celebration in Japan. In Ahsoka's second season, Rory McCann will be our new Baylan Skoll.
Who is Rory McCann?
While he might be new to the galaxy far, far away, fans of George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones series know him as Sandor Clegane or simply The Hound. While he's trading steel for lightsabers in his next role, his eloquence and presence are certainly worthy of Baylan Skoll.
Known for his large stature, gravely voice, and intimidating aura, McCann has also been featured in other pieces of popular media, such as The Legend of Vox Machina, Jumanji : The Next Level, and Hot Fuzz. Although Ray Stevenson left huge shoes to fill, McCann certainly has the pedigree to assume pick up where he left off.
McCann has more than enough experience playing cold and collected mercenary types, but Baylan Skoll is a shade or two different from The Hound of Westeros. The question is, will he be able to master the elegance and sage-like manner of the one who came before.
In this writer's opinion, McCann was an unexpected selection when choosing Ray Stevenson's successor, but it's easy to see why that decision was made. Especially when comparing one mercenary to another.
At the end of the day, we won't truly have a final say until he makes his first appearance in the series. Until then, all we can do is wait and trust Lucasfilm's judgment.
Ahsoka Season One can be streamed on Disney+.