At the Star Wars Celebration, Dave Filoni addressed the audience, initially to reflect on the first season of Ahsoka. However, the primary focus was the eagerly anticipated news about the second season of the series starring Rosario Dawson. Fans were eager for updates following the emotional and unresolved finale of the first season in late 2023, and Filoni provided the much-awaited information.
The teaser for the second season drew inspiration from retro advertisements for the sequel to A New Hope, prior to any filming for Empire Strikes Back. Comprised entirely of concept art, the trailer featured voiceover narration hinting at a looming battle between the New Republic and the Imperial Remnant.
The teaser revealed scenes of fleet battles involving New Republic and Remnant ships, with Ezra joining New Republic pilots in the fight against the Empire. In a separate galaxy, where Ahsoka and Sabine remained after the first season, the trailer depicted the duo exploring ancient ruins and battling giant droid guardians, with a narrative promise of a final confrontation with Baylan Skoll as their journey’s culmination.
The narration stated, “The imperial remnant is gaining in power. Who will be able to stop them? In the continuation of the Star Wars series, our heroes must confront enemies in two different galaxies as they battle the forces of evil. In the course of the odyssey, we return to old friends and battle ancient machines from a dark and terrible past. Culminating in an awesome confrontation between Ahsoka Tano and the Fallen Jedi Knight, Baylan Skoll.”
Additional captivating scenes included David Tennant’s droid Huyang engaging in combat with Shin Hati, with his arms seemingly splitting like Grievous’, holding a saber in each hand, and Chopper using a massive repeater cannon. The trailer also confirmed that Zeb Orrelios from Rebels would reunite with his animated colleagues after appearing in live-action in The Mandalorian.
The first season of Ahsoka consisted of eight episodes, focusing on Dawson’s Ahsoka Tano, branching out from her live-action debut in The Mandalorian. It also encompassed stories of Star Wars Rebels heroes Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), Hera Syndulla (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi).
Furthermore, the season marked the live-action debut of Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen) and the return of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker, who later becomes Darth Vader.
The Star Wars Celebration panel confirmed that Game of Thrones star Rory McCann will assume the role of former Jedi Baylan Skoll, succeeding the late Ray Stevenson, who portrayed the character in the first season. Additional hints included the appearance of Admiral Ackbar in the season, engaging in direct conflict with Thrawn, and Hayden Christensen reprising his role as Anakin Skywalker.
