The Ultimate Casting Rumor: Who Will Take on the Dark Jedi Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka Season 2?

Summary

The death of Ray Stevenson, who played Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka, likely means the character will be recast for season 2.

Lucasfilm's resistance to recasting has become essential to carry forward Baylan's story and pay homage to Stevenson's remarkable performance. The role of Baylan Skoll could be aptly portrayed and maintain its intricate nature by accomplished actors like Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jean Reno.

Ray Stevenson, the actor who portrayed Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka, has sadly passed away, raising the question of whether his character will be recast for season 2. Despite Stevenson's exceptional performance being a highlight in Ahsoka, Baylan's storyline remains incomplete.

Although Lucasfilm has been hesitant to recast roles recently, it feels necessary for Ahsoka to continue Baylan's story. As a "mystery box" character, abandoning his role would undermine his significance in season 1. Therefore, the most fitting tribute to Ray Stevenson would be to carry on the narrative with another actor. Should Disney decide to recast Baylan, here are some top choices of actors who could honor Stevenson's portrayal in this role.

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10 Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Renowned for his portrayal of Negan in The Walking Dead, Morgan is no stranger to playing sinister characters. Despite Negan's flamboyant persona, Morgan has showcased his versatility by convincingly portraying the Winchesters' paternal figure in Supernatural. This role demanded a more composed, scholarly, and enigmatic demeanor as Baylan. If given the opportunity to merge these distinct acting styles and inhabit a multifaceted character, Morgan would undoubtedly thrive and contribute to the enduring legacy of his portrayal.

9 Jean Reno

8 Liev Schreiber

Despite being more renowned in the US for his portrayal of Léon in The Professional, alongside a much younger Natalie Portman, Jean Reno has an abundance of experience in essaying the role of a complex antagonist. While Léon serves as the main protagonist of the film, he is, in actuality, a hit man who eventually embraces the responsibility of raising a young girl. This, in addition to Reno's deceitful character from Mission Impossible, implies that he could convincingly embody the intricacy of Baylan Skoll. Despite being older than many other individuals on this list, Reno's aptitude for subtlety would ideally contribute to the development of the character.

Known for his role as Cotton Weary in the Scream franchise and the morally ambiguous Ray Donovan in the eponymous television series, Liev Schreiber has garnered attention and acclaim. What many may not know is that Schreiber is no stranger to the world of franchise films. A passionate aficionado of superheroes, he has portrayed villains in the Marvel films X-Men Origins: Wolverine and lent his voice to a character in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. With his ability to embody relatable yet complex antagonists and his extensive experience in working within major franchises, Schreiber would undeniably excel in the role of Baylan in Ahsoka Season 2.

7 Kurt Russell

Kurt Russell's extensive career in the entertainment industry has spanned several decades, captivating audiences with his remarkable performances in beloved films like The Thing, Stargate, and even the Fast & Furious franchise. However, it is his exceptional portrayal of Ego, Star-Lord's father, in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 that truly solidifies his presence on this esteemed list. While Ego may not be a sympathetic character, he certainly exudes a semblance of relatability in the initial stages of the Marvel film, cunningly manipulating Star-Lord and the other Guardians. With his extensive experience in acting, particularly in the realm of science fiction, and his undeniable talent for portraying enigmatic characters like Ego, Russell possesses the ability to effortlessly carry on the legacy of Baylan Skoll.

6 Gerard Butler

Renowned for his roles in action films like Zack Snyder's 300 and the Has Fallen series, Gerard Butler is an exceptionally experienced actor. His mastery of swift and concise fight choreography makes him an ideal candidate for capturing lightsaber combat on screen. In fact, he has earned accolades for his captivating fight scenes in 300, which demonstrate his exceptional skills. Should the need arise for a more combative portrayal of Baylan's character in a potential Season 2, Butler would undoubtedly excel in the role, bringing a powerful and militant presence to the character.

5 Russell Crowe

Over time, Russell Crowe has amassed an impressive portfolio in Hollywood, starring in a plethora of notable productions. From his iconic role in Gladiator to his captivating performance in Les Misérables, Crowe's remarkable range of talent has continuously evolved, finding new avenues in the industry. Notably, he has ventured into the realm of superhero movies, showcasing his acting prowess in films like Justice League, Thor: Love and Thunder, and the highly anticipated Kraven the Hunter. Given his exceptional abilities, Crowe would be a perfect fit for the Star Wars franchise, particularly as Baylan, portraying the enigmatic dark Jedi. This character demands the compelling conveyance of intense emotions, even without uttering a single word, a quality that Stevenson's portrayal of the role exemplified with extraordinary power and depth.

4 Viggo Mortensen

Recognized primarily for his portrayal of Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings saga, Viggo Mortensen has consistently delivered compelling performances throughout his career. Notably, his roles in acclaimed films such as Green Book and his personal project, The Dead Don't Hurt, have earned him high praise, including a prestigious Golden Globe award. Mortensen's remarkable ability to fully immerse himself in his characters ensures that his interpretation of Baylan would be faithful and authentic.

3 Graham McTavish

2 Liam Cunningham

Renowned for his portrayal in The Hobbit series as well as his appearances in popular television shows like Outlander, The Witcher, House of the Dragon, and even lending his voice to Castlevania, Graham McTavish is another actor who has made a name for himself in the world of Lord of the Rings. With such an impressive background in fantasy works, it is only natural to imagine him seamlessly fitting into the expansive Star Wars universe, which often incorporates elements of ancient fantasy alongside its science fiction setting. This is particularly true for characters like Baylan Skoll, a former Jedi who would undoubtedly benefit from McTavish's ability to bring depth and authenticity to serious roles. In a world inhabited by aliens, space magic, and lightsabers, McTavish's talent would ensure that Baylan remains grounded in reality while still embracing the fantastical nature of the Star Wars galaxies.

Liam Cunningham, famed for his role as Davos Seaworth in the renowned Game of Thrones series, has recently garnered attention for his performance in the chilling supernatural horror film, The Last Voyage of the Demeter, which is based on a chapter from Bram Stoker’s Dracula. With a knack for portraying level-headed characters like Davos, who consistently serves as the voice of reason for his potential monarch, Stannis Baratheon, Cunningham's talent shines through. Similar to Baylan, he possesses the ability to offer sagacious guidance and make tough decisions for the greater good of the world. Thus, selecting him for this particular character would undoubtedly be an exceptional choice.

1 Vincent Regan

Vincent Regan's portrayal of Vice Admiral Garp in Netflix's live-action adaptation of One Piece earns him a place on this list, despite his appearances in other notable films like Troy, 300, and Clash of the Titans. His performance is vibrant and lively, and he adds a subtle emotional touch to the role. This character has been voiced by others in the past, but Regan's interpretation is not only respectful but also remarkably true to the original. If Disney and Star Wars decide to continue the character's story, Regan would be an excellent choice.