Warning: The below contains major spoilers for Ahsoka Episode 8, which is now streaming on Disney+.
The cast of Ahsoka has joined fans in paying tribute to the late Ray Stevenson after his final scene as the mysterious mercenary Baylan Skoll aired in the eighth episode of the Disney+ Star Wars series.
Episode 8 of Ahsoka, "The Jedi, the Witch, and the Warlord", featured Stevenson's final performance as Baylan. The character has pursued his own path for much of the season, and this week, he wound up at a stonewall of statues resembling the Mortis Gods: the Father, the Son, and the Daughter, standing stoically next to them.
Stevenson's co-star Ivanna Sakhno, who plays Baylan's apprentice Shin Hati on the show, shared a touching tribute on Instagram the same day the episode dropped on Disney+. She posted a picture of The Wolves Pursuing Sol and Mani painting by J. C. Dollman, with the caption: "For my friend Ray. Forever your wolf."
Rosario Dawson, who plays Ahsoka Tano, paid her respects to Stevenson on the post, writing in the comments: "Grateful for you always Ray. Thank you for deepening and enriching every moment. You will forever inspire."
Morgan Elsbeth star Diana Lee Inosanto added: "To Ray, our 'Poetry in Motion', May we always be reminded of you when we look to the stars," while Sabine Wren actress Natasha Liu Bordizzo and Ezra Bridger actor Eman Esfandi shared heart, infinity, and wolf emojis in the comments section of the post in memory of Stevenson.
Fans of the show also flooded social media with tributes for Stevenson, with many sharing their appreciation for his contribution to the Star Wars universe and the "iconic" character he brought to the screen in Ahsoka.
Ray Stevenson’s final scene as Baylan Skoll shows him on a God’s hand 🥺 #StarWars pic.twitter.com/2s0SiQjP8a
— The Star Wars Academy (@TheStarWarsAcad) October 4, 2023
The saddest thing about #Ahsoka S1 ending is it's the last we'll get to see of Ray Stevenson. Baylan Skoll was one of the most interesting antagonists in the series as of late with so much more to explore. What we got was awesome. He did an incredible job. Rest in peace, legend. pic.twitter.com/7EMyHe7Bf1
— Shaurya Chawla (@_ShauryaChawla) October 4, 2023
Thank you Ray Stevenson for everything you have put into the Baylan Skoll character in Ahsoka. It's been an absolute pleasure and we will forever appreciate you sir ✨ #StarWars pic.twitter.com/YoJWFLUxkg
— Darth Thunder ⚡ (@XDarthThunderX) October 3, 2023
#Ahsoka SPOILERS!!!
— Cas (@casisnojedi) October 4, 2023
The way i physically and emotionally screamed at this scene. So sad that Ray Stevenson won’t be carrying on this journey, and that he doesn’t get to see the love for his character💔
What a beautiful episode though pic.twitter.com/ZR569WumfK
There’s NO QUESTION Ray Stevenson delivered an incredible & captivating performance as #BaylanSkoll
— Nathan Messer (@N8Mess) October 4, 2023
Honestly, I hope they honor his character & the great performance he delivered by recasting, and allowing his character & performance to live on.
Thank you Ray.#Mortis #Ahsoka pic.twitter.com/PAlzFgGFWV
Since #Ahsoka is now over, let’s not forget how phenomenal the late Ray Stevenson has been as Baylan Skoll throughout the series and it’s truly sad he won’t be able to continue the characters legacy. Thank you Ray for giving us an iconic character in such little time, RIP ❤️ pic.twitter.com/zRHzUeqb0k
— ً (@R10UTD) October 4, 2023
Thank you Ray Stevenson.
— David Leavitt 🎲🎮🧙♂️🌈 (@David_Leavitt) October 4, 2023
The Force will be with you, always ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4xNEvl1Ibw
The world really lost a magnificent actor when Ray Stevenson died. pic.twitter.com/lqNZQw8AaK
— Erik 'daibo' Kain (@erikkain) October 4, 2023
Stevenson died in May at the age of 58. He was well known among the Star Wars community, having voiced Gar Saxon in Star Wars: Rebels and The Clone Wars before returning to portray the enigmatic Baylan Skoll in Ahsoka. A title card appeared at the end of the first episode with the message: "For our friend, Ray."
The eighth and final episode of Ahsoka premiered on October 3. The series ended on an emotional note, with IGN's review calling it an "excellent conclusion" that managed to "complete satisfying arcs for all its characters while still setting up a big cliffhanger", planting "seeds of hope amidst big threats for the galaxy".
Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. Follow her on Twitter.
source https://www.ign.com/articles/ahsoka-cast-fans-pay-tribute-late-ray-stevenson-final-baylan-skoll-performance