Baylan Skollactor Ray Stevenson’s death in 2023 was absolutely tragic, and any one of these actors stepping into the role inAhsokaseason 2 would be the perfect way to honor his memory and legacy. Baylan Skoll was undoubtedly one of the best parts ofAhsokaseason 1, especially in terms of brand-new characters and concepts. It was thrilling to seeStar Wars Rebelscharacters like Ezra Bridger, Sabine Wren, and Hera Syndulla in live-action for the first time, butAhsokamanaged to make newcomers Shin Hati and her master, Baylan Skoll, equally compelling.
TheAhsokaendingalso set up how critical Baylan was going to be moving forward, as he was last seen on Peridea, evidently on a hunt forthe Mortis Gods. With news thatAhsokaseason 2 was amongStar Wars’upcoming TV shows, though, many began wondering how Baylan’s story could continue. More than for the good of the show,recasting Baylan Skoll and giving the character the arc he deserves is the best way to honor Stevenson’s incredible impact onStar Wars. Any of these 10 actors would be perfect to give Stevenson’s legacy the respect it deserves.
Pierce Brosnan
The James Bond Actor Has The Right Look For Baylan Skoll
Although it will be obvious that the role was recast,Star Warswill be looking for a talented actor who can come fairly close to looking like Stevenson’s Baylan Skoll.James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan fits the bill on both accounts. With a filmography like Brosnan’s, which has seen him in a leading role in beloved and celebrated action movies, he would certainly be up to the task of stepping into the role.
Moreover, although he’s not a dead ringer, Pierce Brosnan has the right look to take up the mantle as Baylan Skoll. While appearances will likely come second for the recast, as the talent and ability to step into Stevenson’s shoes will be paramount, convincingly looking like Baylan is an element of this decision as well. Brosnan would offerAhsokaseason 2 the acting chops and the looks, not to mention the fact that he would potentially bring new fans to the show—something that would only be good news forStar Wars.
Pierce Brosnan has the right look to take up the mantle as Baylan Skoll.
David Harbour
David Harbour Would Be A Brilliant Choice For This Recast
David Harbour may just be the single best option to play Baylan Skoll inAhsokaseason 2. Harbour’s recent roles have included Jack Salter inGran Turismo, Jim Hopper inStranger Things, and Alexei Shostakov/Red Guardian inBlack Widow. Given his experience with major franchises, such asStranger Thingsand the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Harbour is certainly more than skilled enough to joinStar Wars. In fact, Harbour has yet another MCU appearance coming up in Thunderbolts*, which will be released August 06, 2025.
Harbour also has the perfect demeanor and appearance to play Baylan. He can play serious and stoic, but he also has a charm that is very reminiscent of Ray Stevenson. Given how many actorsStar Warsand the MCU also already share, this feels like a no-brainer, assuming Harbour would be interested in taking on the role.
Kurt Russell
Kurt Russell Has Plenty Of Experience With Major Franchises
Yet another MCU actor who has plenty of star quality from other movies and TV shows too,Kurt Russell would be a great fit for Baylan Skoll. Like many of the actors on this list, Russell comes close enough to looking like Baylan inAhsokaseason 1 that it wouldn’t feel too disruptive for him to step in for season 2. He, like Harbour, also has the right demeanor for Baylan, but he would also bring a certain suave nature to the character as well.
Russell’s MCU role as Ego, Star-Lord’s father (and a literal god), inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2also makes it clear that he’d be more than up to the challenge of appearing in another major franchise and—more difficult—taking up the torch respectfully in a recast such as this one. Russell’s other roles, such as John Ruth inThe Hateful Eightand Mr. Nobody in theFast & Furiousfranchise, also confirm that he is well-suited to playing Baylan. As with all actors on this list, one of the biggest questions is whether Russell would be interested.
As with all actors on this list, one of the biggest questions is whether Russell would be interested.
Josh Brolin
Josh Brolin’s Acting Chops Would Make Him Amazing As Baylan Skoll
Perhaps one of the biggest MCU stars in the last several years,Josh Brolin, who played Thanos in multiple MCU movies, would be a great fit for Baylan Skoll as well. Although Thanos was a much bigger villain than Baylan Skoll could ever truly be, Brolin would pull off the weight and seriousness of both Baylan and his mission very well. In fact, in light of Baylan’s quest to find the Mortis Gods,Ahsokaseason 2 could see Baylan leaning much more heavily into the dark side, particularly if one terrifying Legends villain is about to joinStar Wars’canon.
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Josh Brolin doesn’t look quite as similar to Ray Stevenson, so that might take a bit more work onStar Wars’part, but the effort would certainly be worth it. Brolin is a celebrated actor, and his introduction into theStar Warsfranchise would no doubt garner some attention. It would also simply be wonderful to see Brolin take on this role, especially asThanos' death inAvengers: Endgamesuggests his time in the MCU is over.
Viggo Mortensen
The Lord Of The Rings Actor Would Be A Great Fit For Star Wars
One possibility that would be surprising but nevertheless delightful would beLord of the Ringsactor Viggo Mortensen stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll. Mortensen was a fan favorite inThe Lord of the Rings, in which he played Aragorn/Strider. Like Baylan, Aragorn was a dynamic and compelling character, although Aragorn was much more firmly on the ‘good’ side.
