Who Can Replace Ray Stevenson as Baylan Skoll?

Ray Stevenson tragically passed away just months after filming the Ahsoka series. He leaves a great legacy behind and his last role as Baylan Skoll has quickly become a fan favorite. The question is who will take his place, now that he's gone, because clearly the character must go on.
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[@MrRich2u]

To be brutally honest, he is my favorite character in Star Wars. So sad. He was a truly gifted actor.

[@GenerationTech]

Yeah isn't it funny how things work sometimes.

[@igotwect3174]

@@GenerationTechit don’t feel very funny 😔

[@MCsCreations]

​@igotwect3174 it's sadly funny.

[@CountStoczkowski]

As in, favorite character in all of Star Wars? Because that's ludicrous imo. lol

[@nathanwilliams3877]

​@@CountStoczkowskifor real

[@Bears2024]

I'd love to see Baylan in a Tales of the Jedi season sometime in the future. Seeing where he came from and how he became a dark jedi would be awesome

[@jasmiller87]

We need a full blown Baylan Animated Series.

[@suco8081]

Or they Just keep him a misterious character

[@Fuzzmo147]

I’d like to see his role in the Jedi order & how he found Shin

[@RELAXcowboy]

Honestly, After the Clone Wars flashback I was hoping Ahsoka would confront him and he would try to use Anakin's Darkside against her again, but she wouldn't fall for it because she is at peace with her Master. Have this infuriate Baylen and make it so he saw first hand what Anakin did at the temple. During this conversation, have it flash back to the scene of Anakin at the temple slaughtering everyone, like brutal dark side Vader kinda stuff.

[@ТеоМарков-ц1л]

That would be interesting, because at that time he was a padawan (or at least according to his age in Ahsoka). And it will make sense. So it would be interesting to see who is his master and how Baylan survived Order 66, like did his master sacrifice theirself like in the case of Cal Kestis, for example. Unfortunately, I don't think Disney will do it.

[@Zam_from_NerdTube]

I've had Ray Stevenson twice in my cab. He was a lovely man, who loved being famous and recognised and both occasions he tipped me 10 quid.

[@darthregulus]

Wow that is wild!

[@debelmeis2311]

What's a quid in USD?

[@markbrennan212]

​@@debelmeis2311Yanks🤦 it's like saying one Euro/Yen/Dollar/Pound/Rupee. One quid = One numerical amount in currency

[@sagenod440]

⁠@@markbrennan212 What a strange thing to get onto an American for. Do you know the conversion rate of quid to rupees? You should, considering how recently your people held tyranny over India. Brits 🤦

[@stvnsvids]

@@sagenod440 LOL

[@serballista]

Because of his performance in Ahsoka, I’ve made it a point to explore his career in acting. Ray Stevenson is an unreasonably amazing actor, truly a gem. His passing is truly a tragedy.

[@shitlopper]

He's in the 7th season of Dexter, and he is amazing, and bad ass in it, plus he's bad ass in the show Rome!!!!

[@serballista]

@@shitlopper I’ll have to check out Dexter. It’s one of the shows I missed out on when it was still popular. Thanks!!!

[@censorshipsucks9493]

Check out Punisher: War Zone with Ray in the lead.

[@Nevyn515]

To me he will always be Titus Pullo from the series Rome.

[@Mr-Rinn]

RRR is a great but weird film, he plays the villain.

[@fadingstarlight8]

I'm a big Black Sails fan and when he played Black Beard it literally sent shivers down my spin. Best portrayal of Black Beard and I think similar energy was brought forward for Ashoka. I really wish he had at least been around to have seen the fan's reaction

[@IsaacThomas-r6t]

Ditto

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

Yes. Blacksails never gets enough love, and Ray Stevenson was such in incredible part of that show. Baylan’s line “I miss the idea of it, but not the truth” is so similar to Edward Teach’s feeling towards the Pirate Republic on Nassau.

[@Wismic]

It's sad that upon getting the most well written character since the Prequels, the actor passes away. RIP Ray Stevenson. You gave us a new character to look up to for generations

[@noturmum7967]

True, we may never reach the heights of Jar Jar ever again...

[@darylsouthern2135]

No real evidence that he has been well written, just the performance from Ray giving that impression

[@Wismic]

@@darylsouthern2135 Valid, definitely something to consider

[@DewNotDisturb]

the characters in andor are better written than any of the ones in the prequels

[@pullo5518]

Rip Ray, Baylan made the serie more interesting.

[@charlymacias5369]

I think Liev Schreiber is the perfect match. Not only for his size and his acting skills, but also because he has the same sort of mysterious vibe that Ray Stevenson had.

[@cheackymonkey]

Forgot about Liev lol

[@acefalcons4903]

Agrees.

[@Phlickit]

That's not a bad match, actually.

[@DanSolo871]

Liev Schreiber would do Star Wars in a heart beat. I’m fine with recasting. Remember Star Trek had no problem recasting Saavik.

[@nivekian]

He has the physical presence, and can rock the look, has the same kinda glaring eyes.

