Rory McCann Opens Up About Taking over Baylan Skoll for ‘Ahsoka’ Season 2

Every time we return to Ahsoka, and its mysterious antagonist Baylan Skoll, we’ll be doing so in the sad recognition of the passing of the late, nice Ray Stevenson, who introduced the character to such intriguing life in season one. Now, Skoll shall be performed by Sport of Thrones‘ Rory McCann, who has opened up in regards to the duty–and the combat coaching–that comes with taking up such a legacy.

McCann was solely formally confirmed as taking up the mantle of the darkish Jedi for season 2 at Star Wars Celebration Japan final month, following studies in regards to the decision to recast the character fairly than write Skoll out of Ahsoka solely. “I believe it’s the fitting determination to hold on his storyline, not simply minimize it off,” McCann informed Comicbook.com in regards to the determination, one of many first instances he’s spoke out about becoming a member of the galaxy far, distant. “We’ve achieved it earlier than with different issues. I hope the followers embrace it, and I’ll do my greatest. I’m simply beginning now, so I’m simply attempting to be in the fitting zone for doing it. It’s fairly bloody thrilling.”

McCann’s proper–though the circumstances round Skoll’s recasting are understandably pressured by tragedy, Star Wars followers have gotten used to accepting characters being recast over the course of the lengthy Skywalker saga (and arguably ought to proceed to get even more comfortable with, if the choice is as both McCann says, not carrying on a storyline, or no matter the entire digital Luke Skywalker homunculus scenario The Guide of Boba Fett and The Mandalorian have occurring).

Apart from having to tackle one other actor’s character, McCann’s additionally attending to grips with one thing he’s already lots conversant in because of his time in Westeros: the sword coaching. “I imply, I bear in mind being a child with my dad, going to the primary one most likely within the late ’70s and ’80s,” he added. “Now I’m coaching with a lightsaber at evening, so it’s fairly thrilling.”

Seems he’s additionally proper about one other factor–coaching with precise swords is a transferable talent within the galaxy far, distant. “Thrones has actually helped with that. Identical sort of strikes, similar blocking… doesn’t have the identical horny sound although, oh, my god,” McCann joked. “Lightsabers are lighter, however having stated that, the Thrones swords had been stunt swords and also you’ve obtained to faux that they’re 3 times heavier than they’re. But it surely’s all faux, actually. It’s all very thrilling.”

Ahsoka is anticipated to return to Dinsey+ a while in 2026.

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