Featured Image Credit: Disney Plus
Topics: Star Wars, TV And Film, Disney
Yesterday, the first season of Ahsoka drew to a close, marking the late great Ray Stevenson’s final appearance as Jedi Baylan Skoll.
Ahsoka managed to strike the perfect balance. It was filled with abundant significance for those who’d previously watched Rebels. For those of us who hadn’t though, it didn’t take us long to warm to these characters - and yes, I’m now a Sabine stan. The show quickly became the highest rated Star Wars project since the original trilogy - with fans hailing one shot in particular as the best in the entire franchise. Starkiller may still not have made his live action appearance, but Ahsoka did introduce us to several incredible brand new characters including Shin Hati and the mystifying Baylan Skoll, brought to life by the late Ray Stevenson.
Take a look at Ahsoka in action below.
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Unfortunately, Ray Stevenson passed away prior to the show’s series premiere with episodes airing posthumously. Stevenson’s untimely death was announced in May 2023. No cause was provided. Needless to say, in Ahsoka, Ray delivered one of the most captivating performances of the entire season, perfectly drawing you in to Baylan’s search for a power more influential than the Force.
With Baylan’s final scene hinting towards a hunt for the Mordis gods, fans are utterly enraptured in his story - and have taken to social media to thank Ray for his incredible final performance. “Thank you Ray Stevenson for everything you have put into the Baylan Skoll character in Ahsoka. It’s been an absolute pleasure and we will forever appreciate you sir,” wrote one fan.
“This will go down as one of the best Star Wars moments ever. The last shot of an iconic character like Baylan Skoll standing on a landmark of some of the most intriguing Star Wars entities ever, the Mortis gods. Beautifully executed. Really going to miss Ray Stevenson,” added another, while one fan said, “There’s no question. Ray Stevenson delivered an incredible and captivating performance as Baylan Skoll. I hope they honour his character and the great performance he delivered. [...] Thank you Ray.”
Ray’s co-star Ivanna Sakhno, who brought Shin Hati to life, also shared a tribute. “For my friend Ray. Forever your wolf,” she said. Ahsoka actress Rosario Dawson commented, “Grateful for you always Ray. Thank you for deepening and enriching every moment. You will forever inspire.” Sabine actress Natasha Liu Bordizzo and Ezra Bridger actor Eman Esfandi commented a variety of heart emojis along with an infinity symbol.
Morgan Elsbeth star Diana Lee Inosanto later wrote, “To Ray, our ‘Poetry in Motion,’ May we always be reminded of you when we look to the stars.”
All we can say is, thank you Ray.