[@MrBANE1992]

I think Graham McTavish who plays Ser Harold Westerling in House of the dragon and who voiced Dracula in Castlevania would be great he’s physically very close in size to Ray and is a great actor. Ray can never be replaced but I’d rather the character continue through another gifted performer than be churned out by a computer using rays face.

[@straighttalkwithkyle7947]

He would be great. He's only one inch shorter than Ray too.

[@generalgrievous4267]

Graham also played Dwalin in the Hobbit who was one of the more menacing and taller/larger members of Thorin's Company, as well as having a Scottish accent along with his brother Balin.

[@straighttalkwithkyle7947]

@@generalgrievous4267 yeah he's 6'2" tall.

[@rossfisher1843]

Great suggestion :D

[@mightychicken7774]

Hmm.... McTavish. Yes he could work. Though he'd really need to reel in that accent of his.

[@bulletmagnet1664]

Liev Schreiber would be best, in my opinion. He could easily match the look and physical presence that Ray Stevenson possessed. He could also learn the fighting style and vocal cadence to carry the character of Baylan Skoll. Disney would be well served to approach him with a serious offer.

[@joeljones8196]

I agree ❤

[@abrahamromero3910]

Yoda- I agree

[@RicoX-17]

Agree, I.

[@happisakshappiplace.6588]

Agreed.

[@erinharkiewicz7239]

This is an excellent idea

[@Mr-Rinn]

Throwing one out there: Richard Armitage. The guy who play Thorin in the Hobbit Films. He’s a great actor and he’s also a talented narrator, so I think he’d be great at both playing and voicing Baylon. He also played Guy of Gisborne in the BBC Robin Hood series (probably was the best thing about it) so he has some experience playing a Dark Knight.

[@ciaranrocks9787]

Cracking idea btw

[@ciaranrocks9787]

He's also 6"2 and built

[@erinharkiewicz7239]

This is also a very good idea

[@patrickrichard5948]

He would be an AMAZING choice tbh

[@captainpoptarts]

I was saddened to learn he had passed after watching the last episode. He did a great job acting this role. There is potential for his character, but I really worry when a character is recast. Hopefully it all goes well... Then again the mouse is in charge

[@javiervasquez625]

Hopefully they won't pull a "Black Panther 2" by killing off Baylan offscreen and randomly shove in a _new character_ altogether "out of respect" for Stevensons's passing. Sometimes a recast MUST happen if the story _demands_ a character to be around.

[@Kowalamaster]

Could not say it better myself.

[@wordlesslfiddling]

​@javiervasquez625 thats my fear is that they just kill him off screen and maybe he leaves a message to shin and she continues his quest Which as distasteful as it he absolutely needs to be recast just throwing his character on to shin kind of ruins both their characters honestly

[@JB-yb4wn]

Maybe he would still be alive if he hadn't watched the last episode. 😁

[@Drew-qd9zj]

The best recast I ever seen was Dumbledore

[@MCsCreations]

Honestly, if Ray Stevenson haven't died, he would probably be bigger than the others you mentioned in the video. He did an intergalactic job with the character!

[@davidmartensson273]

I agree, this would have lifted him quite a lot, it was an amazing performance and even the first appearance when he arrived on the rebel ship and those first scenes, he was the memorable one.

[@MCsCreations]

@@davidmartensson273 I feel like this was the chance to transform his career. Too bad life disagreed...

[@hypothalapotamus5293]

He had several memorable roles akready, like Titus Pullo in HBO's Rome or the bad guy in RRR. He wasn't an A-list Holywood actor because he was too tall (he often got cast as the big dumb guy) and unlucky in his mid-career casting (The punisher reboot, which would have been his breakout role flopped hard), but you can have a good career without being one.

[@TheWarmachine375]

There's an option of Tales of the Jedi series where Baylan Skoll would be voiced by someone making a good impression of Ray Stevenson and also explored of his backstory as a Jedi pre-Order 66.

[@king_dot]

Yeah I was thinking the same thing, if the sequel is animated they won’t have a problem

[@GGBlaster]

That would be amazing! I’m firmly in favor of continuing Tales of the Jedi.

[@franzferdinand5810]

Maybe Kevin Mckidd would be willing to do it. He was his counterpart, Lucius Vorenus, in Rome. And he also voiced Fenn Rau in rebels which would be very poetic.

[@Bears2024]

I didn't see this before I put my comment, I agree that this would be an amazing way for his story to go regardless of if he was recast or not in live action (Which I would also love to see)

[@HandofJames1]

Baylan could find this great darkside power in a Tales of the Jedi. He has to make a sacrifice for this power that deforms him. Then he needs a Vader like mask to live. When he shows up in Ahsoka the recast is less jarring and visually it will be similar to a rematch with Ahsoka and Vader.

[@tarzankom]

It's sad that he's not with us anymore. His acting in Ahsoka was exceptionally good.

[@Hykje]

The fact that the character now is alone and removed from everything else than his own story where he is on his way to meet the unknown, can actually help a new actor get into the role and make it his own. He is no longer interacting with the other characters, -that changes his behavior and the thing he's going to meet at the mountain will definitely change him even more.

