Dave Filoni to Loss of Ray Stevenson, Baylan Processing

When Ray Stevenson died., Ace The second season almost died with him. Dave Filloni, the creator of the show, was in sTar wars Holiday Japan this weekend and made a panel For his Disney+ showS Along the way, the topic of Stevenson and Filono’s passage became visibly emotional. Stevenson plays a fallen Jedi master Baylan Skol, a hero who clearly Played a huge role In the future of the series – however, Filono revealed that it was much deeper than that.

“The second season was obviously a big challenge, but it was a particularly big challenge because of Ray’s loss,” Filono said during the panel. “He was just the greatest man and such a great spirit in the show. I knew Ray to work in voice, acting with him, I just always connect with him and thought,” When I do live, I need this man to portray a powerful knight of the Jedi he meant. ” And he doesn’t disappoint in any way.

“It was a challenge for me to even consider continuing (Ace) for a while, ”he continued. – But I have a great support group with John (Favro) and Rosario (Dawson) and I found a way. I had Ray in my head and I am grateful for all the conversations with him about Baylan. So I understood what to do, it just took a while to get there. But now I’m very confident that Ray will be pleased with the direction we have chosen. “

The first season ended with Baylan with a personal desire to find a deeper meaning in power, such as Ahsoka and Sabin hot on his tail. But according to Filoni, the reason for the existing Baylan is more than just like a bad person.

“The hero had to be important,” Filloni said. “It is intended to be the parallel of the Asoca in every way.

Knowing that he wanted to continue the story to honor Stevenson, Filoni and executive producer John Favro, he knew there was only one option: character processing. And as early reportedThey found their husband in Scottish actor Rory McCan. “In essence, as Ray fulfilled it so nokonically, there is a plan for what this character should be,” Filono said. “And then I talked to John and John and decided that we just had to find the right person who not just understand the character, but also to understand a little of what Ray brought it.

Filono said McCan, most famous for roles in Gaming and HotIt comes with one main goal: Make Ray Stevenson’s legacy live. “(Rory) he takes him very seriously. He is a big man with a big heart and has such respect for Ray and what he brings for it. I know that this only focus does not let Ray and do not let you guys. You will love them, and we love him and I love what he does. This is a big job, so the power is with him.”

Ace Season second begins to shoot by the end of April. There is no word on date of issue, but we have to imagine sometime at the end of 2026.

Want more IO9 news? See when to expect the most native Marvel., Interstellarand Star Trek versions, what’s next for DC Universe on Film and TVand all you need to know about the future of Doctor whoS