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When it comes to Star Wars, nothing gets past the fans. Not a line delivery, not a lightsaber hilt, and definitely not a beard. So when Disney+ dropped the first look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll for AHSOKA Season 2, reactions poured in faster than a ship jumping to hyperspace.
Rory McCann, best known for grunting his way through Westeros as The Hound, is stepping into the role following the tragic passing of Ray Stevenson in 2023. While the choice is bold and fitting in some ways, Rory McCann certainly brings the grizzled gravitas fans were quick to point out the... aesthetic differences. Specifically, the unmissable salt-and-pepper situation going on with Baylan's new look.
Rory McCann’s Baylan Skoll Look Sparks Buzz Online
The image, released across social platforms, shows Rory McCann suited up in the character’s signature dark robes and wielding a menacing lightsaber. But that’s not what had fans talking. It was the distinguished gentleman's levels of gray in his hair and beard that took center stage.
Some fans felt it added a layer of veteran warrior vibes. Others thought he looked like he’d just wandered in from a medieval pub quiz. And then there were the brutally honest ones who clearly missed their filter settings.
“Could at least color the hair and beard,” one fan quipped, echoing the collective groan of those still mourning Stevenson’s slicker, more polished version of Baylan.
Another fan dramatically commented:
“The attempt on my life has left me scarred and deformed.”
If that’s not a deep cut from Palpatine’s playbook, I don’t know what is.
The post quickly began gaining traction, not because of controversy per se, but because the internet can’t resist a good roast. Even Star Wars fans who are nothing if not deeply committed like to have a little fun when things get too serious.
One user gave their hesitant blessing with a simple:
“I’ll allow it.”
Which, in fandom terms, is practically a standing ovation.
Meanwhile, someone else lamented:
“Cursed missed opportunities,”
possibly referring to the shift in tone or simply the hair dye aisle that was apparently skipped.
And then there were the confused ones, unsure what to make of this unexpected casting switch-up.
“Not sure how I feel about this yet,”
A comment read, Which might as well be printed on a T-shirt and sold at Comic-Con.
To be fair, stepping into a role held by a fan-favorite actor is like trying to reheat fries and make them taste like they just came out of the fryer; it’s not impossible, but the odds are against you.
Rory McCann certainly has the acting chops. The presence? Definitely. But as with all things Star Wars, the devil is in the details, or in this case, the beard follicles.
The post going viral just proves what we’ve always known: Star Wars fans are deeply passionate, sometimes dramatic, and always hilarious. Whether they’re throwing shade or throwing support, they’re invested. And if nothing else, the memes alone make it all worth it.
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So will Rory McCann win fans over in the end? We’ll have to wait for the new season to find out.
But for now, one thing’s clear: Baylan’s back, and he’s bringing silver fox energy to the galaxy far, far away.
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