When Dave Filoni's Ahsoka hit Disney+ in 2023, it was immediately clear that The force is with this Star Wars show. Starring Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson), the series moved a roster of live-action Star Wars characters to a galaxy far, far away, continuing the story of the beloved animated show five years after it came to an end. Filoni has since taken over the Star Wars universe as Lucasfilm's chief creative officer and, to the surprise of few, The second season of "Ahsoka" is officially in the works.

This is a good thing given the Mortis God season 1 cliffhanger ending, but it's also a problem. The best new character in "Ahsoka" is Ray Stevenson's skilled but morally ambiguous ex-Jedi Bylan Skoll, who is positioned to play a major antagonistic role in the future of the series. However, The tragic death of Ray Stevenson at 58 on May 21, 2023 left the show with a huge problem: What to do with an antagonist who is so integral to the show, but whose characteristics are so deeply connected to the way Stevenson played him? According to the entertainment journalist Jeff Snyderthe show's answer to this problem is a remake of Skoll, not with any actor. Instead, Snyder announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the task fell to none other than Rory McCann of Game of Thrones fame:

"EXCLUSIVE: RORY MCCANN, who played the Hound on GAME OF THRONES, will inherit the role of his late friend Ray Stevenson in AHSOKA Season 2..."

Snyder InSnyder Newsletter further elaborated on McCann's casting, which he says was approved by Ray Stevenson's widow—presumably referring to his longtime partner Elisabetta Caraccia. The story of McCann taking over as Bylan Skoll was also confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter.

McCann's casting as Stevenson's replacement is as apt as you could hope for under the circumstances, really. Not only does the star come with the Stevenson family seal of approval, but his physical presence and penchant for playing villains and imposing characters with quiet gravitas are surprisingly similar—though, obviously, not identical—to Stevenson.

McCann's best-known role is, of course, Game of Thrones' Sandor "The Hound" Glegan, whose composed but perpetually menacing "calm before the storm" character is a very good indication that he can bring the necessary presence to Bylan's role. School. What's more, McCann isn't resting on his laurels since the HBO fantasy juggernaut ended its eight-season run in 2019. He has worked consistently as both a voice actor and in front of the camera, most recently appearing in Ridley Scott's 2024 epic Gladiator II as General Tegula. Time will tell how things play out from here, but expect to see an intense and compelling new take on the Ahsoka character.

"Ahsoka" season 2 has yet to receive a premiere date.