[@mht2315]

That same fact might sadly make them decide to just finish his story in alternate media, like a comic or something, and since he is literally alone now, his story could be simply forgotten. I hope not.

[@arveranteos712]

He's going to die. With the implications of what he is seeking, he will not survive the encounter. They will likely use a body double viewed from behind as his life energy is drained away.

[@thebastard890]

He may not be interacting with other characters, but Ahsoka, Sabine, and Shin are still on the same planet. There's a lot of theories about what Baylan is looking for, and not all of those things are good. Could be the basis of a comic or the 2nd season of Ahsoka.

[@arveranteos712]

​@@thebastard890Those remaining on Peridea will go to investigate the upheaval whatever he awakens will cause, and they will find the empty husk of his corpse.

[@Whispurer]

Don't forget that Ahsoka and Sabine are still on Perida with him

[@WeaponizedAutism7]

Be interesting if Shin went looking for him and found him disheveled and disfigured, torn apart by the power he sought.. would make a recast far easier

[@sir_dreadlord_on_blitz7042]

Great idea

[@cormac7884]

Could also be how they bring abaloth into the story

[@dreadsocialistroberts]

Similar to what they did for The Oracle in the Matrix.

[@GGBlaster]

I don’t know… I think I’d prefer an on-camera explanation for what happens to him; just finding him inexplicably malformed kinda feels like robbing the audience of a big part of the story.

[@chrisstetsko5020]

Or she simply finds him dead

[@MrEdium]

HIS ACTING IS SUPERB. MAY HE REST IN HEAVENLY PEACE 🙏😢

[@Darth-Nihilus1]

Ray brought more than just the character to life, he made every scene he was in in just about every role he has played through out his years of acting. It’s truly heartbreaking that he passed away.

[@thebenedit]

Liev Schreiber is the best I've heard as an alternative option. I feel like he'd not only bring his own flair to it (because his voice alone is iconic) but will pay homage to some of Ray Stevenson's performance. But with the SAG strike on and Ahsoka just finishing, when is the right/appropriate time to announce a new casting? The character is so intriguing and I want to see where Filoni is going with it but I think it needs to be handled so delicately to pay respect to Stevenson.

[@TheBudman52]

tom hopper, 6'5 was in the umbrella acadamy has that english voice and stage prescence your looking plus they can either age him up

[@thebenedit]

@@TheBudman52 I think he's too young. Even if they age him up I'm still not sure he'd have that rugged "I've lived a life" look. Great actor though!

[@TheBudman52]

@@thebenedit thanks for the reply, i thought I would reply to open up a dialogue

[@thebenedit]

@@TheBudman52 100% I think that's what's so fun about these shows and the KZbin channels that break them down. We all have theories and ideas about them and it's exciting seeing all the varied opinions.

[@alexwest2573]

I liked his portrayal of Cotton Weary in the Scream movies

[@jingle9691]

I genuinely think Ray would want the characters story to continue with respect being paid to him. He put so much passion into playing Baylan he wouldnt want it to stop with his untimely death. I think that whoever takes up the role needs to be incredibly aware of how much it meant to Ray and to the fans and how nuch Ray meant to the fans too.

[@ace9848]

Gerard Butler: - he's 6 ft 2 (same height with proper shoes) - he's 53 years old (Ray Stevenson was 59) - he's familiar with action movies - he played king Leonidas in the movie 300 - they could age him like 5 years and give him some grey hair

[@princephrog]

I like the idea of this match. But not the weakness. lol. Gerard Butler matches physically but what would worry me is his voice. In all his performanced he seems to only have 2 accents; Scottish, and guy who's trying hard to pretend he's not Scottish.

[@beardedhussar1755]

Good choice, but he would cost them too much.

[@SVTStrikesback]

I looked to see if anyone posted this first. I completely agree. I think he would do the character justice

[@DrJRaven]

Good choice

[@aviatorengineer3491]

It's good to see that people are open to the idea of recasting Baylan. Obviously the performance by Ray Stevenson can't be replaced and will be hard to match but it would be a shameful waste of his stellar work to just write off the character at this point in his story.

[@davidmartensson273]

I agree, killing of the character would be a shame now that Ray have made him so interesting. Its a character that could go either way and you would never know until he did.

[@Xcyper33]

Another Game of Thrones actor who could fit is Rory McCann AKA The Hound. He's just as big and imposing as Ray. His acting range is insanely good, and, like Baylan, he had a younger female apprentice (edited) that trained and learned from him.

[@TheBenjaman]

Was thinking the exact thing too. He would work really well in this roll

[@Nerdnotwashere]

Nah the guy that plays the Onion Knight fits better. Not a bad one though.

[@arcturionblade1077]

I think you meant to say young female apprentice, not mentor.

[@Xcyper33]

yes lol@@arcturionblade1077

[@paulsager2097]

I see you beat me to the same idea!! Hopefully, our multiple votes will gather the right eyes and attention to the idea.

