Key Takeaways:
* The Mandalorian spin-off series Ahsoka's latest season will miss Ray Stevenson, a pivotal cast member.
* Fans see Gerard Butler as the strong replacement considering his physical resemblance and role in movies like ‘300'.
* The late Ray Stevenson received an emotional tribute from his Ahsoka co-stars.
Beloved Star Ray Stevenson's Legacy
The world lost the talented Irish actor Ray Stevenson in May 2023. He was known to many as Baylan Skoll, a former Jedi in the recently premiered The Mandalorian spin-off series, Ahsoka. His sudden demise has left fans in shock, but as the show renews for another season, the discussions are now centered around who will fill his shoes.
Star Wars fans know that the character of Baylan Skoll was pivotal in the first season. Honed by Stevenson, the role deeply affected the storyline of the series created by Dave Filoni. The creator now has the challenge to select an actor who can take over the late actor's place.
The Man Who Could Wear Stevenson's Shoes
Scotish actor Gerard Butler seems to be the frontrunner for Stevenson's replacement, and this is not just the creators' idea; it is hugely supported by Ahsoka fans. Social media is buzzing with comments on how Butler bears a striking physical resemblance to Stevenson and his on-screen sword-fighting skills showcased perfectly in the movie 300.
The internet's voices favor Butler for this particular role as it requires similar skills he mastered in past roles. Butler's love for the Star Wars universe is also significant evidence to the fans that he will carry forward Stevenson's legacy flawlessly. Tweets from fans supporting Butler's potential inclusion in Ahsoka have been making rounds on social media.
One fan wrote, “If they don't cast Gerard Butler for Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka S2 I'm gonna lose it.” The status clearly indicates the fans' thoughts on the matter. However, the decision ultimately rests in the hands of the creators, and it would be interesting to see if they consider the fans' choice.
A Fitting Tribute to Stevenson
Stevenson's absence casts a shadow of grief on the series and his fellow co-stars. The finale week of the series saw cast and crew giving heartfelt tributes to the late actor, ensuring that his contribution was hardly forgotten.
Ivanna Sakhno, who played Baylan's Jedi apprentice Shin Hati, posted a touching tribute on her social media platforms. Series protagonist Rosario Dawson also expressed her feelings, calling the actor an inspiration and showing gratitude for enhancing the series with his presence.
Wrapping Up
As the series gears up for its next season, Ray Stevenson's absence will undoubtedly be felt. However, fans hope that Gerard Butler can bring new energy to the series while respecting Stevenson's legacy. No official confirmation has been announced regarding the casting of the new Baylan Skoll, but from the look of things, it becomes more intriguing by the day. You can catch all the updates and more on Ahsoka streaming now on Disney+.