In recent years, Mortensen also hasn’t been in as many movies and TV shows compared to his counterparts on this list, which would also make this an even more thrillingStar Warsdebut. It would be interesting to see how Mortensen’s acting chops seen inThe Lord of the Ringstranslate toStar Wars, as the two are quite distinct. Nevertheless,Mortensen’s time as Aragorn and in his many other roles has proven that he would be brilliant in this role.
Gerard Butler
300 More Than Proved Butler’s Skills
As discussions about who could play Baylan Skoll inAhsokaseason 2 have been circulating online, Gerard Butler’s name has consistently come up. Butler has an impressive filmography, to say the least, with some of his most significant roles including King Leonidas in300, Mike Banning in theHas Fallenseries, and even Stoick in theHow to Train Your Dragonmovies. Arguably,300is his single most celebrated role to date.
That movie alone suggests how brilliant Butler would be in the role of Baylan Skoll. Clearly, Butler can handle action and drama, and some of his other roles, such as Gerry inP.S. I Love You,also show his versatility. Were he to be brought on forAhsokaseason 2, it would certainly get audiences excited to see what direction Baylan’s story will take next.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan
The Supernatural Star Has The Perfect Mannerisms For Baylan
Jeffrey Dean Morgan would be another excellent choice for Baylan Skoll inAhsokaseason 2, both in terms of his skill set and his appearance. Morgan has had a number of major roles over the years, including as John, the father of Sam and Dean Winchester, inSupernatural, which ran for an incredible 15 years. Morgan also played Negan Smith inThe Walking Dead, also a major and beloved franchise that demanded quite a bit from its actors.
Yet another potential Baylan Skoll actor with remarkable versatility, audiences will also recognize Morgan fromGrey’s Anatomy, for which he played Denny, Izzie’s love interest. With such expansive experience, there’s little doubt Morgan could tackle thisStar Warsrole. Morgan also certainly has the right disposition and cadence to play Baylan, as he has consistently played serious characters. With a bit of work fromStar Wars, Morgan’s appearance would also be perfect for the role.
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman Would Be An Incredible Addition To Star Wars
Although he may be a surprising addition to this list,many have speculated that movie and theater legend Hugh Jackman could step into the role of Baylan Skoll. Recently, Jackman appeared in the MCU’s extremely popular movieDeadpool & Wolverine, in the titular role of Wolverine, which Jackman has been playing inX-Menmovies for years. Jackman also has an impressive background in theater, which has seen him in roles such as P.T. Barnum inThe Greatest Showmanand Jean Valjean inLes Misérables.
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Because of Hugh Jackman’s myriad iconic performances, some viewers may find it a bit difficult to see Jackman in the role of Baylan believably. However, with Jackman’s talent, he would surely find ways to make this character work. This would be a major announcement forStar Wars, and it remains to be seen whether Jackman will be considered (or if he would be interested).
Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe’s Versatility Makes Him Well-Suited To This Role
Russell Crowe is yet another major star who could take on the role of Baylan Skoll. Like many on this list, Crowe has an extensive filmography, including movies such asGladiator,A Beautiful Mind, andThor: Love and Thunder. Most recently, Crowe also starred inKraven: The Hunteras Nikolai Kravinoff. Clearly, Crowe is more than capable of acting in a franchise as big asStar Wars, and he would bring the perfect level of intensity to this character.
Crowe is more than capable of acting in a franchise as big asStar Wars, and he would bring the perfect level of intensity to this character.
There’s also plenty of crossover between actors who would be brilliant inStar Warsand those who have successfully played characters in superhero movies. Impressively,Crowe is one of few actors who have appeared in both the MCU and in other Marvel projects (outside the MCU).Thor: Love and Thundersaw Crowe enter the MCU as Zeus, andKraven: The Hunterwas a Sony Marvel movie. If Crowe were to take the role of Baylan, he would no doubt execute it wonderfully.
Sean Bean
The Game Of Thrones And Lord Of The Rings Actor Has The Experience For This Role
Yet anotherLord of the Ringsactor,Sean Bean would also prove to be a fascinating Baylan Skoll. Bean has had a number of major roles, including as Boromir inThe Lord of the Rings, Ned Stark inGame of Thrones, and Ulrich inBlack Death. As already mentioned,The Lord of the RingsandGame of Thronesare both franchises that would lend themselves well to an actor joiningStar Wars. Sean Bean is also a beloved actor (especially in light of the long-running joke that he dies in every movie).
It will be difficult to see anyone step into the role of Baylan Skoll, as Ray Stevenson was incredible as Baylan and also brought so much to theStar Warsfranchise. Stevenson’s death will also continue to be devastating, no matter what the outcome of this recast is. Even so, recastingBaylan Skolland giving the character theAhsokaseason 2 arc he and Ray Stevenson both deserve is the perfect way forStar Warsto honor the legacy of this cherished actor.
Ahsoka
Cast
Ahsoka follows the journey of former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. Released in 2023, this series takes place within the Star Wars universe and features Ahsoka navigating through a complex political and cosmic landscape.