[@lilalmonds4595]

It’s so sad that Ray never got to cash in on this performance, I believe wholeheartedly that a performance of this calibre on a stage that big would’ve changed his life drastically, I don’t know his personal aspiration or wishes but no doubt as an actor he at least at one point in his life dreamed of the kind of recognition he’s now gotten posthumously

[@JediDropBear]

someone said Nick Offerman (ron swanson/bill) in one of the facebook groups im in and I can totally see him in that role and his performance as Bill in TLOU show'd how much range he has as an actor. I hadn't thought of sean beam, that's also a really good suggestion

[@shadowfox009x]

My favorite was probably Sean Bean, although Lief Schreiber would also work. Another possibility would be Graham McTavish. Scottish actor who played Dwalin in the Hobbit movies and Dougal MacKenzie in Outlander. He's also done a lot of voice-work for Marvel. He's almost as tall as Ray Stevenson and can do the soft-voiced looming presence, but then get really menancing or explode into action. And he's done a lot of sword work for tv-shows and movies. Plus, probably not as expensive as Sean Bean or Lief Schreiber.

[@acefalcons4903]

Nice assessments. It might just happen that way since Disney not raking in the profits in their last 5-6 big recent movies and closed their galactic cruise ventures.

[@wombat5334]

oh hell yes, I LOVE McTavish! He'd be awesome as Skoll!

[@kentvesser9484]

I wonder if Karl Urban would be available. It would likely depend a lot on the filming schedule of "The Boys" but I think he might be able to do this character. He probably isn't too big of a name to have outrageous salary demands. Ironically there are likely plenty of actors in SAG that are relative unknowns who could do this role if given the chance at similar or less money than Stevenson did, who would kill their own mom for a chance at such a role and high visibility character. Another actor might be Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

[@shadowfox009x]

@@kentvesser9484Karl Urban was already in a SW movie. He played a stormtrooper in one of the sequels.

[@TheWarmachine375]

The new actor taking Ray Stevenson's place will have big shoes to fill in Ahsoka Season 2.

[@dragoknight589]

Literally. Dude was huge.

[@DaleESkywalker]

"The attack on my life has left me scarred and deformed!"

[@DaleESkywalker]

~ AH-SNOK-AH

[@samanthalacroix2687]

I would have loved a full series about Baylan Skoll. It was a perfect performance.

[@dylanlawson9097]

rip ray stevenson, truly one of my favorite actors❤️

[@pineapplepapercrafts]

Liev Schreiber almost looks identical to Ray. I had no idea they were almost twins haha. I really hope they continue with the character. He was so interesting as a character.

[@samuel_boivin]

Richard Harris was replaced for a role as central to a franchise as Dumbledore. I think the character has many more years of on-screen awesomeness for us. Ray was amazing in the part but im sure there's someone who can fill his immense towering and menacing costume

[@justanotherbruin]

Vincent Regan, who recently played Garp in the live action of One Piece, could possibly fit the look of Baylan Skoll, although he's not as tall as Ray Stevenson.

[@cillian303]

Great shout, it was a somewhat similar role as well

[@mrseaofweeds9946]

Yup this has been my choice as well

[@jrlaudio]

I have this sense of what we have here; given the lack of screentime of Baylan and Shin in the last episode. I have a feeling after Ray's passing they re-edited the finale and saved any and all of the footage of what happened to Baylan. I suspect that if the Abaloth theory is correct, in the lore she has a tendency to "consume" the force users she calls out to that free her. So I think this was Baylans fate. He probably was supposed to be consumed by The Mother once he found her in the finale. So they may not need to re-cast Baylan at all since they saved the footage of his journey and demise for when they pick up with this story next. I hope this is true, since we would all get to see more of Ray's outstanding final work.

[@dumbguy1007]

I hope so. I don't think that he should be recast. With the force he could reach out after "death" or whatever happens to him, to Shin or even Ashoka as he still respects her as a Jedi, and then they follow his path to uncover whatever he found out there, while coming into conflict but ultimately seeking the same goal.

[@glrider100]

This theory has merit. And even if they don't have enough footage for everything, they could cast 1) a voice actor to dub his voice close enough to be acceptable. 2) Use camera angles of the new actor that don't show is face too much; back over the shoulder, side.. that could fill in the blanks.

[@therealCellblock1138]

That makes no sense. If he was supposed to die than they wouldn't have edited that out. They would have definitely left it in to wrap up the character and the casting issue.

[@VirgilGamingYT]

I wish he was still here to see how much everyone absolutely adored him in his role. Honestly one of my favorite characters, all due to his presentation of it.

[@johnrandolph1989]

Rory McCann. For his size, voice, and sword skill.

[@christophergarland7936]

I remember this same conversation happening in the Destiny fandom when Lance Reddick, the voice of Commander Zavala, passed in March this year, with Bungie eventually choosing Keith David as his successor, starting with next year’s DLC. It’s never an easy decision, but we just have to hope that the production team can follow through with their choice in a respectful and satisfying manner.

[@richardmaloneriki1811]

I had thought about Iain Glenn as a potential recast a few weeks ago. I think he's great at portraying the razors edge between hero and villain, which would be needed.

[@moltenmermaid1517]

He is one with the force now. He will be missed. May peace be upon Mr. Stevenson's family.

[@jeremymetcalfe]

Liev Schreiber - has the face, the voice, the man of few words.

