Dave Filoni’s Star Wars properties have a tendency to produce iconic characters, elevating the brand with each new character that is introduced. Be it, Captain Rex or Ahsoka Tano, Dave Filoni has created some of Star Wars’ most iconic characters.
One such character, a role essayed by the late Ray Stevenson, was Baylan Skoll, a mysterious character with some very dubious motives, who was introduced in the Ahsoka. While Dave Filoni wishes to continue the story, the franchise has found itself in quite the bind, as the question now lingers: Whether the character would be decommissioned in honor of Stevenson, or should the part live on as another actor takes up the role of the character?
Disney has a call to make, and it won’t be the first time they do it.
Disney has been in this situation more than a few times in the past. Iconic characters such as Black Panther have stepped down from the limelight, to honor the passing of Chadwick Boseman. The actor received widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the African Monarch in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War and 2018’s Black Panther. The actor also went on to reprise his role in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.
Ray Stevenson played the character of Baylon Skoll in the first season of Ahsoka, becoming an instant fan favorite, along with his onscreen apprentice Shin Hati, played by Ivanna Sakhno. However, Stevenson sadly passed away at the age of 58. Dave Filoni spoke to Variety about Stevenson’s character, saying:
Dave Filoni on Ray Stevenson and the future of Baylan Skoll
“Obviously, there’s a story there. We’re in a wait-and-see pattern at this point. But I’m glad the conversation is about Ray and how great he was”
“I used to have mini debates with him and say, ‘Ray, you’re the villain… pic.twitter.com/yfRbWlPwY9
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) November 22, 2023
While there are multiple ways forward in this situation, Disney has navigated such a situation before. It is, however, important that characters and actors are separated from each other. It is often the case that actors are very strongly attached to the characters they play by fans, but it is critical that such notions not affect brand images in the long run for any company.
Disney should go ahead with Baylon Skoll’s story
While Ray Stevenson is irreplaceable as Baylon Skoll, it is important that Disney recognizes how vital the character is to the story that they are trying to tell. Previously, in the franchise, Disney has had no qualms about using digital doubles to create the likeness of actors who are no longer with us, such as Carrie Fisher. If the House of Mouse chooses to not go ahead with Bayon Skoll, either via digital doubles or via recasting, it might set a dangerous precedent for actors in the eyes of the studios, essentially allowing a studio more control over an actor’s life, or making AI aided performances essential for an acting career.
In a similar case, it was perhaps in Marvel’s best interest to recast the role of T’Challa, after having given the time and respect to Chadwick Boseman’s passing. Disney’s haste in action might have caused the company to one of its flagship franchises, making it especially dubious for the company to make decisions going forward in institutions like this.
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