Ray Stevenson. The guy didn’t just walk into the Star Wars galaxy — he stormed in, lightsaber blazing, and left us with the kind of impression that lingers far beyond the end credits. If you’re like me, you can probably still hear that smooth, bass-heavy voice in your head, making you question whether to fear or trust him. It’s time for one final salute to Stevenson — a powerhouse performer, a much-loved cast member, and the Jedi-turned-Dark-Jedi who made Baylan Skoll unforgettable on Ahsoka. Grab your comlink and settle in; we’re not skipping a single highlight from this legend’s epic run.
Ray Stevenson: Building a Legend, One Role at a Time
Before taking the stage in the Star Wars universe, Stevenson already boasted a resume brimming with tough guys, anti-heroes, and conspirators. Remember Rome? Of course! That HBO classic hit like a thunderbolt when it arrived in 2005. Ray’s Titus Pullo was no chorus member — he was chaos and loyalty wrapped in a Roman tunic. People loved him for the brawler’s charm, the rough affection, and those surprise dashes of humanity.
But Stevenson didn’t stop there. 2008 saw him strap on a bulletproof vest as Frank Castle in Punisher: War Zone. His take on the Marvel vigilante was brutal, gritty, and way less “superhero” than “force of nature.” Critics and fans often mention how he brought just the right dose of pain and fury to make Castle something more than a comic book cutout. And, honestly, who else could pull off that jawline and deep, Domino’s Pizza-commercial voice at the same time? The man had range.
Voice Like Thunder: Gar Saxon Rules Animation
So, here’s something you might’ve missed if you only follow live-action. Stevenson actually broke into Star Wars years ago — working behind the scenes, wielding only his voice, and breathing life into one of Mandalore’s most notorious: Gar Saxon.
Star Wars Rebels and later The Clone Wars gave Saxon his time in the spotlight, and Stevenson turned him into a Mandalorian you could root against while kinda admiring. All those harsh orders and menacing speeches? Credit Ray’s deep, rumbling delivery. Animation fans still argue that Gar Saxon was one of Rebels’ most memorable minor villains — seriously, check the Reddit threads and convention Q&As from early 2020.
There’s a real through-line here: Ray always found the humanity in his “baddies.” Even the hard-edged, armor-clad Gar Saxon seemed more than a mustache-twirling cartoon. Anyone else could’ve played him flat; Stevenson gave him a pulse.
Enter Baylan Skoll: From Jedi to Something Else
Fast-forward to 2023. Out comes Ahsoka. Suddenly, Star Wars fans everywhere are talking about — wait, a new villain? And it’s played by Ray Stevenson? You could almost hear the entire fandom’s ears perk up.
Baylan Skoll charged onto the scene as a Jedi gone rogue, a mercenary with a mission, and — get this — not your usual baddie. Critics noticed right away. He wasn’t just a one-note antagonist; Stevenson infused him with depth. Peter Ramsey, one of the show’s directors, said Baylan had “a real goal and a real philosophy.” This wasn’t a straightforward villain; he was a thinker, a dreamer, and a man haunted by the order he’d once served.
There was real weight in every word, every glare, and every fight scene. Fans on social media picked up on it immediately. Suddenly, Baylan-worshipping memes and tribute videos were everywhere. Even people who felt a little “Star Wars fatigue” sat up for this guy. He didn’t chew scenery, but he owned every shot.
Details Matter: Design, Dedication, and the Lightsaber
Let’s talk props. Stevenson cared about every last detail, down to the very lightsaber his character wielded. Unlike actors who just show up and swing whatever prop is handed over, Ray wanted Baylan’s weapon to reflect that unique blend of old Jedi dignity and new mercenary swagger. He actually worked with the design team and insisted on reworking the pommel. The result? A saber that felt as heavy (and as regal) as the man himself.
He didn’t do it for ego. He did it because he respected fans and the saga. Ray understood that in Star Wars, detail isn’t just decoration — it’s storytelling.
Gone Too Soon: The Ahsoka Cast Pays Tribute
And then, just as the buzz was starting to hit a fever pitch, tragedy crashed in. Stevenson passed away suddenly in May 2023, at just 58, while filming on Ischia, Italy. The shock echoing through Hollywood and the Star Wars community was immediate and deep.
Lucasfilm responded with a classic move — naming the Ahsoka premiere episode “For our friend, Ray.” For anyone in denial, that made it heartbreakingly official (EW). On social media, his co-stars poured out their love. Ivanna Sakhno — Shin Hati — called him “her Wolf”; her character was literally Baylan’s apprentice, but their friendship was real off-screen, too (DigitalSpy).
Fans chimed in, as well:
- Artists put out Baylan tributes within hours of hearing the news.
- Podcasts threw together “Ray Stevenson Specials.”
- Twitter trended with “#ForOurFriendRay” for days in late August.
There’s no denying it — he impacted not just his co-workers, but an entire fandom.
Legacies and Next Steps: More Baylan on the Horizon
Here’s the tricky part — what do you do when the villain everyone loves (and fears) loses the man who made him real? Lucasfilm didn’t just write Baylan out. Nope, they decided to honor Stevenson by continuing his character’s arc.
In April 2025, during Star Wars Celebration, a major announcement rolled out: Rory McCann — yes, “The Hound” from Game of Thrones—would step into the boots of Baylan Skoll for Ahsoka Season 2. Talk about a torch-passing!
McCann took the transition seriously. At a press event, he said carrying on the storyline felt like “the right decision.” He stressed that the production wanted to respect Stevenson, not replace him. The writers looked at all that Stevenson brought — his philosophy, presence, and subtlety — and promised to keep building on it.
Here’s what we know about Ahsoka Season 2 filming as of September 2025:
- Shooting kicked off mid-summer, with McCann in place and Sakhno back as Shin Hati.
- Both actors hinted their characters will reconnect. Their master/apprentice dynamic isn’t finished yet.
- Production worked overtime to keep Baylan “true” to Stevenson’s original vision.
Expect the fandom to keep circulating “What Would Baylan Do?” guesses until the season hits Disney+, but don’t expect anyone to forget who gave him life.
The Force Lingers: Why Ray Stevenson Meant So Much
Actors come and go through the galaxy. Only a handful make a mark in just a few short scenes, then stay with us forever. Ray Stevenson did just that. What makes his Star Wars contributions so special?
- He poured heart, voice, and sweat into every project. Not just the big moments, but the small ones — those sidelong glances, the thoughtful pauses before a fight.
- He respected the source material. That’s why fans — crazy detail-obsessed fans — took to him immediately, whether as Gar Saxon or Baylan Skoll.
- Even in death, his character’s arc continues. And so does the conversation about what makes the best Star Wars “villains” tick.
Lucasfilm, his castmates, and the entire Star Wars family didn’t just mourn him; they used the tragedy as a moment to celebrate him loudly and widely. Stevenson’s legacy in the galaxy far, far away is now forever blazoned across the holonets, message boards, and hearts of millions.
And so, every time you fire up Ahsoka, hear a grizzled Mandalorian in Rebels, or glance at that beautifully hefty saber, remember Ray. His shadow — and his light — will keep shaping Star Wars stories for years to come.
One more salute. And may the Force be with you, Ray, always.