[@lejenddairy]

Baylan, Shin and Morgan were honestly the best part of the Ahsoka series imo. I would even go as far to argue that they sort of carried the show a bit. I don’t think Ray Stevenson’s performance as Baylan Skoll can be replaced. Sure they’ll have to recast him, but I don’t think anyone else will be able to recapture the same essence that Ray Stevenson. I think the best thing to do would be to continue his story through an animated series.

[@andyb1653]

I'd go as far as to say Balyan and Shin stole the show. As much as I love Ahsoka, Sabine, Ezra and the rest of the Rebels cast, I found myself wanting to know what the two quasi-villains were up to more than anything else.

[@RedShift323]

It's all incredibly sad, costume designer Shawna Trpcic died recently too, I only hope the can find cast and crew that are this passionate about their craft. That said, Disney casting seems to pretty top-notch, I'm sure they'll find a lesser or little known actors and a new up and comer who will fit the bill. 🤞

[@ussfury13]

Someone suggested Vincent Regan the actor who played Vice Admiral Garp on Netflix's live action One Piece the guy does look a lot like Stephenson

[@GenerationTech]

yeah he's actually a pretty good fit

[@the_ghostdragon]

For me it comes down to two actors: Liev Schreiber and Graham McTavish. Both have the 'eyes' that can carry the weight of all that Baylan has seen and felt in his life, as well as the purpose of searching for the power that beckons him. They both can be physical and have shown as much in a few of their previous roles. Coupled with the other aspects of Baylan's character mentioned in the video, either of these two would be a good choice. Though, a big plus in McTavish's favor for me would be his stellar voice. His voice over work is damn impressive--a huge benefit if ever an animated telling of Baylan's past was greenlit. And also, I trust he'd be excited for the opportunity since he has been a SW fan since the beginning and would honor Ray by carrying the torch of breathing life into such a complex character.

[@thisisnocave]

Interesting choices! I think that Liev Schreiber stands out as my personal favorite of the bunch. Not mentioned? Clive Owen. 59 years old, and 6'2". Has experience with swords (King Arthur).

[@patrickhannon4217]

Ray Stevenson stands out for me for one of my favourite films, King Arthur (2004), I was excited to hear he was playing Baylan, but having watched King Arthur as an early teen, I feel more of a loss from that, also 58, was it when he passed? In this age that's far too young

[@cillian303]

I think the ideas you had were great, and you make great points why they would and wouldn't work. An actor that came to mind that you didn't mention for me is Johnathan Frakes. He'd be a bit older, but I think he has both the presence and the caring attitude to fill the role. Might be a bit weird seeing someone who's so prominent in Star Trek show up in Star Wars though.

[@kjw79]

Whoa

[@haljordan777]

I love this idea.

[@SpeculativeDust]

Not knowing he passed away, this really hurts because I just declared him my new favorite actor in the SW franchise.... May the Force be with his soul ❤

[@dushi1903]

A mountain of a character! Hard imagine anyone replacing him.

[@DreadTheMaximus]

Ray Stevenson's passing truly saddens me, as his acting performance as Baylon Skoll was very powerful. Not only does he act like an experienced fallen Jedi from the Republic era, he shows it by his action, facial expression, voice, and body posture. Each of them explains something in a small, minor detail. As a movie and series geek, his acting is probably among the best that this genre could offer that I have ever seen and he gave me hope.

[@MBDB666]

Liev Schreiber would be a perfect choice. His height, build, and facial structure are so similar to Ray Stevenson. But more importantly is his background in Theatre and his performance in the "Hitler: The Rise of Evil" mini series from 2003. He played a conflicted character with an ambition of nobility, that turned a blind eye to the grey areas of moral and ethics to achieve his goals, but later became disillusioned with Hilter and walked away. Liev is well known, but I am confident he could take over the role with great believability.

[@Forscythe80]

Sean Bean is infamous for never doing accents. If he is to be cast, you will have Skol suddenly have a northern english accent. Garunteed.

[@jamesestrella5911]

Don’t cast Sean Bean, he typically is cast for characters who will die soon.

[@berndtfalk2888]

@@jamesestrella5911 Man I both love and hate what you stated......it is some truth to it though. I don't want to see Baylan Skol die anytime soon but i do love Sean Bean and I would love to see Sean Bean in SW. Perhaps in another series or movie would be preferable.

[@MonkeyBanjo7]

@@jamesestrella5911kinda my thoughts exactly

[@Dec4AllTimeAlways]

Sean Bean is the Kenny of South Park. I don't want Baylan to die, so not him. But I would like Sean Bean in SW in some capacity.

[@mikereger1186]

Well, Sean has done Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and James Bond, as well as a ton of voice acting... He'd possibly go for it. However, it'd be good if the character survived. Sean's miles behind Danny Trejo for on screen character deaths, but... his characters die a lot.

[@jeffreyroedel9804]

Clive Owen, he's almost as tall as Ray was, and the same age. Owen has also done sword fighting in a couple of past movies. And if he went grey and grew a beard, I think he could bring the same intensity that Ray did. RIP.

[@kevfullo]

Clive Owen is boring, Greg Davies is yer man.

