Ahsoka on Disney+: Who was Ray Stevenson, who is the first episode of the new Star Wars series dedicated to?

After The Mandalorian, Boba Fett and Obi-Wan Kenobi, it’s Ahsoka’s turn to join the roster of Star Wars series on Disney+. Airing on the platform from August 23, the show centers on the character of Ahsoka Tano, who is featured in the animated film Star Wars: The Clone Wars and the animated series of the same name.

Set several years after the events of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, the series produced by Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau follows the adventures of Ahsoka (Rosario Dawson), a former Jedi Knight and former apprentice of Anakin Skywalker. Explores a latent threat that could upset the fragile balance of a galaxy still vulnerable after the fall of the Empire.

Accompanying Ahsoka on her mission are Mandalorian Sabine Wren, played by Natasha Liu Bordizo, Twi’lek Hera Syndula, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and hero Ezra Bridger, camped out by Eman Esfand.

Among his enemies are Grand Admiral Thrawn (Lars Mikkelsen), Shin Hutt (Ivana Sakhno), but also the Baylan school, which is camped with actor Ray Stevenson, who unfortunately left us.

Who was Ray Stevenson?

Ahsoka’s Star Wars antagonist Ray Stevenson died on May 21 in Italy at the age of 58 after falling ill while filming Cassino In Ischia. His death has moved Hollywood and everyone who worked with him throughout his career, who have shared messages of condolence since his disappearance.

The first episode of Ahsoka will also honor the Irish actress with a commemorative card. The Beilan School role marks Ray Stevenson’s last appearance on the small screen, where he rose to fame with iconic roles such as Titus Pullo in Rome, Isaac Sirco in Dexter, Blackbeard Black Sails and other Vikings.

The actor has also made a name for himself in the movies Punisher: War Zone, Thor and Divergent trilogies and most recently in the hit Indian film RRR, the Golden Globe and Oscar winner for Best Original Song Naatu Naatu.

Star Wars fans were able to catch a glimpse of Ray Stevenson last April during a Star Wars event where Ahsoka’s first trailer was exclusively released. AlloCiné was there and was able to speak with the actor, who was particularly impressed with his role and training as a traffic light:

“It’s very intense. Of course, when you’re on set, you have the stunt performers and the fight coordinator, Ming Qiu, who is a force of nature. It’s what makes their craft. The camera is a credit. So are you. So when you’re on set, They get the best out of you, but what surprised me was everything that took a ton of effort and hard work.

You’re really just the tip of the iceberg, the crème de la crème of what’s been worked on for your character. You can tweak it a little, but it’s great to work on it and then bring it to life on set with costumes and lighting. It was truly a blessing.”

Star Wars: The Ahsoka Series is currently streaming on Disney+.