The upcoming second season of Ahsoka will move forward without actress Claudia Black, who has confirmed she will not return to the Disney+ Star Wars series amid production changes and a delayed release timeline.
The development marks a notable shift for the show as it continues work on its next chapter, now expected to premiere in early 2027 instead of its previously anticipated late-2026 window.
Claudia Black confirms departure
Black, who portrayed Mother Klothow in Season 1, explained her exit in a past interview with Bleeding Cool, stating that scheduling and financial constraints ultimately made her return unfeasible.
She said Disney was unable to meet her salary requirements while balancing her personal responsibilities as a single mother based in Los Angeles, while production was set to take place in London.
“I’m going to be transparent,” Black said. “They picked up Season 2, they picked me up with it, and then Disney … could not pay me what I needed to be paid as a single mother.”
She added, “It was not something that I could make happen, and therefore, I had to bow out for Season 2. It was very sad for me.”
Cast changes for Season 2
The second season of Ahsoka will also see additional cast adjustments following the death of actor Ray Stevenson, who starred in Season 1.
Actor Rory McCann has been cast to replace Stevenson in the upcoming season, while other returning cast members are expected to include Rosario Dawson and Ivanna Sakhno.
Production delays push release to 2027
The new season is now scheduled to arrive in early 2027, reflecting delays in production planning and ongoing developments within the broader Star Wars television slate.
The series is part of Disney’s expanded streaming strategy within the Star Wars universe, which continues alongside recent theatrical releases such as The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Story details remain under wraps
Plot details for Season 2 remain largely undisclosed, with Lucasfilm maintaining tight secrecy around the direction of the next installment.
The first season followed the journey of former Jedi Ahsoka Tano as she confronted emerging threats tied to the remnants of the Galactic Empire, setting up storylines expected to continue in the upcoming season.
Despite cast changes and delays, anticipation remains high among fans for the return of one of Disney+’s flagship Star Wars series.