[@bloodmime]

Man, I was so excited to see Ray cast in Star Wars. Such a shame he passed. I wish he could have seen how beloved his performance was.

[@pueohoot543]

RIP thank you for the amazing showcases! Amazing stuff really

[@kmbbmj5857]

It seems that Baylan, and Shin Hati, were played more like Knight and Squire in Arthurian Legend than as either Jedi or Sith. The clothing styles and armor fit more a knight on a quest such as the search for the Grail. There was a very Shakespearian manner in how he delivered his lines that reminded me of Brian Blessed in Henry V, who would make an excellent choice for the role, except for his age.

[@davidmartensson273]

Yes, I think they deliberately borrowed from both to indicate his roots in the jedi order but then switched sides and incorporated what he felt was relevant from the sith, his goal is still that of the Jedi but he lost faith in their way of doing things but hes not like the sith since hes not doing this not for personal power, at least not as far as the story shows so far.

[@holstorrsceadus1990]

Yes, Brian Blessed, a man known for his calm quiet demeanor and the soft dulcet tones of his voice.

[@fulcrum6760]

Graham McTavish would be an amazing Baylan Skoll.

[@LordMcdonald]

Agreed

[@aerochicc]

He was on my list.

[@RengeGirl]

He would be perfect.

[@shadowfox009x]

My thought as well. He has the presence and voice, similar age and height. And is probably within Disney's budget. He's done voice-work for Marvel, but was that before or after they were aquired by Disney?

[@ianmorris4922]

Sounds like some know more than I on the subject.Will l👀k the fella up

[@bioniccrouton]

I do want to see a Ridley Scott story in the Star Wars universe

[@kharnthebetrayer1575]

Yuuzhan Vong …… I mean why not right?

[@maxmcintyre5068]

The Vong are definitely similar to the reavers from Firefly

[@shaundoyle8370]

A truly outstanding performance

[@lapisinfernalis9052]

8:11 Don't forget that Sean Bean also voiced Martin Septim in TES IV: Oblivion duing a time when he was very famous because of TLOTR. So his price can be a factor, but doesn't need to be. Besides Sean Bean, my favourite would be Graham McTavish. He's of a similar height and physique as Ray and played in the Hobbit, Outlander, House of the Dragon or Castlevania amazing characters.

[@j.s.c.4355]

I would vote for Lieb Schreiber. He’s got the same build and he’s an amazing actor. plus he could pass as Skoll with the right hair and makeup.

[@dreadrath]

He's entered my list of top favorite Star Wars characters along with the likes of Dooku, Kreia, Grandmaster Luke, Revan, Plagueis and so on. Baylan is another unique character with a unique perspective on the galaxy and the force or the nature of Star Wars as a whole, and I've really grown to appreciate those kinds of characters. I just hope they take care in who they choose if they do recast him.

[@invaderjoshua6280]

OMG no! He was the best actor on this show by far. Rest in peace.

[@blazex224]

Thank you for taking the time to teach people about Ray Stevenson’s work

[@TheJasonBorn]

Aw. I'm so sad to hear this. RIP.

[@Lightniiing97]

One option would be Rays second half in Rome Kevin McKidd. I think that he could pull it off and it would be bittersweet seeing them share the role.

[@RagnarGiantsbane]

Fenn Rau?

[@TheyCallMeCarg]

How's this for a suggestion: David Morrisey, aka The Governor from The Walking Dead. He's got the height (6'2"), he's the same age (59), he should be able to get the classic British speaking manner down (he's from Liverpool), and if he bulked up just a bit he'd be a near perfect substitute for the late Mr. Stevenson.

[@taylorstillman7932]

I really think that they have more of his story in the can, and can do something to alter his story, one way or another, if needed. Liev has the look and physical presence, if they re-cast.

[@karlpower5476]

He made the character speak with such a strong conviction. You could believe in this character.

[@xyzpdq1122]

Funny that you mentioned Iain Glen…my first impression of Baylan was how much he reminded me of Jorah Mormont. Stoic but vulnerable, and utterly dedicated to his cause.

[@tdawgrr]

Ray Stevenson can never be replaced. That’s just like no one can replace Heath Ledger as the Joker. He is a phenomenal actor. Every role he has touched has been unforgettable.

[@thrasher2753]

Ray Stevenson is one of the biggest loses the star wars community had. No matter what era of fan you were, nobody said anything bad about Baylan/Ray. Ray did an absolutely outstanding job bringing Baylan to life. I would even say legendary. Nobody likes a recast, but it would be a waste of an amazing character to just throw him away. So in this case, I'm all for it. I'm pretty sure there was auditions for Baylan Skoll, so maybe Dave can go down the line and see who was 2nd best, and go from there.

[@jjstarrprod]

If you've seen the One Piece Live action show, there's one name that pops up instantly in my mind : Vincent Regan, the actor who plays Garp. He's a bit shorter and not as towering, sure, but in terms of look and acting chops, I feel he'd be a fantastic replacement to Ray.

[@lyras.9161]

Geeze, 59 is so young, too... I feel terrible for his family, and saddened at the loss of a talent I barely knew of before.

[@drakerydenFalls]

R.I.P to Ray his role in G-I joe was my favorite in the movie and Vikings is another great show hes in!

[@MandatoryFruit]

I'm heavily backing Liev Schreiber. I want that casting so bad. He's perfect for Baylan.

[@TheRealAlpha2]

The major problem I see with a lot of the suggestions is that many of them are people who wouldn't want to try and take an actor's role. I mean you can say they have the chance to "make it their own," but it might be considered a slap in the face to some to say "be more like Ray doing this part," or some might not want to diminish what he did. Honestly, it'd be more respectful to retire the character, I suggested elsewhere they could show him from behind with his hood up, getting whatever mcGuffin he was chasing before being transformed into a new form/being. But let's say they didn't and actors weren't against the idea or replacing the character, I'd say Schreiber would be the best call. I feel like he's a bit underrated, he's used to streaming TV shows, and has the build and chops to do the same and more with the character going forward especially as a younger actor who'll be the same age by the time we see another episode, to be frank.

[@AbomaNaefan]

I feel like the best path is that he finds the power he seeks and that will change his appearance, maybe a Zepho/Abeloth curse. He'll probably get a mask and armour that'll give him a new voice. This avoids any major re-casting issues that happen with actors passing and can continue the story that he started. Maybe he can then confront Shin as a dark monster created to be a henchmen to a being of pure chaos, forcing her to see the price of chasing power for any reason, power ultimately corrupts no matter the intention.

[@cillian303]

I think they could even work an off screen death for him if they needed to. Basically give his story to Shin through the lens of her trying to track him down, and then she comes across his remains on the way to or destroyed by whatever mysterious force he was searching for.

[@falsevacuum4667]

@@cillian303 Kind of think similarly. If they actually show Baylan encountering whatever he encounters, it would likely "spoil" too much, like reveal precisely who it is or their motivations etc. Shin on the other hand is quite ignorant to those details. If they show her tracking down Baylan and ending up where the the being calling to him was imprisoned, she could find him dead and gain some clues as to what happened, then perhaps take that info to Ahsoka/Sabine and offer a truce due to its significance?

[@lucasdolding6924]

I don’t think Baylon is narcissistic enough to think that his face changing is a curse. Some kind of disfigurement or scarring as a result of finding what he seeks could work.

[@Leftyotism]

RIP Ray Stevenson, we will miss you and your work; even though we never met you personally, we still love you from beyond.

[@nstavola7329]

In the 1990s wrestling was faced with a similar character that blurred the hero and villain role in that of Stone Cold Steve Austin but he did so as the hero who did all the villain stuff. Ray Stevenson's portrayal as Baylan Skoll is so unique in that he gives a hint towards Jedi, dark Jedi, or Sith not just blurring the line but creating something entirely new and fresh. He could be the hero, he can be the villain, or he can be both depending on that "certain point of view." His calculated delivery of each line combined with the power he has contrasts with the fatherly figure-like love and respect he shows to both Shin Hati and Sabine Wren honoring his word and then simply going off on his own without being erratic and or insane. The mystery of Baylan Skoll may be one of the greatest characters created for Star Wars and it was Ray Stevenson's performance who brought it to life. The character needs to be recast somehow.

[@cill0rable]

Everyone is missing the best person for the job: Vincent Regan - the live action actor for Garp in the new One Piece show. He has the large build and thick grey-beard energy you need for the role. PLEASE SPREAD THIS!!!!!

[@RedXlV]

He really does have the look.

[@christinearmington]

You’re right.

[@bgibel]

💯

[@Jondoe18702]

Yeah just deepen the voice bushy the beard, get a talented makeup artist and drill him with some accent work to get 50% closer he’d be great …. And probably right price range

[@cill0rable]

Exactly, @@Jondoe18702 they are even the same age! Same wage-scale or thereabouts. I'm only unsure about the acting level but I'm sure he can do it.

[@z3r0Co0l84]

Maybe Jason Isaacs aka Lucius Malfoy?!

[@Wackaz]

I think Donald Sutherland would be perfect to play the role of Baylan Skoll and he would show great respect toward Ray Stevenson. He's the closest to Stevenson's Baylan in terms of acting style, tone presence, demeanor, and aesthetics, in my opinion; and of course, he's just an extremely talented and legendary legacy actor overall. Yes, he is a lot older than Ray Stevenson was, and far less bulky, but maybe that would help in the recasting process because aging Baylan may not be such a bad idea in the context of the timeline. Anyway, I think Donald Sutherland has that EXACT same vibe as Baylan Skoll; if anyone doesn't know who I'm taking about, then maybe this will ring a bell: Donald Sutherland plays President Snow in The Hunger Games films - and if you've seen those films, you can probably see what I mean with my take here, where Sutherland's Snow is, in many ways, very similar to the character of Baylan Skoll, to which I think Sutherland would therefore embody perfectly and be the best choice as a recast.

[@GenerationTech]

Not a bad a choice, although he is 88 now. He would have to be Baylan Skoll after Abeloth sucked all of the life out of him maybe.

[@javiervasquez625]

Can't believe you suggested a 88 year old actor to play a 58 year old man.

[@lukethegoldenminecart1297]

Yeah, Sutherland is good, but I think whoever is going to take over for Stevenson will have to be able to physically be able to move as much as he did. But not just his physical performance, but also the way he carries himself, I could see maybe Gerald Butler being an Imperial era Baylan, current Baylan I'd throw in a vote for Graham McTavish

[@RobynLeSueur]

He was incredible, so sad he died without seeing how loved his character was.

[@Steve-hk5ds]

One of the Best character's and performances in recent years. R.I.P

[@cynic5581]

Oh no I didn’t even know he passed away. I just binged Ashoka now that all the episodes are out and Baylan was by far the character I found most interesting….blah blah Tharm is back…I want to know what Baylan is up too! And not because of the story but because I found Ray’s acting was so good and it made him so interesting! Ah man RIP my dude

[@UnswimmingFishYT]

I think Schrieber would probably be the best fit overall for this role, because he looks similar enough that it wouldn't be as visible a change as Glenn, his voice is similar, and as far as I know, he's still in good enough shape to do lightsaber duels well. Glenn's voice and already being familiar with sword use seems like a good fit, but his face is just way more angular compared to Stevenson, and a broader face like his is important to make it easily digestible that it's still the same character. The face is the most recognizable part of Baylan's appearance, so any man replacing him has to look very close to the same. I have to agree Bean is just the perfect replacement for Stevenson if they could get him, because they look more alike than me and my brother, and the only issue would be maybe him having to mimic the accent a little. The height would probably not matter considering how much you can make it look different on a screen. Gimli looks short next to everyone, but Rhys-Davies is a big guy, and they already made Christensen look bigger as Vader, so doing a height adjustment for Bean seems very workable.

[@TheWarmachine375]

To explain Baylan Skoll of his new appearance, it would be due to an unfortunate contact with Abeloth the corrupted Mother who altered everything of him with her phenomenal cosmic powers.

[@Quanic2000]

That's unnecessary 😂

[@glasshalfempty1984]

This is the only way I'd accept it. I hate this so much though :(

[@desperado8605]

May the force be with you always Ray you will be missed

[@BlakeRyanFilm]

Liev Schreiber, hands down in my opinion. The appearance, size, and ability to project calm gentleness along side strength.

[@nomdeplume3759]

I wish to present Bryn Terfel as Baylan Skoll🎉 It is a space opera after all, and Bryn’s Wotan was fantastic!!!!

[@moncey1120]

My call for replacement would be Graham McTavish. They look close enough alike and McTavish has a very similar air to him as Ray. His character in House of the Dragon feels very much like Baylon, as well as his role as Dwalin in the Hobbit when he gets to be more serious

[@andylastname566]

The guy in Last Kingdom :O Interesting...

[@dyent]

We all know what Graham McTavish looks like with a beard that length - Djikstra in The Witcher, looks nothing like Baylan Skoll.

[@busydadscooking001]

It's going to be very tricky, because skoll is not actually that interesting of a character -- he's written like a video game character. It's Stevenson's portrayal that makes the character become so captivating. "Disillusioned Jedi seeking power through the dark side" is a somewhat stock character, at this point, yes? But it's Stevenson's delivery that more than sells it. Something you could probably say about a number of key SW characters, really! Who else could have done Solo than Ford? As we saw from "Solo", not just anybody!

[@olencone4005]

He didn't come across to me as someone seeking power just for the sake of power, more of someone seeking a reason or purpose for the power -- knowledge as a form of power, I suppose, rather than raw power itself. Both Ahsoka's time in the World Between and Baylan's closing shot on the Mortis statue of the Father really hammer that angle home, which (along with his amazing delivery!) is why I found his screentime far more interesting than Ezra's.

[@finnberglander7816]

He can literally be any actor. Whatever he encounters could scar him, make him older, younger, anything really. There are huge possibilities here.

[@akeenedwards5780]

rip ray i loved to see his performance in rome

[@brolydictcumberbatchmontou401]

It is sad but I don't think he can be replaced. But to recast i would look at the Alumni of the original Game of Thrones roster. Vikings roster comes to mine to look for talent. But he made such an impact on the character that it makes it hard to replace someone who in short time made the character his own.

[@BlackOpMercyGaming]

I like the idea of Liev Schrieber

[@paradoxworkshop4659]

Thirded!

[@TheRealAlpha2]

Fourth'd

[@BlackOpMercyGaming]

What happened to a second?

[@paradoxworkshop4659]

@@BlackOpMercyGaming oh, this dilemma is a good one... Do I? Okay. Yeah. Just this once. Alan suggested that Liev would make a good Baylan. So. Maury Povich moment... "You ARE the second!"

[@BlackOpMercyGaming]

@@paradoxworkshop4659he mentioned the possibility… I nominated him, so somebody else would need to 2nd it

[@DarthCheezus]

This was my biggest issue with the season finale. Wth happens to Baylon?!

[@lucasdolding6924]

Not really an issue, just an unfortunate thing that’ll have to be dealt with

[@michaelthomas2804]

No one can replace Ray Stevenson.

[@raspas219]

He was fantastic. Perfect performance